How Much do Marine Biologists Make in Hawaii?
Being a marine biologist in Hawaii is certainly different than being one anywhere else in the world. These biologists find themselves surrounded by some of the most beautiful and exotic marine life, living in a place full of amazing scenery and warm tropical weather. You may think that because they are surrounded by these oceans they must make good money…well you would be surprised!
How Much do Marine Biologists Make in Hawaii?
If you’re a marine biologist, then you know that Hawaii is the place to be. The ocean is full of life and beauty, and Hawaii is the place where this beauty can be seen in its full glory. But as much as marine biologists love their jobs, they also want to do well at them. That’s why it’s important for scientists to know how much they can expect to make in Hawaii.
The average salary for a marine biologist in Hawaii is $63,000 per year, ($32.37 per hour), which is $13,845 (+26%) higher than the average salary in the US.
A Marine Biologist can expect an average starting salary of $29,129. The highest salaries can exceed $128,866. . This number is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and shows that marine biologists in Hawaii make more than most other states across the country.
Marine biology is a growing field in Hawaii and is expected to continue growing over the next decade. The state has already invested heavily in marine conservation efforts; there are currently five national marine sanctuaries in Hawaii, which protect over 730 square miles of ocean habitat.
Marine biologists working in Hawaii also have access to some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth, including white sandy beaches and lush tropical forests full of colorful birds and flowers.
If you’re thinking about becoming a marine biologist in Hawaii, you probably already know that it’s an unusual choice. Most marine biologists work on the mainland, where they can earn higher salaries and have more job opportunities than their Hawaiian counterparts. But if you love what you do and are willing to devote yourself full-time to your career, it’s possible to build a good life for yourself in Hawaii as well as become part of this unique community.
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Marine Biology Jobs in Hawaii
We’ve identified seven cities where the usual marine biology employment wage is higher than the state of Hawaii’s average. Waipahu is at the top of the list, followed closely by Punaluu and Kahului in second and third. Kahului surpasses the average for Hawaii by 4.1%, while Waipahu continues this pattern by going an additional $4,249 (4.4%) beyond the $96,796 average.
Only a small number of cities in Hawaii pay higher than the national average, making the decision to relocate for a job in the field of marine biology should be done cautiously. The cost of living should also be taken into account.
The average pay in these top 10 cities differs just slightly, by 11%, between Waipahu and Kailua, supporting the limited possibilities for significant wage advancement. When deciding where to work and how much to pay for a position in marine biology, the likelihood of a cheaper cost of living can be the most important consideration.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waipahu | $101,045 | $8,420 | $1,943 | $48.58 |
| Punaluu | $101,036 | $8,419 | $1,943 | $48.58 |
| Kahului | $100,763 | $8,396 | $1,937 | $48.44 |
| East Honolulu | $100,405 | $8,367 | $1,930 | $48.27 |
| Mililani Town | $98,840 | $8,236 | $1,900 | $47.52 |
| Kaneohe | $98,475 | $8,206 | $1,893 | $47.34 |
| Hawi | $97,469 | $8,122 | $1,874 | $46.86 |
| Pearl City | $96,736 | $8,061 | $1,860 | $46.51 |
| Ewa Gentry | $93,270 | $7,772 | $1,793 | $44.84 |
| Kailua | $90,482 | $7,540 | $1,740 | $43.50 |
Marine Biologist’s Salary
A marine biologist’s remuneration reflects how diverse their professional duties are. Someone who studied marine biology in college can begin their career as a technician assisting a researcher in the lab or out in the field (or rather, out in the ocean).
These positions might pay an hourly wage (sometimes the minimum wage), and they might or might not have benefits. Because there is competition for jobs in marine biology, prospective marine biologists may need to gain experience through volunteer work or an internship before they can land a paying position. Marine biology majors might wish to work on a boat (as a crew member or naturalist, for example), or even in a vet’s office where they could gain more expertise.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median income for marine biologists was $63,420 in 2018, but they group them all together with zoologists and wildlife biologists.
A marine biologist will frequently need to write grants to obtain financing for their pay from organizations and colleges.
Non-profit workers could be required to help with various forms of fundraising besides grants, such as meeting with donors or organizing fundraising events.
Highest-Paying Marine Biology Jobs
Biologist
Scientists who study living things are called biologists. Scientists in this area frequently research issues pertaining to people, animals, plants, and the environment. Although they focus on studying marine species, marine biologists can also collaborate with more interdisciplinary biological scientists. Planning and carrying out research investigations are only a few of the regular tasks performed by biologists. For a deeper understanding of living things like people, animals, plants, or single-celled organisms, they perform experimental or observational investigations. They prepare reports to publish in journals and present at professional conferences after gathering and analyzing their data.
