Average Marine Biologist Salary in Missouri
Marine Biologist Salary in Missouri
2025 Average – Entry to Mid-Level
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Missouri Average
$40,706 /year
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities in Missouri
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesterfield | $42,951 | $3,579 | $825 | $20.65 |
| Imperial | $42,588 | $3,549 | $819 | $20.48 |
| Kansas City | $42,347 | $3,528 | $814 | $20.36 |
| Lee’s Summit | $42,224 | $3,518 | $812 | $20.30 |
| Ballwin | $42,199 | $3,516 | $811 | $20.29 |
| St Louis | $42,191 | $3,515 | $811 | $20.28 |
| St. Joseph | $41,935 | $3,494 | $806 | $20.16 |
| Cape Girardeau | $41,744 | $3,478 | $802 | $20.07 |
| Wentzville | $41,631 | $3,469 | $800 | $20.01 |
| Columbia | $41,296 | $3,441 | $794 | $19.85 |
Insight: The difference between the highest and lowest paying cities is only 3%, so relocation within Missouri may not greatly impact salary. Consider cost of living when choosing a city.
Top 5 Best Paying Related Marine Biologist Jobs in Missouri
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Scientist | $78,908 | $6,575 | $1,517 | $37.94 |
| Aquatic Biologist | $62,987 | $5,248 | $1,211 | $30.28 |
| Conservation Biologist | $61,802 | $5,150 | $1,188 | $29.71 |
| Biology Educator | $48,954 | $4,079 | $941 | $23.54 |
| Marine Health Specialist | $42,250 | $3,520 | $812 | $20.31 |
Insight: Moving into related fields like environmental science, conservation, or aquatic research can significantly increase earnings beyond the standard Marine Biologist salary.
Factors That Affect Marine Biologist Salaries in Missouri
- Experience & Education – Advanced degrees and certifications boost salary potential.
- Employer Type – Universities, government agencies, and private research firms often pay more.
- Location – Larger cities or areas near waterways tend to offer slightly higher pay.
- Specialization – Roles in aquatic ecology, environmental monitoring, or marine conservation can increase income.
- Cost of Living – A higher salary in an expensive city may not always result in better overall earnings.
