What is the average Marine Biologist salary for Santa Cruz, CA?
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As of August 01, 2025, the average Marine Biologist salary in Santa Cruz, CA is $99,629. The chart below represents localized salaries for some of our most popular Marine Biologist job titles in Santa Cruz, CA. Salaries can vary greatly depending on numerous factors, including position, location, years of experience, and level of education. Salary.com’s team of Certified Compensation Professionals analyzed survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at companies of all sizes and industries to compile a range of salaries for various Marine Biologist job titles in Santa Cruz, CA. Apply your personal criteria to one of the job titles below to get your personalized salary estimate.
Marine Biologist Salaries in Santa Cruz, CA
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Biologist I | $65,868 | $31.67 | Santa Cruz, CA | August 01, 2025 |
| Biologist II | $77,431 | $37.23 | Santa Cruz, CA | August 01, 2025 |
| Biologist III | $95,957 | $46.13 | Santa Cruz, CA | August 01, 2025 |
| Biologist IV | $133,528 | $64.20 | Santa Cruz, CA | August 01, 2025 |
| Biologist V | $144,771 | $69.60 | Santa Cruz, CA | August 01, 2025 |
| Marine Cargo Inspector | $44,920 | $21.60 | Santa Cruz, CA | August 01, 2025 |
| Embryologist | $115,444 | $55.50 | Santa Cruz, CA | August 01, 2025 |
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Studies the basic principles of plant and animal life and the effects of varying environmental and physical conditions such as radioactivity or pollution. Studies reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites, bacteria, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. Biologist I Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Entry Biologist, Biologist I
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Studies the basic principles of plant and animal life and the effects of varying environmental and physical conditions such as radioactivity or pollution. Studies reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites, bacteria, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Biologist II Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Intermediate Biologist, Biologist II
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Studies the basic principles of plant and animal life and the effects of varying environmental and physical conditions such as radioactivity or pollution. Studies reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites, bacteria, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Requires a master's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Biologist III Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Senior Biologist, Biologist III
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Studies the basic principles of plant and animal life and the effects of varying environmental and physical conditions such as radioactivity or pollution. Studies reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites, bacteria, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Requires a master's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. Biologist IV Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Specialist Biologist, Biologist IV
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Studies the basic principles of plant and animal life and the effects of varying environmental and physical conditions such as radioactivity or pollution. Studies reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites, bacteria, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Requires a master's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to a manager. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience. Biologist V Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Expert Biologist, Biologist V
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Inspects cargoes of seagoing vessels to certify compliance with national and international health and safety regulations in cargo handling and stowage. May require an associate's degree with 2-4 years of experience in the field. Is familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager. Marine Cargo Inspector Salaries in Santa Cruz, CACategory : Transportation and Warehousing
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Responsible for the creation, cultivation, and selection of embryos for transfer or freezing. Monitors the development of embryos in the laboratory, ensuring optimal conditions for growth and viability. May also be involved in research and development of new reproductive technologies and techniques. Typically requires a master's degree in reproductive science. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. Embryologist Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Clinical Embryologist, Reproductive Biologist, Embryologist