Ecologist
An ecologist is a sort of biologist who focuses on how people, animals, plants, and the environment interact. While ecologists specialize in studying the intricate ways that living things in an ecosystem affect one another, biologists investigate living things more generally. These individuals do research as scientists to answer crucial concerns concerning how environmental elements affect life and how living things influence their environs. They design research that enable data collection, which they then analyze to gain knowledge about ecosystems and find fresh approaches to maintaining ecological balance.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental consultants provide firms with advice on industrial or commercial development initiatives using their in-depth understanding of environmental conservation. This type of consultant meets with organizations to learn about their building and development objectives and assist them in minimizing the negative ecological effects of their projects.
These specialists can assist organizations in upholding these requirements because they are familiar with conservation and environmental laws. Additionally, they can suggest substitute materials and building methods that can lessen the environmental impact of local public and commercial projects. In order to promote environmentally friendly projects, professionals in this field conduct study on local laws, surroundings, and sustainable construction methods.
Marine engineer
New boats and its parts are designed, built, tested, and improved by marine engineers. These experts are capable of working on a variety of maritime craft, such as passenger boats, sailboats, submarines, cruise ships, cargo ships, and military vessels. Engineers in this position may focus on developing innovations that enhance the performance and efficiency of boats belonging to a specific class, or they may specialize in working on a specific type of boat. A marine engineer might utilize their skills to build a recreational watercraft that is safer for nearby marine life or that uses a more environmentally friendly fuel source.
Environmental planner
An environmental planner assists businesses and governmental bodies in planning construction projects by applying their extensive knowledge of sustainability and conservation. They provide these organizations with legal and policy advice related to environmental protection, as well as alternative strategies for building new structures that offer greater sustainability than conventional building approaches.
In addition, some environmental planners could work for government organizations where they research the local environment and planned development projects in order to create environmental rules and regulations. Environmental planners have a crucial role in preventing the negative consequences of pollution and unchecked urban expansion on plants, animals, and people.
Scientist
A person who works in scientific research is referred to as a scientist in general. Most researchers have a specific area of expertise and design their studies to address significant issues in that field. Many scientists have advanced degrees that enable them to organize intricate research projects, gather crucial data, analyze their findings to develop conclusions, and communicate new knowledge to other scientists.
Some researchers may also use their expertise to enhance existing procedures or goods, sometimes by collaborating with engineers and developers. Scientists may work in a lab or out in the field, depending on their topic of study. Those who perform their work in the field, such as marine biologists, may also be responsible for organizing their travel plans, getting transportation, and setting up their equipment.
Professor
Professors are educators who work in institutions of higher learning, such as colleges. A typical professor uses their expertise to instruct students enrolled in their discipline’s classes. They are experts in a certain subject or field of study. They also create and administer tests and assignments, grade student work and offer comments, and assist students to help them succeed in their studies, among other responsibilities. While interacting with students is a large portion of a professor’s day, many also hold research positions. They plan investigations, gather and analyze data, and then get ready to present their findings at conferences or submit them for publication in scholarly publications.
Animal trainer
A profession as an animal trainer can be gratifying for those who enjoy dealing with animals. You may want to think about a career as a marine animal trainer, especially if you wish to work with animals like sea lions, dolphins, and whales. These experts train animals to execute tasks and tricks for audiences by using their understanding of animal psychology. Trainers of marine animals frequently work for zoos, aquariums, and animal-themed amusement parks. They must take care of the animals, teach them with positive reinforcement, perform with the animals, and instruct audiences.
Research Assistant
Research assistants support the work that scientists and lab technicians do. Depending on the sort of lab they work in and the requirements of the research project, the duties of research assistants can change. Alongside marine researchers, there may be duties such as taking care of lab animals, cleaning cages and tanks, and carrying out some standard maintenance. Even though they might not be qualified to undertake independent research, research assistants without degrees can still help scientists with their investigations by managing administrative work, recording data as directed by the researcher, and producing insightful reports.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median income for marine biologists was $63,420 in 2018, but they group them all together with zoologists and wildlife biologists.
A marine biologist will frequently need to write grants to obtain financing for their pay from organizations and colleges.
Non-profit workers could be required to help with various forms of fundraising besides grants, such as meeting with donors or organizing fundraising events.
Conclusion
The Hawaii marine biology industry is a lucrative one. From aquariums and boat tours to souvenir stands and the hotels that support them, marine biology supports a large number of jobs in the islands. If you have a degree in this field, your job prospects are ideal—especially if you’re willing to work hard and relocate. With just an education and some networking, your salary could reach as high as you ever before too long.