Average Marine Biologist Salary in Oregon in 2025
2025 Average – Entry to Mid-Level
Marine Biologist Salary in Oregon (2025)
As of 2025, the average annual salary for a Marine Biologist in Oregon is $45,882, which equals about $3,823 per month, $884 per week, or $22.06 per hour.
Oregon’s extensive coastline along the Pacific Ocean and its network of estuaries and marine research centers make it an important region for marine and environmental science careers. Marine Biologists here are often involved in marine conservation, ocean ecosystem research, fisheries management, and coastal restoration projects.
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Marine Biologist Jobs in Oregon
We’ve identified 9 cities in Oregon where Marine Biologists earn above the state average. St. Helens tops the list, followed by Bend and Hillsboro. Hillsboro salaries surpass the Oregon average by 3.0%, while St. Helens leads the state with pay that’s $2,474 (5.4%) higher than the median of $45,882.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Helens | $48,356 | $4,029 | $929 | $23.25 |
| Bend | $47,732 | $3,977 | $917 | $22.95 |
| Hillsboro | $47,262 | $3,938 | $908 | $22.72 |
| Lebanon | $46,332 | $3,861 | $891 | $22.27 |
| Newport | $46,207 | $3,850 | $888 | $22.21 |
| Lincoln City | $46,063 | $3,838 | $885 | $22.15 |
| Medford | $46,022 | $3,835 | $885 | $22.13 |
| Redmond | $45,993 | $3,832 | $884 | $22.11 |
| Gresham | $45,973 | $3,831 | $884 | $22.10 |
| Portland | $45,609 | $3,800 | $877 | $21.93 |
Key Insights:
- St. Helens ranks as the highest-paying city for Marine Biologists in Oregon.
- The salary variation between top cities is small — about 5%, suggesting consistent pay rates statewide.
- Professionals may find greater advantages in coastal research hubs like Newport or Lincoln City, where marine science institutions and fieldwork opportunities are abundant.
Top 5 Best Paying Related Marine Biologist Jobs in Oregon
Several related roles in the biology and environmental science fields offer higher-than-average salaries compared to Marine Biologists. Positions such as Biologist, Environmental Biology Specialist, and Biology Teacher provide competitive compensation and career advancement potential.
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biologist | $94,525 | $7,877 | $1,817 | $45.44 |
| Environmental Biology | $88,942 | $7,411 | $1,710 | $42.76 |
| Biology | $70,782 | $5,898 | $1,361 | $34.03 |
| Biology Teacher | $55,179 | $4,598 | $1,061 | $26.53 |
| Medical Biology | $47,623 | $3,968 | $915 | $22.90 |
Career Highlights:
- Biologists and Environmental Scientists in Oregon can earn up to 106% more than the average Marine Biologist.
- High-paying positions often require experience in marine resource management, data analysis, and environmental impact assessment.
- Teaching and applied biology roles also provide steady income and long-term job stability.
Career Outlook for Marine Biologists in Oregon
Oregon offers strong opportunities for Marine Biologists through a combination of academic research, state-funded conservation programs, and marine technology projects. Key employers include:
- Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center,
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and
- NOAA Marine Research Divisions along the coast.
The state continues to invest in sustainable ocean management and climate research, leading to ongoing demand for marine and environmental science professionals through 2030 and beyond.
