Marine biologists play a vital role in protecting the future of our oceans, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. Within the United States, one of the most recognized employers of marine biologists is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. These professionals conduct research on marine species, manage sustainable fisheries, study endangered animals, and provide scientific guidance for policies that directly impact the nation’s food supply and environmental health.
In 2025, NOAA Fisheries updated its salary and benefits structure to reflect federal pay adjustments, location-based pay differentials, and the growing demand for marine scientists. Salaries are determined by federal pay bands, years of experience, specialization, and most importantly location. Marine biologists working in coastal cities like Seattle, San Francisco, or Honolulu often earn higher salaries than their counterparts in smaller or inland offices due to locality pay and cost-of-living adjustments.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of NOAA Fisheries marine biologist salary by location in the USA (2025). It covers base pay, allowances, benefits, career progression, and frequently asked questions. The goal is to provide a complete salary guide that helps readers—whether aspiring marine biologists, career professionals, or job seekers—understand earning potential in NOAA Fisheries.
Overview of NOAA Fisheries Marine Biologist Salary in 2025
Marine biologist salaries at NOAA Fisheries are determined by several factors:
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Pay Bands (CAPS System): NOAA uses the Commerce Alternative Personnel System (CAPS) instead of the traditional GS scale.
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Locality Pay: Salaries are adjusted by geographic location to account for different costs of living.
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Experience and Performance: Pay increases as marine biologists gain more experience, move to higher pay bands, and perform at high levels.
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Specialization: Experts in areas such as fisheries science, climate change, or endangered species may qualify for higher pay.
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Federal Adjustments: Annual pay raises set by Congress also apply to NOAA employees.
NOAA salaries are considered competitive compared to other federal science positions and include extensive benefits like health insurance, retirement, paid leave, and professional development support.
Summary Table: NOAA Fisheries Marine Biologist Salary by Location (2025)
| Location | Entry-Level Pay (USD/Year) | Mid-Level Pay (USD/Year) | Senior-Level Pay (USD/Year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $68,000 – $82,000 | $90,000 – $115,000 | $120,000 – $140,000 | High locality pay; major NOAA hub |
| Silver Spring, MD (HQ) | $65,000 – $80,000 | $88,000 – $110,000 | $115,000 – $135,000 | Headquarters location; policy-focused |
| Honolulu, HI | $62,000 – $78,000 | $85,000 – $108,000 | $112,000 – $132,000 | Fieldwork-heavy; higher living costs |
| Boston, MA | $63,000 – $79,000 | $86,000 – $112,000 | $114,000 – $134,000 | Northeast regional office |
| Miami, FL | $60,000 – $76,000 | $83,000 – $106,000 | $110,000 – $128,000 | Tropical research focus |
| Anchorage, AK | $64,000 – $81,000 | $87,000 – $112,000 | $115,000 – $136,000 | Arctic research; remote locality pay |
| San Diego, CA | $66,000 – $82,000 | $89,000 – $113,000 | $118,000 – $138,000 | High cost of living region |
| Rest of USA (average) | $58,000 – $72,000 | $80,000 – $100,000 | $105,000 – $122,000 | Lower locality pay adjustments |
Note: Figures include base pay and typical locality adjustments. Actual pay may vary by position, specialization, and experience.
How the NOAA Fisheries Salary Structure Works (2025)
1. Pay Bands under CAPS
Instead of GS grades, NOAA uses the CAPS pay band system:
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ZP-2: Entry-level marine biologists (similar to GS-7/9).
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ZP-3: Mid-level marine biologists (similar to GS-11/12).
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ZP-4 and ZP-5: Senior and supervisory positions (similar to GS-13/15).
Each pay band has a range that allows salary growth based on performance and tenure.
2. Locality Pay
Marine biologists working in high-cost areas receive locality adjustments. For example, someone in San Francisco may earn 30–40% more than someone in a lower-cost region.
3. Experience and Seniority
Entry-level employees start in lower pay bands, but after training and several years of experience, they can progress to senior pay bands with significant pay increases.
4. Specialization
Marine biologists working in climate modeling, endangered species protection, or advanced fisheries science may qualify for higher salaries due to demand for their expertise.
5. Federal Raises
Annual federal pay raises apply to NOAA employees, ensuring salaries keep pace with inflation and government adjustments.
Detailed Salary Breakdown by Location (2025)
Seattle, Washington
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Entry-Level: $68,000 – $82,000
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Mid-Level: $90,000 – $115,000
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Senior-Level: $120,000 – $140,000
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Notes: Seattle hosts one of NOAA’s largest regional offices. Salaries here are boosted by strong locality pay and high demand for fisheries research in the Pacific Northwest.
Silver Spring, Maryland
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Entry-Level: $65,000 – $80,000
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Mid-Level: $88,000 – $110,000
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Senior-Level: $115,000 – $135,000
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Notes: NOAA’s headquarters is located in Silver Spring. Biologists here often work in policy, management, and administrative roles in addition to field science.
