What's the future job outlook for marine biologists?

I'm passionate about marine biology, but I'm concerned about the job market. Are there enough job opportunities for marine biologists, and is this field expanding or shrinking?

Marine biology is quite a specialized field with job opportunities that can vary based on the specific areas of focus such as research, conservation, education, etc. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists, a category that includes marine biologists, is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

A big driving force behind job growth in this area is the increasing impact of climate change and pollution on marine ecosystems. There's growing concern about these influences on marine life, which can potentially lead to more funding for research and increased demand for marine biologists' expertise in understanding and mitigating these effects.

Further, positions in research institutions, government agencies, conservation organizations, and aquariums are relatively steady, although competition can be quite strong due to a high interest in these roles. Newer fields with marine applications, such as biotechnology, can offer growing opportunities.

Also, note that job availability can depend on various other factors such as geographical location, level of education, and the amount of practical experience. It could be worthwhile gaining as much field and lab experience as you can, possibly through internships and volunteer opportunities. And keep in mind that a significant portion of the jobs in this field require advanced degrees.

To summarize, you should feel confident going into marine biology, both because pursuing something you're passionate about is key, and because you'll likely have a variety of attractive career paths to choose from!