Average Marine Biologist Salary in Massachusetts
2025 Average – Entry to Mid-Level
Marine Biologist Salary in Massachusetts (2025)
As of 2025, the average annual salary for Marine Biologists in Massachusetts is $47,394, which works out to about $3,949 per month, $911 per week, or $22.78 per hour.
Massachusetts, known for its rich maritime history and strong focus on marine science and conservation, offers excellent opportunities for Marine Biologists. The state’s coastal regions, such as Cape Cod, Gloucester, and Boston Harbor, serve as active research hubs for marine ecology, oceanography, and fisheries management.
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Marine Biologist Jobs in Massachusetts
We’ve identified 10 cities where Marine Biologists earn salaries above the state average. Quissett ranks highest, followed by Pittsfield and Gloucester. While Gloucester exceeds the Massachusetts average by 1.4%, Quissett leads the pack with salaries $1,268 (2.7%) higher than the state average of $47,394.
The salary variation among the top-paying cities is relatively minor—about 2% between Quissett and Salem—suggesting consistent earning potential across Massachusetts for Marine Biologists.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quissett | $48,662 | $4,055 | $935 | $23.40 |
| Pittsfield | $48,444 | $4,037 | $931 | $23.29 |
| Gloucester | $48,060 | $4,005 | $924 | $23.11 |
| Beverly | $47,898 | $3,991 | $921 | $23.03 |
| Newton | $47,603 | $3,966 | $915 | $22.89 |
| Milford | $47,598 | $3,966 | $915 | $22.88 |
| Groton | $47,527 | $3,960 | $913 | $22.85 |
| Wilmington | $47,446 | $3,953 | $912 | $22.81 |
| Cambridge | $47,431 | $3,952 | $912 | $22.80 |
| Salem | $47,418 | $3,951 | $911 | $22.80 |
Key Insights:
- Quissett and Gloucester are top destinations for Marine Biologists, offering above-average pay.
- Cambridge and Newton provide additional research and academic opportunities at major universities.
- The cost of living and access to research facilities should be considered when choosing where to work.
Top 5 Best Paying Related Marine Biologist Jobs in Massachusetts
We found at least five related professions that offer higher salaries than a typical Marine Biologist in Massachusetts. These include roles in Environmental Biology, General Biology, and Academic Research.
If you’re qualified in these fields, you can earn between $1,799 (3.8%) and $50,246 (106%) more per year than the average Marine Biologist salary.
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biologist | $97,640 | $8,136 | $1,877 | $46.94 |
| Environmental Biology | $91,873 | $7,656 | $1,766 | $44.17 |
| Biology | $76,130 | $6,344 | $1,464 | $36.60 |
| Biology Teaching | $56,998 | $4,749 | $1,096 | $27.40 |
| Medical Biology | $49,193 | $4,099 | $946 | $23.65 |
Career Highlights:
- Biologists and Environmental Biologists earn nearly double the average Marine Biologist salary.
- Massachusetts offers abundant research and academic positions through institutions like Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, MIT, and Harvard University.
- Fields such as climate science, marine conservation, and biomedical research present long-term career growth.
Career Outlook for Marine Biologists in Massachusetts
Massachusetts remains a top state for marine research and ocean science careers. Marine Biologists here often work with:
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)
- University of Massachusetts Marine Station
- New England Aquarium Research Division
- Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF)
With a steady demand for professionals in marine conservation, ocean health, and environmental restoration, Massachusetts continues to offer strong employment prospects for both new and experienced Marine Biologists.
Top Searched States For Marine Biologist Salaries
High Paying States
Median Paying States
| Vermont |
| Nebraska |
| Oklahoma |
| California |
| Massachusetts |
| Alaska |
| Maine |
| Pennsylvania |
| Oregon |
| North Dakota |
| Idaho |
| New Jersey |
| Texas |
| Colorado |
| Hawaii |
| Wisconsin |
| New Hampshire |
| Wyoming |
| Nevada |
| South Dakota |
| Indiana |
| Minnesota |
| New Mexico |
| Rhode Island |
| Arizona |
| Ohio |
| Montana |
| Connecticut |
| Illinois |
| Iowa |
| Alabama |
| Mississippi |
Low Paying States
| Tennessee |
| Utah |
| South Carolina |
| North Carolina |
| Kansas |
| Georgia |
| Louisiana |
| Michigan |
| Kentucky |
| West Virginia |
| Arkansas |
| Florida |
