Average Marine Biologist Salary in Pennsylvania
2025 Average – Entry to Mid-Level
Marine Biologist Salary in Pennsylvania (2025)
As of 2025, the average annual salary for Marine Biologists in Pennsylvania is $43,500, which equals approximately $3,625 per month, $835 per week, or $20.91 per hour.
While Pennsylvania is not a coastal state, it offers opportunities in marine ecology research, environmental monitoring, and biological sciences through its universities, research institutes, and environmental agencies.
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Marine Biologist Jobs in Pennsylvania
We’ve identified 10 cities in Pennsylvania where Marine Biologists earn slightly above the state average. Phoenixville ranks as the highest-paying city, offering an average salary $235 (0.5%) higher than the state average of $43,500.
However, overall salary variation across these top-paying cities remains minimal—around 1% between Phoenixville and New Cumberland—indicating limited wage advancement potential. Nonetheless, a lower cost of living in some of these areas can make these roles more financially appealing.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenixville | $43,735 | $3,644 | $841 | $21.03 |
| Philadelphia | $43,429 | $3,619 | $835 | $20.88 |
| Allison Park | $43,302 | $3,608 | $832 | $20.82 |
| King of Prussia | $43,201 | $3,600 | $830 | $20.77 |
| Collegeville | $42,980 | $3,581 | $826 | $20.66 |
| Allentown | $42,979 | $3,581 | $826 | $20.66 |
| Scranton | $42,957 | $3,579 | $826 | $20.65 |
| Palmyra | $42,891 | $3,574 | $824 | $20.62 |
| Bethlehem | $42,879 | $3,573 | $824 | $20.61 |
| New Cumberland | $42,869 | $3,572 | $824 | $20.61 |
Key Insights:
- Phoenixville and Philadelphia offer the most competitive salaries for Marine Biologists in Pennsylvania.
- The difference in pay across cities is minimal, but cost-of-living advantages may offset that.
- Opportunities may exist in academic institutions, environmental consultancies, and research organizations rather than traditional marine settings.
Top 5 Best Paying Related Marine Biologist Jobs in Pennsylvania
We found at least five related positions that pay significantly more than the average Marine Biologist salary in Pennsylvania. These include jobs in Environmental Biology, Mathematical Biology, and General Biology, which often involve research, data modeling, and environmental conservation work.
Qualified professionals in these areas can earn between $1,651 (3.8%) and $40,825 (93.9%) more annually than the average Marine Biologist.
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Biology | $84,325 | $7,027 | $1,621 | $40.54 |
| Mathematical Biology | $65,076 | $5,423 | $1,251 | $31.29 |
| Biology | $63,852 | $5,321 | $1,227 | $30.70 |
| Biology Teacher | $52,315 | $4,359 | $1,006 | $25.15 |
| Medical Biology | $45,151 | $3,762 | $868 | $21.71 |
Career Highlights:
- Environmental Biologists lead the list, earning nearly double the average Marine Biologist salary.
- Professionals can advance into specialized research, conservation, or academic teaching roles.
- Pennsylvania’s institutions such as Penn State University, Carnegie Mellon, and Drexel University often employ experts in biological and environmental sciences.
Career Outlook for Marine Biologists in Pennsylvania
Though Pennsylvania does not border the ocean, it still provides unique inland aquatic and environmental research opportunities. Marine Biologists here often work on projects related to:
- Freshwater and estuarine ecosystems
- Climate and pollution impact studies
- Biodiversity conservation
- Aquatic ecosystem restoration
For those passionate about environmental and biological sciences, Pennsylvania offers solid career paths in research, education, and environmental policy.
Top Searched States For Marine Biologist Salaries
High Paying States
Median Paying States
| Vermont |
| Nebraska |
| Oklahoma |
| California |
| Massachusetts |
| Alaska |
| Maine |
| 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 |
