What Does it Take to Be an Archeologist?
Archeologist Definition 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.
Life As an Archeologist: What Do They Do?
- Describe artifacts’ physical properties or attributes, such as the materials from which artifacts are made and their size, shape, function, and decoration.
- Write, present, and publish reports that record site history, methodology, and artifact analysis results, along with recommendations for conserving and interpreting findings.
- Consult site reports, existing artifacts, and topographic maps to identify archeological sites.
- Clean, restore, and preserve artifacts.
- Present findings from archeological research to peers and the general public.
- Teach archeology at colleges and universities.
Qualities of an Archeologist
Below is a list of the skills most Archeologists say are important on the job.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Archeologist
- Archaeologist
- Director of Research Center
- Research Professor
- Principal Archaeologist
Archeologist Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 7,600 jobs in the United States for Archeologist. 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. There will be an estimated 700 positions for Archeologist per 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.
Salary for an Archeologist
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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Archeologists 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 & Technology do Archeologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Archeologists may use on a daily basis:
- 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
Becoming an Archeologist
Are there Archeologists education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become an Archeologist?
Where do Archeologists Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Archeologist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
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