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Salary

How much does a Archaeologist make?

The average salary for a Archaeologist is $73,327 per year in the US.

Archaeologists study ancient human cultures through artifacts and physical sites. Their work ranges from excavation to lab analysis. They often work for universities, museums, or government agencies. Their salaries vary based on experience and education.

Entry-level archaeologists earn around $41,000 a year. This amount often increases with more experience. For example, those with 5 to 10 years of experience may earn between $67,000 and $85,000 annually. Seasoned archaeologists, with over 20 years in the field, can make more than $137,000 a year. The average yearly salary for an archaeologist is about $73,327. This range reflects the diverse opportunities available in the field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Archaeologist?

Archaeologists can find some of the highest paying jobs in several cities across the U.S. The top-paying city is San Diego, California, where archaeologists earn an average of $93,979 annually. Other high-paying cities include Honolulu, Hawaii, and Seattle, Washington. These cities offer competitive salaries and opportunities for those pursuing a career in archaeology.
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 $78,267.
  1. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $93,979
    San Diego offers a vibrant environment for archaeology. With its rich history and diverse cultures, professionals find ample opportunities for fieldwork. Companies like San Diego Archaeological Center provide solid career growth.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $91,374
    In Honolulu, archaeologists work in a unique setting. The island's ancient sites offer a wealth of discoveries. The University of Hawaii is a prominent institution for those interested in this field.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Honolulu, HI


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $90,817
    Seattle boasts a dynamic archaeology scene. The city’s mix of urban and natural settings provides diverse fieldwork. Professionals often work with local universities and heritage organizations.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $86,580
    Phoenix presents a rich landscape for archaeological exploration. The desert climate preserves many ancient sites, attracting many enthusiasts. Local firms and universities provide plenty of job opportunities.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  5. Chico, CA
    Average Salary: $85,864
    Chico offers a peaceful environment for those studying the past. The city’s historic sites and natural beauty make it an ideal place to work. Chico State University often collaborates with local archaeologists.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Chico, CA


  6. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $85,386
    San Francisco’s rich history provides many opportunities for archaeologists. The city’s diverse cultural sites attract many professionals. Companies and universities offer various roles for specialists.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  7. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $82,609
    Sacramento's historical landmarks offer intriguing sites for archaeologists. The city’s ancient Native American heritage provides a deep field for research. Local universities often hire experts for academic roles.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  8. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $81,877
    Portland provides a unique mix of urban and natural settings for archaeology. The city’s historic sites and natural beauty attract many professionals. Local colleges offer plenty of opportunities for fieldwork and research.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Portland, OR


  9. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $78,310
    Los Angeles offers a dynamic environment for archaeology. The city’s rich history and diverse cultures provide many sites to explore. Professional can find roles in local universities and heritage organizations.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  10. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $78,267
    Bakersfield’s desert setting offers unique opportunities for archaeology. The area’s ancient sites and natural landscapes attract many professionals. Local universities often work with archaeologists for research projects.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Bakersfield, CA

What are the best companies a Archaeologist can work for?

Arcadis leads in pay for archaeologists, offering an average salary of $140,832. Following closely is Dudek, with an average salary of $96,636. GEI Consultants also provide competitive pay, averaging $91,167 annually.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Archaeologist jobs, highlighting Arcadis with the highest at $140,832 and Tetra Tech with the lowest at $60,929.
  1. Arcadis
    Average Salary: $140,832
    Arcadis offers exciting Archaeologist positions with a focus on research and heritage conservation. They work globally and are known for their work in sustainable development.


  2. Dudek
    Average Salary: $96,636
    Dudek provides Archaeologist roles that emphasize fieldwork and historical preservation. They operate in various locations, including major cities across North America.


  3. GEI Consultants
    Average Salary: $91,167
    GEI Consultants offer Archaeologist jobs that involve environmental assessments and cultural resource management. Their projects span across the United States and internationally.


  4. AECOM
    Average Salary: $83,900
    AECOM provides Archaeologist positions with opportunities in both fieldwork and office-based research. They have offices in many key cities around the world.


  5. ICF
    Average Salary: $76,718
    ICF offers Archaeologist jobs focused on research, documentation, and site preservation. They have a global presence with offices in major cities.


  6. Stantec
    Average Salary: $72,974
    Stantec provides Archaeologist roles that involve field surveys and historical research. Their projects cover a wide range of locations worldwide.


  7. U.S. National Park Service
    Average Salary: $72,529
    The U.S. National Park Service offers Archaeologist positions dedicated to preserving and studying national parks. They operate in numerous locations across the United States.


  8. WSP
    Average Salary: $71,263
    WSP provides Archaeologist jobs with a focus on environmental consulting and heritage management. Their projects are based in key cities across North America and globally.


  9. SWCA Environmental Consultants
    Average Salary: $65,795
    SWCA Environmental Consultants offer Archaeologist roles that combine fieldwork with cultural resource management. They operate in many locations across the United States.


  10. Tetra Tech
    Average Salary: $60,929
    Tetra Tech provides Archaeologist positions that focus on environmental and cultural resource assessments. Their projects are based in key cities around the world.

How to earn more as a Archaeologist?

Archaeologists often find themselves driven by curiosity and a passion for uncovering the past. If you aim to increase your earnings in this field, consider focusing on a few key strategies. Pursuing advanced degrees can significantly boost your potential earnings. A master’s degree or a Ph.D. opens doors to higher-paying positions and research opportunities. Another way to increase your income is by gaining specialized skills. These can include proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or underwater archaeology. Working on international projects can also enhance your earning potential. Many countries offer higher salaries for archaeologists with experience in global contexts. Networking with industry professionals creates opportunities for higher-paying jobs. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can lead to lucrative positions. Finally, publishing research in reputable journals can boost your credibility and earning potential.

These factors provide a clear path for archaeologists looking to increase their earnings. By investing in higher education, developing specialized skills, seeking international opportunities, networking effectively, and publishing research, archaeologists can position themselves for higher-paying roles. Each of these strategies requires dedication but offers significant rewards in the long run. Following these steps can lead to a more lucrative career in archaeology.

Consider these steps to enhance your career as an archaeologist:

  • Pursue advanced degrees
  • Gain specialized skills
  • Work on international projects
  • Network with industry professionals
  • Publish research in reputable journals

Currently 75 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
75 Job Openings