Aquaculture: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Prepared for a dynamic and growing field, this program equips students with the scientific and operational expertise needed to manage sustainable aquatic production systems. Focused on the responsible cultivation of fish, shellfish, and marine plants across freshwater and marine environments, it bridges ecological knowledge with practical enterprise management.
- Aquatic and marine biology fundamentals: Explores the physiological, behavioral, and ecological characteristics of aquatic organisms, providing a scientific basis for effective culture practices.
- Health and nutritional science for aquatic species: Examines disease prevention, immune responses, and dietary requirements essential for maintaining robust populations in controlled environments.
- Facility design and system management: Covers the planning, construction, and optimization of aquaculture infrastructure, including recirculating systems, raceways, and open-water pens.
- Reproductive and genetic management: Focuses on selective breeding, spawning techniques, and genetic improvement strategies to enhance productivity and resilience.
- Environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance: Addresses ecosystem impacts, waste management, water quality standards, and adherence to local, national, and international aquaculture regulations.
- Supply chain and business operations: Integrates logistics, marketing strategies, market analysis, and enterprise planning to support viable and scalable aquaculture ventures.
Aquaculture Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Aquaculture Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Aquaculture degrees, including Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 44,140 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers 11-9013 | $87,980 | $51,700 - $156,530 | 5,910 | $42.30 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1041 | $86,350 | $49,080 - $160,870 | 8,700 | N/A |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers 45-1011 | $59,330 | $39,610 - $90,840 | 29,530 | $28.53 |
Aquaculture Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $53,140 in Arkansas to $103,760 in North Dakota—a 95% difference. The highest-paying states include North Dakota, Maryland, and Michigan. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 44,140 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Aquaculture by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 17 institutions offering Aquaculture programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Aquaculture is found at Auburn University (AU) (34 graduates), Clemson University (31 graduates), Carteret Community College (18 graduates), Kentucky State University (KSU) (9 graduates), and Hillsborough Community College (HCC) (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 127 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University (AU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
34 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Clemson University |
Bachelor's
|
31 | Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| Carteret Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
18 | Morehead City, North Carolina | Public | carteret.edu |
| Kentucky State University (KSU) |
Master's
Other Award
|
9 | Frankfort, Kentucky | Public | kysu.edu |
| Hillsborough Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hccfl.edu |
| University of New England (UNE) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Biddeford, Maine | Private | une.edu |
| University of Arkansas (UAPB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Pine Bluff, Arkansas | Public | uapb.edu |
| SUNY Morrisville (SUNY Morrisville) |
Associate's
|
4 | Morrisville, New York | Public | morrisville.edu |
| Texas A & M University (TAMU‑CC) |
Master's
|
4 | Corpus Christi, Texas | Public | tamucc.edu |
| College of Southern Idaho (CSI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
3 | Twin Falls, Idaho | Public | csi.edu |
| Roger Williams University (RWU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Bristol, Rhode Island | Private | rwu.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Melbourne, Florida | Private | fit.edu |
| Indian River State College (IRSC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Fort Pierce, Florida | Public | irsc.edu |
| University of Maine (UMaine) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Orono, Maine | Public | umaine.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Boston, Massachusetts | Public | umb.edu |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Aquaculture programs
How much can I earn with a Aquaculture degree?
Salaries for Aquaculture graduates vary by role and location. Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers earn a median of $87,980 annually, while Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $86,350. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in North Dakota average $103,760 compared to $53,140 in Arkansas. Approximately 44,140 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Aquaculture programs?
Currently 17 accredited institutions offer Aquaculture degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Auburn University (AU) (34 graduates), Clemson University (31 graduates), and Carteret Community College (18 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Aquaculture growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 126 in 2010 to a peak of 157 in 2020, before declining slightly to 127 in 2023-24. This represents a 1% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Aquaculture degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, and First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers. Related occupations employ approximately 44,140 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Agriculture Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Agriculture field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Veterinary Medicine
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of veterinary medicine, involving the diagnosis, treatment, and health care management of animals...
Veterinary Sciences and Clinical Sciences
An integrated program of study in one or more of the veterinary medical or clinical sciences or a program undifferentiated as to title.
Comparative and Laboratory Animal Medicine
A program that focuses on the scientific study of animal models of human disease and related experimental procedures, and prepares veterinarians and animal...
Small and Companion Animal Surgery and Medicine
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the internal medicine and invasive and noninvasive treatment of companion and household animals. Includes...
Veterinary Infectious Diseases
A program that focuses on the scientific study of zoonotic infectious diseases, disease mechanisms, and prevention and treatment strategies. Includes instruction in disease...
Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the microbial causation and immunologic processes related to animal disease, prevention, and treatment. Includes...