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Marine Archaeologist information

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$31.5K

$60.7K

$97K

How much do marine archaeologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for marine archaeologist in the United States is $60,710.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges marine archaeologists face when conducting underwater excavations?

Marine archaeologists often encounter challenges such as limited visibility, strong currents, and the need for specialized diving equipment when excavating underwater sites. Preservation of artifacts can be difficult due to saltwater corrosion, and strict legal regulations may govern the removal or study of cultural heritage from ocean environments. Collaboration with divers, conservation specialists, and local authorities is essential to ensure safety and compliance while preserving the integrity of the site.

What is the difference between Marine Archaeologist vs Underwater Archaeologist?

AspectMarine ArchaeologistUnderwater Archaeologist
CredentialsDegree in archaeology, anthropology, or related field; specialized training in maritime environmentsSame as Marine Archaeologist, with additional diving certifications and underwater survey training
Work EnvironmentCoastal sites, museums, research labs, shipwreck locationsUnderwater sites, shipwrecks, submerged structures
Industry UsageHistorical research, cultural preservation, maritime museumsShipwreck exploration, underwater cultural heritage, salvage operations

Both roles involve archaeological research related to maritime history, but Underwater Archaeologists focus specifically on submerged sites and require diving skills. Marine Archaeologists may work both on land and at sea, often in museums or research institutions. The key difference lies in the work environment and specialized underwater training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a marine archaeologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Marine Archaeologist, you need a background in archaeology, marine science, and often an advanced degree in maritime archaeology or a related field. Familiarity with underwater survey equipment, GIS mapping software, remote sensing technologies, and diving certifications such as SCUBA are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication help set individuals apart when conducting fieldwork and sharing findings. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring accurate research, safe underwater operations, and meaningful contributions to the understanding and preservation of underwater cultural heritage.

What does a marine archaeologist do?

A marine archaeologist studies human interaction with the sea, lakes, and rivers through the investigation of submerged sites, shipwrecks, and artifacts. Their work involves underwater surveys, excavations, and the analysis of objects and structures to learn about past maritime cultures and activities. They use specialized diving and surveying equipment to document and preserve underwater heritage and often collaborate with historians, conservators, and governments. Marine archaeologists also help protect cultural resources from looting or destruction and may contribute to public education and museum exhibits.
More about Marine Archaeologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Marine Archaeologist jobs? Cities with the most Marine Archaeologist job openings:
What states have the most Marine Archaeologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Marine Archaeologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Marine Archaeologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Marine Archaeologist jobs are:
Marine Archaeologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Marine Archaeologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% Internship, 5% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 32% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,710 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Senior Maritime Archaeologist | Full-Time | Florida

Chronicle Heritage

Pensacola, FL • On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Senior Maritime Archaeologist | Full-time | Florida
Company Profile
Chronicle Heritage is a solution-driven heritage consulting firm that prides itself on employing the best cultural resource management professionals in the industry. We place an emphasis on supporting our clients' needs, fostering new technologies that advance our industry, and leveraging those advancements toward the management of non-renewable cultural resources. Chronicle Heritage prioritizes professional development within the framework of innovation and forward thinking to encourage career advancement and research development.
Job Description
Chronicle Heritage is hiring a Senior Marine Archaeologist to assist in leading and managing our growing underwater team. The successful candidate will have a growth and creative mindset, industry knowledge, and will assist to lead and direct a crew of marine archaeologists and geophysicists to conduct maritime archaeological operations throughout the greater United States and Internationally. The Senior Marine Archaeologist will be responsible for ensuring the successful completion of projects and thorough documentation of any archaeological sites encountered, providing analysis and recommendations based on the results of the assessments. This position offers a diverse work environment, and colleagues who are supportive, passionate, and collectively focused on work/life balance and producing high-quality CRM documents. Under the supervision of Chronicle Heritage's executive team, the Senior Maritime Archaeologist will:
  • Assist in managing fieldwork and office work related to projects to ensure the proper collection methods according to site conditions
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulations affecting CRM and general industry trends
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of technical trends for both diving and geophysical techniques
  • Support all phases of archaeological investigation and regulatory compliance
  • Manage, mentor, and ensure the continued and proper training of staff, as well as self
  • Complete accurate, detailed, and comprehensive field documentation
  • Complete and assist team in office work, including technical writing related to pre- and post-field activities
  • Ability to work with and support a culturally diverse team of all skillsets and professional levels
  • Direct collection, analysis, and interpretation of data when needed; formulate recommendations and solutions to highly complex problems or those involving risk. As well as the ability to listen to and work with team members of all professional levels regarding operations and work environments
  • Work with Chronicle Heritage Principals, Team Leads, Principal Investigators, Project Managers, and other staff to implement project-specific instructions and methods
  • Identify and research project opportunities, develop proposals, and scope maritime archaeological projects
  • Work with technical field, lab, and office staff to ensure projects meet Chronicle Heritage standards
  • Observe and uphold Chronicle Heritage's Fieldwork Procedures and Health and Safety requirements

