ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Underwater Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

$18.50 - $22/hr

Conducting underwater research and destruction of natural or man-made barriers. * Training and leading enlisted SEALs. SEALs are not only highly skilled individuals; they are also members of closely ...

New

U.S. Navy

Navy Seal - NY

Selden, NY · On-site

$17.75 - $21/hr

Conducting underwater research and destruction of natural or man-made barriers. * Training and leading enlisted SEALs. SEALs are not only highly skilled individuals; they are also members of closely ...

U.S. Navy

Navy Seal - NY

Babylon, NY · On-site

$18.25 - $21.75/hr

Conducting underwater research and destruction of natural or man-made barriers. * Training and leading enlisted SEALs. SEALs are not only highly skilled individuals; they are also members of closely ...

U.S. Navy

$17.50 - $20.75/hr

Conducting underwater research and destruction of natural or man-made barriers. * Training and leading enlisted SEALs. SEALs are not only highly skilled individuals; they are also members of closely ...

U.S. Navy

$18.25 - $21.75/hr

Conducting underwater research and destruction of natural or man-made barriers. * Training and leading enlisted SEALs. SEALs are not only highly skilled individuals; they are also members of closely ...

EdgeTech

Sonar System Engineer

West Wareham, MA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Our products are used to support a variety of customers, from offshore oil and gas to fisheries/science/underwater research, defense, and police/fire search and rescue We're looking for an engineer ...

U.S. Navy

$17.75 - $21/hr

Conducting underwater research and destruction of natural or man-made barriers. * Training and leading enlisted SEALs. SEALs are not only highly skilled individuals; they are also members of closely ...

New

U.S. Navy

Navy Seal - NY

Hicksville, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $20.75/hr

Conducting underwater research and destruction of natural or man-made barriers. * Training and leading enlisted SEALs. SEALs are not only highly skilled individuals; they are also members of closely ...

U.S. Navy

Navy Seal - NY

Patchogue, NY · On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

Conducting underwater research and destruction of natural or man-made barriers. * Training and leading enlisted SEALs. SEALs are not only highly skilled individuals; they are also members of closely ...

U.S. Navy

Navy Seal - NY

Huntington, NY · On-site

$18.25 - $21.75/hr

Conducting underwater research and destruction of natural or man-made barriers. * Training and leading enlisted SEALs. SEALs are not only highly skilled individuals; they are also members of closely ...

Peraton

Underwater Acoustics Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking an Underwater Acoustics Engineer to work directly with our Navy customers on developing and maintaining R&D and in-service electro-mechanical systems for naval ...

Peraton

Underwater Acoustics Engineer

West Bethesda, MD

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking an Underwater Acoustics Engineer to work directly with our Navy customers on developing and maintaining R&D and in-service electro-mechanical systems for naval ...

Peraton

Underwater Acoustics Engineer

West Bethesda, MD

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking an Underwater Acoustics Engineer to work directly with our Navy customers on developing and maintaining R&D and in-service electro-mechanical systems for naval ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUnderwater Research Jobs

Underwater Research information

See salary details

$64K

$96.7K

$117K

How much do underwater research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for underwater research in the United States is $96,670.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Underwater Research job?

An Underwater Research job involves studying marine environments, ecosystems, and underwater phenomena. Researchers may work in oceanography, marine biology, archaeology, or environmental science, using specialized equipment like diving gear, submarines, or remotely operated vehicles. They collect data, study marine life, and analyze oceanic changes to support conservation efforts and scientific understanding.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

In 2030, some underwater research jobs such as traditional deep-sea exploration roles may decline due to advancements in autonomous underwater vehicles and remote sensing technology. Positions requiring manual underwater data collection or basic submersible operation could be replaced by automated systems, emphasizing skills in robotics, programming, and remote operation. However, specialized roles involving complex analysis, equipment maintenance, and environmental assessment are expected to remain essential.

How much do underwater researchers make?

Underwater researchers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and specialization. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in diving, marine biology, or technical equipment may have higher salaries.

What's the highest paying underwater job?

The highest paying underwater jobs are often specialized roles such as commercial diving supervisors, underwater welders, or underwater construction managers, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and the ability to work in challenging environments.

What is a typical work environment like for professionals in underwater research?

Professionals in underwater research usually split their time between fieldwork—often aboard research vessels or at coastal sites—and lab or office settings where they analyze collected data. Fieldwork can involve diving in varying water conditions, operating specialized equipment, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams. The role may require travel, irregular hours, or extended periods away from home, depending on the research project. Collaboration with other scientists, engineers, and support staff is common, fostering a dynamic and supportive team environment. This variation offers exciting challenges and opportunities for learning on the job.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of underwater research, high-paying roles such as senior marine scientists, underwater robotics engineers, or specialized consultants can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require advanced technical skills, certifications, and work in specialized environments or projects. Such salaries are typically found in senior management or highly specialized roles within large organizations or government agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Underwater Research position, and why are they important?

To thrive in underwater research, you need strong scientific knowledge in marine biology or oceanography, SCUBA certification, physical fitness, and relevant fieldwork experience. Familiarity with underwater navigation tools, data collection equipment, remote sensing technology, and ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, teamwork, and adaptability help researchers excel in diverse and challenging environments. These abilities are essential to ensure safety, gather accurate data, and contribute meaningfully to marine science projects.

More about Underwater Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Underwater Research jobs? Cities with the most Underwater Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Underwater Research jobs? The most popular types of Underwater Research jobs are:
What states have the most Underwater Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Underwater Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Underwater Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Underwater Research jobs are:
Underwater Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underwater Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,670 per year, or $46.5 per hour.
Navy Seal - NY

Navy Seal - NY

U.S. Navy

On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 378 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

If you are reviewing this job post, you must be ready to prove yourself. Being a motivated individual is a starting point.

This offer isn't about just becoming a Navy SEAL, you are researching how to become a Navy SEAL Officer which makes your journey ahead even more challenging and exciting.

A Navy SEAL Officer is an  Unrestricted Line Officer in the Navy who leads the most elite warriors in the world – the  Navy SEAL teams .

What Does A Navy SEAL Officer Do?

The Navy SEALs are an agile, elite maritime military unit equipped for all facets of unconventional warfare, founded by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. 

In this position, you will give critical military assistance in times of crisis all throughout the world. 

As a SEAL Officer, your responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Conducting clandestine Special Warfare/Special Operations insertions and extractions by sea, air, or land

  • Detecting and apprehending high-value enemy people and terrorists all across the world.

  • Special reconnaissance missions are used to gather information and intelligence.

  • Small-unit direct-action operations against military objectives

  • Conducting underwater research and destruction of natural or man-made barriers.

  • Training and leading enlisted SEALs.

SEALs are not only highly skilled individuals; they are also members of closely knit teams. 

They train and work in all sorts of environments. That includes deserts, urban areas, mountains, forests, jungles, and arctic conditions. 

A typical mission involves the use of many types of means to a combat objective: parachute, submarine, helicopter, high-speed boat, foot patrol, or combat swimmer insertion.

A SEAL officer is position of leadership like no other.

If you are interested in finding out more about our SPECWAR programs, please reach out so that we can assist you.

What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

US Navy logo

About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All US Navy Jobs

Apply