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How much does a Archaeologist make?

The average salary for a Archaeologist is $73,981 per year in the US.

Archaeologists earn a solid income as they study ancient human cultures. On average, they make about $73,981 per year. These salaries can vary based on several factors, including experience and location.


Here's how salaries typically break down for archaeologists:

  • 10% earn less than $41,500.
  • 25% earn between $41,500 and $58,955.
  • 50% earn between $58,955 and $76,409.
  • 75% earn between $76,409 and $93,864.
  • 90% earn less than $102,591.
This range shows that as archaeologists gain experience, their pay tends to rise.

View Archaeologist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Archaeologist?

Archaeologists often find high-paying opportunities in cities rich in history and heritage. San Diego, California, offers an average salary of $93,979, making it one of the top locations for this profession. Seattle, Washington, closely follows with an average salary of $93,844, providing another excellent option for those in the field. Prospective job seekers should consider these cities for better financial rewards. Honolulu, Hawaii, offers an attractive average salary of $91,374, while San Francisco, California, pays around $87,992 per year. These cities not only offer competitive pay but also provide unique opportunities to work in diverse environments.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Archaeologist jobs, highlighting San Diego, CA with the highest at $93,979 and Bakersfield, CA with the lowest at $76,554.
  1. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $93,979
    In San Diego, one can explore ancient sites along the coast. The city's rich history and coastal areas offer unique finds. Many work with local universities and historical societies.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $93,844
    Seattle offers exciting opportunities to uncover the past. The city’s unique geography provides varied terrains for exploration. Local universities often partner with archaeologists for research.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $91,374
    In Honolulu, you can delve into Polynesian history. The islands provide diverse sites for exploration. Working with museums and cultural institutions is common.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Honolulu, HI


  4. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $87,992
    San Francisco's rich history makes it a fascinating place to work. The city’s historic buildings and diverse landscapes offer many sites to investigate. Many professionals collaborate with local universities.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. Chico, CA
    Average Salary: $85,864
    Chico offers a chance to explore the history of the western United States. The area’s natural beauty and historic sites provide ample opportunities for discovery. Working with local colleges is common.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Chico, CA


  6. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $85,856
    Phoenix has a wealth of ancient sites to explore. The desert landscape provides unique challenges and discoveries. Many archaeologists work with local universities and historical societies.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  7. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $84,038
    Portland offers a blend of urban and natural settings for exploration. The city’s historic sites and natural landscapes provide diverse opportunities. Collaboration with local universities is common.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Portland, OR


  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $82,433
    Sacramento offers a rich history to explore. The city’s diverse sites provide many avenues for investigation. Many professionals work with local historical societies and museums.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  9. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $77,318
    Los Angeles provides a vibrant setting for historical exploration. The city’s diverse landscapes and history offer many opportunities. Many work with local universities and cultural institutions.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  10. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $76,554
    In Bakersfield, one can explore the rich history of the central valley. The region’s unique sites provide many avenues for discovery. Collaboration with local historical societies is common.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Bakersfield, CA

What are the best companies a Archaeologist can work for?

Arcadis stands out as a top employer for archaeologists, offering an average salary of $140,832. Another great option is Dudek, where archaeologists can expect to earn around $96,636 annually. AECOM also provides a competitive salary of $82,036, making it a strong choice for those in the field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Archaeologist jobs, highlighting Arcadis with the highest at $140,832 and Tetra Tech with the lowest at $61,308.
  1. Arcadis
    Average Salary: $140,832
    Arcadis offers exciting opportunities for archaeologists who wish to work on projects that involve heritage and cultural preservation. With operations in many global locations, including Europe, North America, and Australia, Arcadis supports archaeologists in discovering and protecting historical sites.


  2. Dudek
    Average Salary: $96,636
    Dudek specializes in environmental consulting and cultural resource management. The company operates nationwide and offers archaeologists the chance to work on a variety of projects, from historic site assessments to mitigation planning. It is known for its commitment to professional development and employee training.


  3. AECOM
    Average Salary: $82,036
    AECOM provides archaeologists with opportunities to work on large-scale projects, including infrastructure and urban planning. Operating globally, AECOM allows archaeologists to impact cultural heritage preservation on a vast scale. The company fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment.


  4. GEI Consultants
    Average Salary: $81,900
    GEI Consultants is dedicated to environmental and cultural resource management. The company works across the United States and offers a variety of roles for archaeologists interested in site assessment and project management. GEI Consultants values teamwork and professional growth.


  5. ICF
    Average Salary: $76,734
    ICF offers diverse roles for archaeologists in heritage preservation and environmental consulting. With offices worldwide, ICF provides opportunities for global engagement. The company focuses on sustainability and offers a supportive workplace with professional development programs.


  6. Stantec
    Average Salary: $72,974
    Stantec supports archaeologists in projects related to urban planning and infrastructure. Operating globally, Stantec ensures archaeologists have access to a variety of projects and locations. The company emphasizes innovation and community engagement in its projects.


  7. U.S. National Park Service
    Average Salary: $71,573
    The U.S. National Park Service offers rewarding careers for archaeologists interested in preserving national heritage. With locations across the country, this agency provides opportunities to work on historic sites and artifacts. It is known for its dedication to environmental and cultural preservation.


  8. WSP
    Average Salary: $69,889
    WSP offers diverse roles for archaeologists in areas like infrastructure and environmental consulting. With a global presence, WSP ensures archaeologists can engage in varied projects. The company values teamwork and professional development.


  9. SWCA Environmental Consultants
    Average Salary: $67,241
    SWCA Environmental Consultants provides opportunities for archaeologists to work on environmental and cultural resource projects. The company operates across the United States and focuses on sustainable practices. It offers a supportive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.


  10. Tetra Tech
    Average Salary: $61,308
    Tetra Tech offers various roles for archaeologists in environmental consulting and cultural resource management. Operating globally, Tetra Tech provides diverse opportunities for professionals interested in heritage preservation. The company emphasizes sustainability and innovation.

How to earn more as a Archaeologist?

Archaeologists who want to earn more can find several ways to increase their earnings. One effective way involves gaining more experience and expertise. Working on different projects helps archaeologists build a strong portfolio and network. They can also take on leadership roles or specialize in high-demand areas. Each of these steps can lead to higher pay.

Another way to earn more involves pursuing advanced education. Many archaeologists hold a master's degree. Some may go on to earn a Ph.D. Advanced degrees often lead to higher-paying positions. They can also open doors to specialized roles. This extra education requires time and dedication. But it can pay off with a higher salary.

Consider these factors for increasing earnings:

  1. Gain experience and expertise.
  2. Pursue advanced education.
  3. Specialize in high-demand areas.
  4. Take on leadership roles.
  5. Build a strong professional network.

Currently 68 Archaeologist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Archaeologist in the US?

Learn what a Archaeologist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Archaeologist today.
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Archaeologist
68 Job Openings