Hire Type: Full-time (salary)
Schedule: 40 hours, Monday-Friday: standard business hours, overtime and weekend work, as needed
Location: Pensacola, FL preferred; remote will be considered
Required Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in maritime archaeology, archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field
  • 6+ years of experience working on/directing maritime archaeology projects
  • 5+ years of experience with analysis and technical report writing
  • 4+ years of experience in a marine archaeology supervisory role
  • Expertise in marine archaeological field methods and data collection
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
  • Listed on the Register of Professional Archaeologists
  • Meet or exceed the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology
  • Able to work in an outdoor environment for prolonged periods of time and in a range of weather conditions
  • Rescue Diver (OWD) certification
  • Experience with boat handling and working on larger vessels
  • Be willing to travel and stay overnight on short- and long-term projects
  • Valid driver's license

Preferred Skills
  • Contribute to and assist in managing an ever-growing team by adding a strong marine archaeological and geophysical skillset
  • Demonstrable experience supervising and being available to assist field crews during archaeological studies
  • Proficient organizational, task management, scheduling, and budget management skills
  • Proficiency in identifying submerged sites via diving or geophysical operations
  • Proficiency with marine geophysical and GIS data collection and processing methods in the field and in the office
  • Proficiency with scientific diving and above all, safe diving practices
  • Show strong focus and technical excellence to efficiently utilize modern collection methods
  • Proficiency and familiarity with Section 106 processes and NRHP eligibility criteria for sites
  • Ability to endure adverse environmental conditions, including hot and cold temperatures, precipitation, and challenging terrain for sustained durations
  • Excellent attention to detail, a positive work ethic, reliability, and commitment to working both independently and in a team environment
  • Excellent leadership skills and ability to work with team in the field
  • First Aid/CPR Certification

Physical And Mental Requirements And Work Environment
  • Regular fieldwork or on-site inspections are required, which necessitates ability to frequently travel/drive a vehicle (sight, hearing, and manual manipulation of driving mechanisms), cognitive ability to plan travel, use maps or GPS navigation systems.
  • May require ambulation and movement to enable walking or hiking 10+ miles per day on rough and/or hazardous terrain and occasional climbing, crouching, kneeling, balancing on rough terrain. Fieldwork may involve exposure to conditions of rain, sun, heat, wind, dust, etc., with exposure to animals, plants, wet conditions, biting insects, poison oak, etc. May require use of respiratory equipment.
  • Some fieldwork may require carrying loads up to 25 pounds or work around heavy construction equipment.
  • Vision is required to observe environmental phenomena and record and translate observations into text (either keyboard entry on a computer or dictation and audio translation of recording to Standard English scientific text).
  • Mental requirements include ability to organize one's own work or that of crew members; ability to recognize and observe scientific data and analyze data as well as ability to perform calculations. Must also be able to observe social and professional interactions and respond appropriately.
  • Some work is performed primarily in an indoor environment and requires sustained sitting and use of fingers, hands, and arms to operate a computer and perform keyboard entry of data or document preparation (or equivalent with accommodation). Must also be able to operation standard office equipment (phone, copy machine, FAX machine, etc.)

Additional Information
Chronicle Heritage is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.
Chronicle Heritage complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and considers reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants/employees to perform essential functions. EEO/AA/M/F/Veteran/Disabled. If you require assistance with submitting the application, please contact accommodations@chronicleheritage.com.
Pay Range: $70,000 - $95,000 per year

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