How to become a Marine Biologist
Studies the anatomy, physiology, functions, characteristics, behaviour and environments of all forms of life living in the sea and connected water bodies.
Main tasks
- Collects and analyses samples to assess environmental effects on marine life
- Studies breeding patterns, physiological processes, behaviour and other characteristics of marine organisms
- Estimates, monitors and manages populations of marine life
- Assesses the impact of human activities on marine life
- Develops, conducts and improves breeding programs to support endangered species of marine life
Ways in
- University: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 27 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Fisheries Compliance (SFI30419); Diploma of Aquaculture (SFI50119)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $80,288 a year
- About 10,500 people work in this job group now, and about 12,600 are projected by 2035. (+19.8%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Marine Biologist?
Ways in include: Agriculture & Environment degrees; Certificate III in Fisheries Compliance; Diploma of Aquaculture.
How much does a Marine Biologist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $80,288 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Marine Biologist a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2035, from about 10,500 to about 12,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Marine Biologist?
Usually. 96% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Marine Biologist?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04