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Marine Biologists

Life, Physical & Social Sciencesmediumaugment
BLS 2024-34: +5%
Median Wage: $79,590
Employment: 46K

Overall Exposure

40+12

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

58

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

22

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

27

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

40→54
+14

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

58→73
+15

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

22→36
+14

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

27→39
+12

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
202328451218actual
202434521722actual
202540582227actual
202645642731estimated
202750693235estimated
202854733639estimated

Task Breakdown

Collect and analyze marine water and organism samples
42%β 0.5
Conduct underwater field research and habitat surveys
15%β 0
Analyze marine biodiversity data using statistical models
62%β 1
Write research papers and grant proposals
48%β 0.5
Monitor marine ecosystem health and species populations
38%β 0.5

About This Occupation

If you work as a Marine Biologist, AI is beginning to transform your field. With an automation risk of 27/100 and overall exposure at 40%, this role faces medium transformation. The highest-impact area is analyze marine biodiversity data using statistical models at 62% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role where AI enhances rather than replaces. BLS projects +5% growth through 2034. Marine biologists who adopt AI-powered species identification and environmental modeling tools will lead future ocean conservation efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 27%, Marine Biologists has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

The AI automation risk score for Marine Biologists is 27% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 40%, with 58% theoretical exposure and 22% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +9 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Marine Biologists are: Analyze marine biodiversity data using statistical models (62%), Write research papers and grant proposals (48%), Collect and analyze marine water and organism samples (42%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects +5% employment change for Marine Biologists from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 40%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Marine Biologists should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.

Recent AI Impact Changes

Mar 2026: Published evergreen blog post analyzing AI impact on marine biology: 40% exposure, 27% risk, fieldwork remains human.

[Source: AI Changing Work Blog]