Average Marine Biologist Salary in North Carolina in 2025

Marine Biologist Salary in North Carolina (2025)

As of 2025, the average marine biologist salary in North Carolina is $39,438, which works out to about $3,286 per month, $758 per week, or approximately $19.00 per hour.

North Carolina’s extensive Atlantic coastline and estuaries offer a variety of research and conservation opportunities for marine and environmental scientists. From studying coastal ecosystems to supporting marine life preservation and environmental monitoring, Marine Biologists in North Carolina play a key role in sustaining the state’s oceanic and freshwater environments.

Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Marine Biologist Jobs in North Carolina

We’ve identified 10 cities in North Carolina where Marine Biologists typically earn salaries above the state average. Kannapolis ranks at the top, followed by Raleigh and Charlotte. Charlotte salaries exceed the state average by 7.0%, while Kannapolis leads with 8.3% higher pay than the average.

With these ten cities offering above-average pay, professionals may find excellent opportunities for financial and career growth—especially when factoring in North Carolina’s relatively moderate cost of living.

City	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
Kannapolis	$42,713	$3,559	$821	$20.54
Raleigh	$42,184	$3,515	$811	$20.28
Charlotte	$42,179	$3,514	$811	$20.28
Greensboro	$42,045	$3,503	$808	$20.21
Durham	$41,934	$3,494	$806	$20.16
Kings Mountain	$41,923	$3,493	$806	$20.16
Stanley	$41,748	$3,479	$802	$20.07
Greenville	$41,574	$3,464	$799	$19.99
Mooresville	$41,079	$3,423	$789	$19.75
Asheville	$41,033	$3,419	$789	$19.73

Key Takeaways:

• Kannapolis offers the highest Marine Biologist salary in the state.
• Raleigh and Charlotte follow closely, providing competitive wages and access to research institutions.
• The salary variation between the top ten cities is minimal (about 4%), suggesting stable pay across North Carolina.
• Cost of living and quality of life factors may make smaller cities like Greenville and Mooresville appealing options.

Top 5 Best Paying Related Marine Biologist Jobs in North Carolina

We identified at least five related professions that offer higher salaries than a typical Marine Biologist position in North Carolina. These include roles like Environmental Biology, Mathematical Biology, and Biology, which can pay up to $37,013 (93.9%) more than the average Marine Biologist salary.

Job Title	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
Environmental Biology	$76,451	$6,370	$1,470	$36.76
Mathematical Biology	$55,926	$4,660	$1,075	$26.89
Biology	$54,874	$4,572	$1,055	$26.38
Biology Teacher	$47,430	$3,952	$912	$22.80
Medical Biology	$40,935	$3,411	$787	$19.68

Career Insights:

• Environmental Biologists in North Carolina earn nearly double the average Marine Biologist’s salary.
• Jobs involving data analysis, research, and environmental impact studies typically offer higher wages.
• Pursuing an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) can greatly increase job prospects and pay potential.

Career Outlook for Marine Biologists in North Carolina

North Carolina’s marine science industry continues to expand, supported by institutions like the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences, Duke Marine Lab, and NOAA’s coastal research programs. Job opportunities span:

• Marine conservation and policy
• Ocean and estuarine ecosystem studies
• Environmental compliance and coastal management
• Academic and government research roles

With its growing commitment to environmental sustainability, North Carolina offers both competitive salaries and rewarding career paths for Marine Biologists and related professionals.