Honolulu, Hawaii
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Entry-Level: $62,000 – $78,000
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Mid-Level: $85,000 – $108,000
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Senior-Level: $112,000 – $132,000
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Notes: Salaries in Hawaii are competitive but face high living costs. Work often involves coral reef protection, tropical fisheries, and marine sanctuary management.
Boston, Massachusetts
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Entry-Level: $63,000 – $79,000
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Mid-Level: $86,000 – $112,000
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Senior-Level: $114,000 – $134,000
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Notes: NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center is in Woods Hole near Boston. Biologists here focus on Atlantic fisheries and endangered marine mammals.
Miami, Florida
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Entry-Level: $60,000 – $76,000
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Mid-Level: $83,000 – $106,000
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Senior-Level: $110,000 – $128,000
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Notes: Research in Miami centers on tropical ecosystems, marine reserves, and endangered sea turtles. Locality pay is moderate compared to other large cities.
Anchorage, Alaska
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Entry-Level: $64,000 – $81,000
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Mid-Level: $87,000 – $112,000
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Senior-Level: $115,000 – $136,000
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Notes: NOAA work in Alaska focuses on Arctic ecosystems, fisheries, and climate impact studies. Remote location allowances may apply.
San Diego, California
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Entry-Level: $66,000 – $82,000
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Mid-Level: $89,000 – $113,000
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Senior-Level: $118,000 – $138,000
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Notes: San Diego marine biologists often work on Pacific fishery management, ocean conservation, and offshore habitat studies. High cost of living boosts locality pay.
Rest of USA (Average)
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Entry-Level: $58,000 – $72,000
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Mid-Level: $80,000 – $100,000
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Senior-Level: $105,000 – $122,000
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Notes: Salaries are lower in inland or smaller regional offices due to limited locality adjustments.
Benefits and Allowances for NOAA Fisheries Marine Biologists
Marine biologists at NOAA enjoy comprehensive federal employee benefits:
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Health Insurance: Full coverage including medical, dental, and vision.
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Retirement Plans: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension + Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
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Paid Leave: 13–26 days annual leave, unlimited sick leave, and federal holidays.
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Training & Education: Tuition assistance, research training, and graduate study support.
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Relocation Allowances: Assistance for moving to high-demand or remote duty stations.
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Remote/Field Work Incentives: Additional allowances for difficult duty posts (e.g., Alaska, Pacific Islands).
Comparison with Other Marine Biologist Salaries in USA
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University Research Marine Biologists: $55,000 – $90,000 annually.
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Private Environmental Firms: $60,000 – $95,000 annually.
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State Government Marine Biologists: $50,000 – $85,000 annually.
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NOAA Fisheries Marine Biologists: $60,000 – $140,000 annually depending on location and seniority.
Observation: NOAA salaries are higher and more stable than most university or state jobs, with stronger benefits and retirement security.
Career Progression for NOAA Fisheries Marine Biologists
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Entry-Level (ZP-2): Early-career scientists assisting in fieldwork, data collection, and basic analysis.
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Mid-Level (ZP-3): Independent research, project leadership, and regional specialization.
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Senior-Level (ZP-4/5): Policy development, supervisory positions, and national program leadership.
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Post-Retirement: Opportunities in academia, consultancy, or international marine organizations.
FAQs — NOAA Fisheries Marine Biologist Salary in USA (2025)
1. What is the starting salary for a NOAA Fisheries marine biologist?
Around $58,000 – $68,000 annually, depending on location.
2. Which cities pay NOAA marine biologists the most?
Seattle, San Francisco, and San Diego due to high locality pay.
3. Do NOAA marine biologists receive benefits?
Yes, full health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.
4. How much can a senior NOAA marine biologist earn?
Up to $140,000 annually, especially in high-cost areas.
5. Do NOAA marine biologists receive retirement pensions?
Yes, under the FERS pension system plus TSP contributions.
6. Can NOAA marine biologists work overseas?
Yes, some assignments may involve international collaborations.
7. Does NOAA pay more than universities?
Yes, salaries and benefits are typically more competitive.
8. What determines salary differences by location?
Locality pay adjustments and cost-of-living in different regions.
9. Do NOAA employees get annual raises?
Yes, based on federal pay adjustments and performance reviews.
10. How competitive are NOAA marine biologist jobs?
Highly competitive, requiring advanced degrees, experience, and federal hiring clearance.
Conclusion
In 2025, the NOAA Fisheries marine biologist salary structure reflects competitive pay, strong federal benefits, and significant regional differences due to locality pay. Marine biologists working in cities like Seattle, Honolulu, and San Diego earn the highest salaries, while those in smaller regions receive lower adjustments.
With excellent health insurance, retirement options, paid leave, and career advancement, NOAA Fisheries remains one of the best employers for marine biologists in the USA. For those seeking stability, research opportunities, and a meaningful career in ocean science, NOAA Fisheries offers one of the most rewarding professional paths available.