Archaeologist Salaries

1. Seattle, WA
   Average Salary: $96,196
   Seattle offers exciting opportunities for those who love history. Working here means exploring ancient sites and uncovering the mysteries of the past. Companies like the Burke Museum provide valuable experience in archaeological research.
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2. San Francisco, CA
   Average Salary: $86,431
   In San Francisco, professionals dive into rich historical layers. The city’s diverse sites offer endless discoveries. Employers like the California Academy of Sciences often seek skilled archaeologists to join their projects.
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3. Sacramento, CA
   Average Salary: $85,957
   Sacramento provides a vibrant environment for those in archaeology. The area’s historical sites are plentiful, making it ideal for fieldwork. Working here, you may collaborate with local universities on significant projects.
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4. Los Angeles, CA
   Average Salary: $84,753
   Los Angeles is a hotspot for archaeological work with its numerous ancient sites. Working in this dynamic city allows for diverse projects. Notable employers include the Getty Conservation Institute, where archaeologists contribute to preservation efforts.
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5. Portland, OR
   Average Salary: $83,861
   Portland offers a unique setting for archaeology with its blend of urban and natural environments. Here, professionals can work on projects that explore the rich history of the region. The Oregon Historical Society is a key player in the local archaeological scene.
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6. Bakersfield, CA
   Average Salary: $78,267
   In Bakersfield, archaeologists have the chance to uncover stories from the past in a diverse landscape. The area's rich heritage provides exciting opportunities. Local museums and universities often seek skilled archaeologists to support their research.
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7. Houston, TX
   Average Salary: $74,267
   Houston presents an exciting environment for those interested in history. The city’s varied sites offer a wealth of archaeological opportunities. Working here, you can join organizations like the Houston Museum of Natural Science to contribute to meaningful projects.
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8. Phoenix, AZ
   Average Salary: $73,215
   Phoenix provides a unique backdrop for archaeological work, with ancient sites scattered across the landscape. Professionals here enjoy a mix of urban and natural settings. Companies like the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society offer valuable experience.
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9. Albuquerque, NM
   Average Salary: $72,678
   Albuquerque offers rich opportunities for those drawn to history. The city’s ancient ruins and diverse sites make it an exciting place to work. Archaeologists here often collaborate with the University of New Mexico on significant projects.
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10. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $72,162
    Denver is a hub for archaeologists, with a rich history and numerous sites to explore. Working here means being part of projects that uncover the past. Local institutions like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science often seek skilled professionals to join their teams.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Denver, CO
    

1. Arcadis
   Average Salary: $128,544
   Arcadis offers diverse opportunities for archaeologists. They focus on cultural resource management, heritage conservation, and archaeological impact assessments. They operate globally, with major offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
   

   
   

2. AECOM
   Average Salary: $82,092
   AECOM provides archaeologists with roles in historical preservation and research. They work on projects that require environmental impact assessments. AECOM operates worldwide with headquarters in the U.S. and major offices in Europe and Asia.
   

   
   

3. ICF
   Average Salary: $78,021
   ICF offers archaeologists positions in environmental consulting and cultural heritage management. They focus on historic preservation and impact assessments. ICF has a global presence with major offices in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.
   

   
   

4. Stantec
   Average Salary: $72,712
   Stantec provides archaeologists with opportunities in historic preservation and impact assessments. They work on projects that require extensive research and documentation. They operate internationally with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia.
   

   
   

5. U.S. National Park Service
   Average Salary: $70,846
   The U.S. National Park Service offers archaeologists roles in heritage conservation and archaeological research. They work on preserving national parks and historical sites. The agency operates throughout the U.S. with regional offices.
   

   
   

6. Tetra Tech
   Average Salary: $70,364
   Tetra Tech provides archaeologists with opportunities in cultural resource management and environmental consulting. They focus on impact assessments and preservation projects. They operate globally with headquarters in the U.S. and offices in Europe and Asia.
   

   
   

7. WSP
   Average Salary: $66,610
   WSP offers archaeologists positions in environmental consulting and cultural heritage management. They focus on impact assessments and preservation projects. They operate internationally with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia.
   

   
   

8. SWCA Environmental Consultants
   Average Salary: $63,113
   SWCA Environmental Consultants provides archaeologists with opportunities in cultural resource management and environmental consulting. They focus on impact assessments and heritage preservation. They operate primarily in the U.S. with offices in several states.
   

Archeologists can find rewarding work as they uncover the history of our world. People who pursue this career often do so out of passion rather than for the money. However, like many careers, earning potential can vary. Here are several ways to improve earnings in this field.

Advancement in one’s career is a common way to increase earnings. Starting as an assistant archeologist or field technician can lead to higher-paying positions such as senior archeologist or project manager. These roles come with more responsibility and often higher pay. Another way to increase earnings is by specializing in a niche area. Fields such as underwater archeology or forensic archeology can offer higher pay due to the specialized skills required.

Here are some ways to increase earnings:

1. Get advanced degrees. A master's or Ph.D. can open up higher-paying positions.
2. Gain experience. Working on many projects can lead to promotions and higher pay.
3. Specialize in a niche. Areas like forensic archeology can command higher salaries.
4. Publish research. Sharing findings can lead to more job opportunities and better pay.
5. Network. Building connections can lead to higher-paying job offers.