What is an Archeologist?
Archeologist Job Description Conduct research to reconstruct record of past human life and culture from human remains, artifacts, architectural features, and structures recovered through excavation, underwater recovery, or other means of discovery.
List of Archeologist Job Duties
- Lead field training sites and train field staff, students, and volunteers in excavation methods.
- Collect artifacts made of stone, bone, metal, and other materials, placing them in bags and marking them to show where they were found.
- Describe artifacts’ physical properties or attributes, such as the materials from which artifacts are made and their size, shape, function, and decoration.
- Consult site reports, existing artifacts, and topographic maps to identify archeological sites.
- Teach archeology at colleges and universities.
- Record the exact locations and conditions of artifacts uncovered in diggings or surveys, using drawings and photographs as necessary.
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Archeologist Skills
Archeologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Types of Archeologist
- Archeologist
- Research Archaeologist
- Curator
- Archaeologist
- Archeological Technician
Job Outlook for Archeologists
In the United States, there were 7,600 jobs for Archeologist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 3.9% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 300 new jobs for Archeologist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 700 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Archeologist are Washington, Nebraska, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Pennsylvania, Wyoming, or West Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Archeologists Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Archeologists is somewhere between $36,840 and $97,170.
Archeologists who work in Massachusetts, Hawaii, or Idaho, make the highest salaries.
How much do Archeologists make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $54,390 |
Arizona | $64,660 |
Arkansas | $58,240 |
California | $67,030 |
Colorado | $63,940 |
Florida | $54,130 |
Georgia | $67,550 |
Hawaii | $82,550 |
Idaho | $71,520 |
Illinois | $62,650 |
Kentucky | $59,740 |
Louisiana | $68,690 |
Maryland | $53,680 |
Massachusetts | $91,140 |
Missouri | $56,880 |
Montana | $62,690 |
Nebraska | $74,280 |
Nevada | $60,480 |
New Jersey | $64,950 |
New Mexico | $58,300 |
New York | $67,860 |
North Carolina | $63,690 |
North Dakota | $62,110 |
Ohio | $63,280 |
Oklahoma | $56,150 |
Oregon | $63,090 |
Pennsylvania | $70,770 |
South Carolina | $62,230 |
South Dakota | $52,340 |
Tennessee | $59,690 |
Texas | $71,590 |
Utah | $66,410 |
Virginia | $72,480 |
Washington | $74,300 |
West Virginia | $50,550 |
Wisconsin | $55,720 |
Wyoming | $67,400 |
What Tools do Archeologists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Archeologists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Graphics software
- ESRI ArcView
- ESRI ArcInfo
- Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Golden Software Surfer
How to Become an Archeologist
What education or degrees do I need to become an Archeologist?
What work experience do I need to become an Archeologist?
Where do Archeologists Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Archeologists employed by various industries.
Related Careers
Those interested in being an Archeologist may also be interested in:
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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