Science & Research
Marine Biologist
You study ocean life and help protect South Africa's coastline.
- Starting salary
- R18 000 – R28 000
- Job demand
- Emerging
- Key subjects
- Life Sciences, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You study ocean life and help protect South Africa's coastline.
A day in the life
You dive or sample at sea, study specimens in the lab, analyse data and publish findings.
Skills you need
- Science
- Swimming/diving
- Patience
- Data analysis
School subjects that help
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Mathematics
- Geography
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BSc Biological Sciences
- 3Honours / Masters
- 4Marine biologist
Ways in: University degree · Research institute. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Cape Town
- Rhodes University
- Nelson Mandela University
- University of the Western Cape
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R18 000 – R28 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R30 000 – R55 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R60 000 – R100 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Visit rock pools and record species
- • Join a beach clean-up
- • Read about SA marine reserves
Try this career
Survey a beach or river and record every living thing you can identify.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.