Also called: Underwater Archaeologist, Nautical Archaeologist
Finds and studies shipwrecks and sunken sites from history.
Marine archaeologists scan the seafloor with sonar, dive on wrecks to map and excavate them, and conserve artifacts. Many also survey sites before offshore wind or cable projects.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's in maritime archaeology (Texas A&M and East Carolina are known programs) plus diving certifications.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Anthropology, Archaeology, History, Maritime Studies.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Robotic imaging and AI sonar help find wrecks; diving, excavating and interpreting history stay human.
Classes: AP US History, Earth science, Physical education and swimming.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-3091.
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