How much does a Archaeologist make?
An archaeologist studies the past by examining artifacts and remains. They work in various settings, including museums, universities, and government agencies. The average yearly salary for an archaeologist is around $73,754. This salary can vary based on experience, education, and location.
Archaeologists often start with a lower salary and can earn more as they gain experience. The salary range can be broad, with some earning as low as $42,000 and others earning over $127,000. Factors that can affect salary include the type of employer, the specific job role, and the region where the archaeologist works. For example, those in urban areas or with specialized skills may earn more.
What are the highest paying cities for a Archaeologist?

-
Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $93,881
In Honolulu, professionals explore ancient Hawaiian sites. The University of Hawaii offers many opportunities. The climate makes fieldwork pleasant year-round.
Find Archaeologist jobs in Honolulu, HI
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $92,613
Seattle offers rich opportunities in archaeology. Work with companies like the Burke Museum. The city's history provides many sites to study.
Find Archaeologist jobs in Seattle, WA
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $91,792
San Diego has a vibrant archaeology scene. Explore ancient Native American sites. Work with organizations like the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Find Archaeologist jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $90,624
Phoenix offers a unique mix of ancient and modern archaeology. Study ancient Native American ruins. Companies like the Arizona State Museum provide opportunities.
Find Archaeologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $88,474
San Francisco provides diverse archaeology projects. Explore historic sites and shipwrecks. Work with institutions like the California Academy of Sciences.
Find Archaeologist jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $86,718
Anchorage offers exciting opportunities in Arctic archaeology. Study ancient sites in unique environments. Companies like the Alaska Anthropological Association provide chances.
Find Archaeologist jobs in Anchorage, AK
-
Chico, CA
Average Salary: $84,272
Chico is a hub for California archaeology. Work with Chico State University. Explore sites in the surrounding areas.
Find Archaeologist jobs in Chico, CA
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $84,240
Sacramento offers many archaeology projects. Study ancient Native American sites. Work with local universities and historical societies.
Find Archaeologist jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $81,777
Los Angeles provides diverse archaeology opportunities. Explore ancient sites and urban archaeology. Work with institutions like the Getty Conservation Institute.
Find Archaeologist jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Portland, OR
Average Salary: $78,649
Portland offers a mix of urban and rural archaeology. Study ancient Native American sites. Work with organizations like the Oregon Historical Society.
Find Archaeologist jobs in Portland, OR
What are the best companies a Archaeologist can work for?

-
Army Corps of Engineers
Average Salary: $92,455
The Army Corps of Engineers offers exciting opportunities for archaeologists. They work on projects across the U.S. and internationally. They focus on preserving cultural resources and managing historic sites. Locations include Washington, D.C., and various state offices.
-
TRC
Average Salary: $89,127
TRC provides archaeologists with a chance to work on diverse projects. They focus on environmental consulting and historic preservation. They operate in many states, including California, Texas, and New York. Their projects often involve site assessments and cultural resource management.
-
USDA NRCS
Average Salary: $88,432
The USDA NRCS offers roles for archaeologists in rural development. They work on projects that protect and enhance natural resources. They operate nationwide, with offices in many states. Their work includes evaluating the impact of projects on historic sites.
-
US Bureau of Land Management
Average Salary: $84,244
The US Bureau of Land Management provides archaeologists with opportunities to manage public lands. They work on projects that protect cultural resources. They operate in many western states, including Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Their work includes site surveys and historic preservation.
-
ICF
Average Salary: $78,166
ICF offers archaeologists roles in consulting and research. They work on projects that involve environmental impact assessments. They operate in many states, including Virginia, Maryland, and California. Their projects often focus on cultural resource management.
-
Stantec
Average Salary: $75,848
Stantec provides archaeologists with opportunities in consulting and design. They work on projects that involve infrastructure development. They operate in many states, including Florida, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Their work includes site assessments and historic preservation.
-
U.S. National Park Service
Average Salary: $74,518
The U.S. National Park Service offers archaeologists roles in preserving national parks. They work on projects that protect historic sites. They operate in many states, including California, Alaska, and Florida. Their work includes site management and cultural resource protection.
-
Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson
Average Salary: $73,511
Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson offers archaeologists roles in engineering and consulting. They work on projects that involve infrastructure development. They operate in many states, including California, New York, and Texas. Their projects often focus on site assessments and historic preservation.
-
WSP
Average Salary: $68,171
WSP provides archaeologists with opportunities in consulting and engineering. They work on projects that involve environmental impact assessments. They operate in many states, including Florida, California, and New York. Their work includes site surveys and cultural resource management.
-
GEI Consultants
Average Salary: $68,000
GEI Consultants offers archaeologists roles in consulting and research. They work on projects that involve environmental impact assessments. They operate in many states, including California, Texas, and New York. Their projects often focus on site assessments and cultural resource management.
How to earn more as a Archaeologist?
Archaeologists can find rewarding work in many areas. They explore ancient sites and uncover history. To earn more, archaeologists can take several steps. They can gain more experience and specialize in a niche area. They can also seek advanced degrees or certifications. Networking with other professionals can open new job opportunities. Staying current with the latest research and technology helps too. Finally, moving to areas with higher demand for archaeologists can lead to better pay.
Specializing in a niche area can make an archaeologist more valuable. For example, focusing on underwater archaeology or forensic archaeology can lead to higher-paying jobs. Advanced degrees, such as a master's or Ph.D., can also increase earning potential. Certifications in areas like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) or remote sensing can be very useful. Networking with other professionals can lead to job referrals and collaborations. Staying updated with the latest research and technology keeps skills sharp and competitive. Finally, relocating to areas with higher demand for archaeologists can result in higher salaries.
Here are some steps to increase earnings as an archaeologist:
- Gain more experience and specialize in a niche area.
- Seek advanced degrees or certifications.
- Network with other professionals.
- Stay current with the latest research and technology.
- Move to areas with higher demand for archaeologists.