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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Archaeologists.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Archaeologists.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 6%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Collect information and make judgments through observation, interviews, and review of documents.
Research, survey, or assess sites of past societies and cultures in search of answers to specific research questions.
Write about and present research findings for a variety of specialized and general audiences.
Before you dive into the educational and professional requirements, it's important to have a clear understanding of what archaeologists do. These professionals study past human activity by excavating, dating, and interpreting objects and sites of historical interest. They may work in a variety of settings, from universities to government agencies, or for cultural resource management firms.
Bachelor's Degree: Your first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree in archaeology or a related field such as anthropology or history. Coursework often includes classes in human evolution, world archaeology, and geographic information systems (GIS).
Fieldwork Experience: Participating in field schools or internships is crucial for gaining hands-on experience. Look for opportunities through your university or organizations like the Archaeological Institute of America.
Master's Degree: While not always required, a master's degree can enhance your qualifications, especially for higher-level positions. Specializations could include bioarchaeology, forensic archaeology, or heritage management.
Doctorate Degree: For those aiming at academic careers or high-level research positions, a Ph.D. in archaeology is usually necessary. This involves several years of advanced study and original research culminating in a dissertation.
Volunteering: Start by volunteering at local museums, historical societies, or archaeological sites to get a feel for the work and make professional connections.
Field Schools: Attend field schools to gain practical skills in excavation and site surveying. These are often available through universities during the summer.
Internships: Secure internships that can provide specialized experience in areas like artifact conservation or museum curation.
Consider obtaining certification from professional organizations like the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA). While not mandatory, it can demonstrate your commitment to ethical standards and professionalism in the field.
Archaeology has many sub-disciplines. Specializing can make you more competitive and may be necessary for certain roles. Common specializations include:
Archaeologists must be adept at using various technologies and methodologies. Familiarize yourself with:
Professional Organizations: Join organizations like the Society for American Archaeology to network with peers and stay informed on industry developments.
Conferences and Workshops: Attend conferences and workshops to learn from experts and present your own research.
Publications: Keep up with scholarly articles and publications in the field to stay abreast of new findings and theoretical approaches.
Remember that becoming an archaeologist involves a combination of formal education, fieldwork, and continuous learning. It's a competitive field that requires passion, dedication, and an eagerness to uncover the mysteries of the past.
To pursue a career in archaeology, you typically need the following education:
Essential skills for an archaeologist include:
Yes, there are several specializations within archaeology:
Archaeologists can work in various settings, and job titles may include:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of anthropologists and archaeologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. However, competition for positions can be strong due to a limited number of roles.
Archaeologists can work in a variety of environments:
Salaries for archaeologists vary based on education level, experience, specialization, and geographic location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2020, the median annual wage for anthropologists and archaeologists was $66,130.
While not all archaeologists conduct fieldwork, it is a significant aspect of many archaeological careers. Fieldwork can take the form of site excavation, surveying, or participating in digs at potential archaeological sites.
Yes, volunteering or interning is highly recommended:
Opportunities can often be found through universities, museums, archaeological societies, or local archaeological projects.
Joining professional organizations can benefit your career:
These organizations offer resources such as conferences, publications, networking opportunities, and ethical guidelines.