Life As an 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.
A Day in the Life of an Archeologist
- Consult site reports, existing artifacts, and topographic maps to identify archeological sites.
- Record the exact locations and conditions of artifacts uncovered in diggings or surveys, using drawings and photographs as necessary.
- Write, present, and publish reports that record site history, methodology, and artifact analysis results, along with recommendations for conserving and interpreting findings.
- Study objects and structures recovered by excavation to identify, date, and authenticate them and to interpret their significance.
- Assess archeological sites for resource management, development, or conservation purposes and recommend methods for site protection.
- Lead field training sites and train field staff, students, and volunteers in excavation methods.
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What Every Archeologist Should Know
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Archaeologist
- Archeologist
- Director of Research Center
- Project Director
- Egyptologist
Job Outlook for Archeologists
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. The BLS estimates 700 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
What is the Average Salary of an Archeologist
The salary for Archeologists ranges between about $36,840 and $97,170 a year.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Archeologists
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
How do I Become an Archeologist?
Education needed to be an Archeologist:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Archeologists?
Archeologists work in the following industries:
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References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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