What Does an Archaeologist Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does an archaeologist do?

Anthropologists and archaeologists study the origin, development and behavior of humans, examining cultures, languages, archaeological remains and physical characteristics. The median pay is $70,770 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Bachelor’s plus field school; master’s for leadership, and employment is projected to grow +6.0% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$70,770
$34.02/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+6.0%
2025–35, faster than average
Openings per year
800
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Master's degree
BLS classification
Time to train
Bachelor’s plus field school; master’s for leadership
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
10,200
Employment, 2025

What archaeologists do

Archaeologists uncover the past. They survey and excavate sites, record and analyze artifacts, write reports and help agencies and developers protect cultural resources. Most work in cultural resource management for construction projects.

A master’s degree is typical for project-level roles; many field technicians start with a bachelor’s. BLS projects about average growth.

Typical duties

Survey sites
Excavate
Record finds
Analyze artifacts
Write reports
Consult with tribes
Advise on compliance

Work environment and schedule

Archaeologists work outdoors at sites and in labs and offices.

Schedule: Field projects may last weeks; lab and office work in between.

A day in the life

6:30 AMDrive to the site.
7:00 AMLay out units.
8:00 AMExcavate in levels.
11:00 AMScreen soil.

See a full day in the life of an archaeologist →

Archaeologist salary

Half of archaeologists earned more than $70,770 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $49,050 for the lowest 10% to $108,060 for the top 10%.

$49,05010th$70,770Median$108,06090th

Full archaeologist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an archaeologist

Earn an anthropology bachelor’s
Attend field school
Work as a field technician
Earn a master’s
Become RPA

A master’s degree is typical for project roles; technicians often start with a bachelor’s.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an archaeologist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Excavation
Survey
Artifact analysis
GIS
Report writing

People skills

Patience
Attention to detail
Teamwork
Respect for cultures

All archaeologist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Discover history
Outdoor fieldwork
Travel
Cultural preservation

Cons

Seasonal field jobs
Low pay early on
Travel away from home
Weather

Certifications and licenses

RPA: Register of Professional Archaeologists.
Field school: Required training.
OSHA 10: Safety.
GIS certificate: Helpful.

Career path

Field Technician: Entry.
Crew Chief: Lead crews.
Project Archaeologist: Lead projects.
Principal Investigator: Lead research.

Learn the job before day one

Our Archaeologist training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as excavate a unit in levels and write a phase I survey report, safety and how to land your first job.

View Archaeologist training Is this career right for me?

Anthropology Professor

Teach how humans and cultures have developed across time and place.

$99,650
6–8 years after a bachelor’s

Historian

Research and interpret the past for governments, museums and the public.

$76,750
2 years after a bachelor’s

Curator

Build museum collections and plan exhibitions that tell stories.

$63,420
2 years after a bachelor’s plus experience

Museum Technician

Handle, install and care for museum objects and exhibits.

$51,440
Bachelor’s plus internships

Compare: Archaeologist vs. Anthropology Professor · Archaeologist vs. Historian · Archaeologist vs. Curator · Archaeologist vs. Museum Technician

Archaeologist FAQ

Where do most archaeologists work?

In cultural resource management for construction projects.

Do I need a master’s?

For project-level roles, usually.

Is fieldwork seasonal?

Often.

How much does an archaeologist make?

The median annual wage for archaeologists was $70,770 ($34.02 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,050 and the highest 10% earned more than $108,060.

How long does it take to become an archaeologist?

Most people need about Bachelor’s plus field school; master’s for leadership of training. A master’s degree is typical for project roles; technicians often start with a bachelor’s.

Do you need a degree to be an archaeologist?

Yes. BLS lists a master's degree as the typical entry-level education.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-3091 (Anthropologists and archeologists).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Anthropologists and archeologists (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Archaeologist