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How much does a Archaeologist make?

The average salary for a Archaeologist is $72,552 per year in the US.

Archaeologists who study human history through artifacts earn a good salary. The average yearly salary for archaeologists is $72,552. This means most archaeologists make between $41,500 and $137,500 each year. Those at the beginning of their career usually earn on the lower end. Experienced archaeologists earn closer to the higher end.

The salary can vary based on the job. Some archaeologists work in universities and make around $50,227. Others work in government agencies and earn about $58,955. Those who work for private companies might make up to $67,682. Top earners in the field, often with significant experience or in leadership roles, can make more than $120,000 a year.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Archaeologist?

Job seekers aiming to become archaeologists will find strong opportunities in several cities. San Diego offers the highest average salary of $102,017, making it a top choice. Seattle and San Francisco also provide competitive salaries, with averages around $93,636 and $85,558 respectively. