How Much Does a Marine Biologist Make? Salary, Brazil, United States

What Does a Marine Biologist Do?

The marine biologist studies the composition and biodiversity of organisms in aquatic environments, seas, rivers, lakes and in captivity or laboratory.

How to become a Marine Biologist

In Brazil, marine biology courses are still, for the most part, offered as a specialization for those who have already studied Biological Sciences.

However, it is also possible to find public and private institutions that offer direct graduation, mainly in the baccalaureate modality, some also offer a degree. The south and southeast regions of Brazil concentrate the number of courses in the area.

Here are some universities where the course is offered:

• Santa Cecília University (Santos – SP)
• Paulista State University - UNESP (Santos - SP)
• Federal University of Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ (Rio de Janeiro – RJ)
• Fluminense Federal University (Niterói – RJ)
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• Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Imbé – RS)
• University of Joinville Region – Univille (Joinville – SC)

Job market for Marine Biologist

The marine biologist can perform activities such as:

• • Development of environmental protection projects and recovery of degraded areas.
  • Research and monitoring of seas, lakes and rivers.
  • Consultancy in studies and reports of environmental impact.
  • Technical, economic and socio-environmental feasibility study.
  • Education (elementary, secondary, pre-university and higher education), university extension courses and training.
  • Team coordination.
  • Laboratory analysis, inspection, expertise, evaluation and technical opinion.
  • Marine life preservation projects.
  • Environmental education projects.

Where to work

The market has been favorable to the profession, as the growing concern with the preservation of life in the oceans and the The need to develop environmentally responsible projects leads companies to look for more professionals in the field. area.

See some options jobs for marine biologist:

• Private companies in the area of ​​fishing and marine cultures
• Universities and Research Centers
• Companies exploring oil, natural gas and other mineral resources on the seabed
• NGOs
• Environmental education
• ecotourism companies

How much does a marine biologist earn?

Biologists in general, including also marine biologists, although their profession has been regulated since 1979, still do not have a salary floor, contrary to what happens with other professions regulated.

The average salary of a biologist in Brazil varies a lot. A professional at the beginning of his career earns an average of R$ 960. With more experience and length of service, you can receive R$ 4,500. The national average is R$ 2,080.

There is a bill pending in the Chamber of Deputies since 2013 that provides for the working hours, working conditions and salary floor for biologists. It proposes a weekly workload of 36 hours and a salary equivalent to five minimum wages, or R$ 3,940. This proposal has not yet been approved.

In the public service, the biologist receives a better remuneration.

Check out public services that pay well for marine biologists:

• Petrobras – for beginner positions, the remuneration is BRL 6,000 and gradually evolves into positions that require greater specialization. The company is looking for professionals to develop studies and reports on marine environmental impact in new fields of exploration.
• IBAMA – offers opportunities for environmental analysts with salaries of R$5,500. It holds one of the most competitive public tenders in the country.
• ICMBio – offers salaries above R$7,000 for marine biologists. The Federal Government body deals with the creation of environmental preservation units.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Projeto Tamar (Brazilian Center for the Protection and Research of Sea Turtles), the SOS Mata Atlântica, WWF-Brasil and Projeto Peixe-Boi Marinho even offer salaries close to those found in the service public.

How Much Does a Marine Biologist Earn in the United States?

According to a 2016 survey by Exame magazine, marine biologists earn an average of US$5,300 per month in the United States.

(Sources: Exame Magazine)