... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
Quick apply
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
Quick apply
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
Quick apply
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist Principal Investigator/Project Director (PI/PD) to lead ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist Principal Investigator/Project Director (PI/PD) to lead ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist Principal Investigator/Project Director (PI/PD) to lead ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist Principal Investigator/Project Director (PI/PD) to lead ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
Quick apply
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
Quick apply
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist Principal Investigator/Project Director (PI/PD) to lead ...
Quick apply
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist Principal Investigator/Project Director (PI/PD) to lead ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist Principal Investigator/Project Director (PI/PD) to lead ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist Principal Investigator/Project Director (PI/PD) to lead ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
Quick apply
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist Principal Investigator/Project Director (PI/PD) to lead ...
Quick apply
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist Principal Investigator/Project Director (PI/PD) to lead ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews ...
Archaeology Field Technician
Charleston, WV · Remote
$20 - $25/hr
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Archaeological data collection (GPS, photographs, site forms, site sketch, artifact sketch)
Quick apply
Archaeology Field Technician
Charleston, WV · Remote
$20 - $25/hr
... marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction ... Archaeological data collection (GPS, photographs, site forms, site sketch, artifact sketch)
Marine Archaeologist information
See salary details
$31.5K - $37.5K
1% of jobs
$37.5K - $43.4K
1% of jobs
$47K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$43.4K - $49.4K
38% of jobs
$49.4K - $55.3K
4% of jobs
The median wage is $56.6K / yr.
$55.3K - $61.3K
26% of jobs
$61.3K - $67.2K
3% of jobs
$68K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$67.2K - $73.2K
11% of jobs
$73.2K - $79.1K
5% of jobs
$79.1K - $85.1K
7% of jobs
$85.1K - $91K
2% of jobs
$91K - $97K
1% of jobs
$31.5K
$60.7K
$97K
How much do marine archaeologist jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 6, 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?
| Aspect | Marine Archaeologist | Underwater Archaeologist |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Degree in archaeology, anthropology, or related field; specialized training in maritime environments | Same as Marine Archaeologist, with additional diving certifications and underwater survey training |
| Work Environment | Coastal sites, museums, research labs, shipwreck locations | Underwater sites, shipwrecks, submerged structures |
| Industry Usage | Historical research, cultural preservation, maritime museums | Shipwreck 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:
Full-time
Re-posted 6 days ago
Job description
Sundance Consultants, a part of True Environmental and its partner firms, have united their strengths to establish the nation's premier environmental and engineering services consulting firm. This powerhouse organization offers an extensive range of services aimed at revolutionizing the built environment and preserving the natural one. Its diverse expertise encompasses environmental remediation, urban planning, engineering iconic coastal and marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction methods. Explore further at Sundance-inc.com and True-Environmental.com to discover the full scope of our capabilities.
Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews and assist in the expansion of archaeology services. This position is responsible for leading and conducting all phases of cultural resource investigations under Section 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and other environmental planning projects, including but not limited to consultation, preparing data recovery and monitoring plans, lead field coordination and interpretation of state and federal laws and report writing. The position may also require knowledge of and experience with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and writing sections related to cultural resources for proposed permitting actions.
The Archaeologist PI/ Field Director will supervise and mentor junior or temporary level cultural resource personnel. The Archaeologist PI/PM will also frequently interact and coordinate with clients as well as agency and Tribal representatives. The Archaeologist PI/PM will be knowledgeable of federal, state, and local historic preservation and cultural resources regulations and demonstrate an established area of analytical expertise and/or archaeological research interest.
What You'll Do
Minimum Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
$75,000 - $105,000 biweekly
Sundance is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Career opportunity for an Archaeologist PI/Field Director to lead cultural resources field crews and assist in the expansion of archaeology services. This position is responsible for leading and conducting all phases of cultural resource investigations under Section 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and other environmental planning projects, including but not limited to consultation, preparing data recovery and monitoring plans, lead field coordination and interpretation of state and federal laws and report writing. The position may also require knowledge of and experience with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and writing sections related to cultural resources for proposed permitting actions.
The Archaeologist PI/ Field Director will supervise and mentor junior or temporary level cultural resource personnel. The Archaeologist PI/PM will also frequently interact and coordinate with clients as well as agency and Tribal representatives. The Archaeologist PI/PM will be knowledgeable of federal, state, and local historic preservation and cultural resources regulations and demonstrate an established area of analytical expertise and/or archaeological research interest.
What You'll Do
- Lead cultural resources projects, business development opportunities and provide successful and independent management of archaeological and historic resources projects, including direction of field studies and assembly, supervision and direction of field teams.
- Lead/Principal investigator for cultural resources projects include performing research, archaeological fieldwork surveys, monitoring, testing, and data recovery projects, historical research, preservation activities, report preparation, site forms and curation of archaeological artifacts.
- Coordinate project mobilization and demobilization to project sites.
- Provide successful and independent management of archaeological and historic resources projects, including direction of field studies and assembly, supervision, and direction of field teams.
- Support Section 106 and Section 110 of the NHPA, including analysis, technical studies and project permitting for a wide variety of private, federal, state and local government clients and tribal entities.
- Mentor and provide technical and operations resources for staff and project managers and supervise cultural staff.
- Lead technical and strategy elements of proposal development including scope, schedule and budget.
- Meeting project scope, schedule, and budget obligations for project management tasks.
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality technical products through implementation of independent and quality review protocols.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology or a related field.
- Registered Professional Archaeologist
- Ability to hold state permits for archaeology.
- Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience, preferably eight (8) years' experience in progressively responsible cultural resource positions including management and/or educational experience in the desert southwest and intermountain west region; including experience with architectural historians.
- Proven ability to meet deadlines while remaining detail-oriented, organized, and able to work well on simultaneous tasks and be team oriented.
- Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication, professional writing, problem solving skills.
- Demonstrated skills and experience in project planning, development, and management.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently with general supervision.
- Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office suite, strong people skills, excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Ability to satisfactorily pass pre-employment and post-employment drug and alcohol tests.
- Valid driver's license and good driving record.
- Must be eligible to be employed in the US.
Preferred Qualifications
- Permitted or able to be permitted in Oregon, Idaho, or Washington.
- Experience and capability across the continental US in providing cultural resources services.
$75,000 - $105,000 biweekly
Sundance is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.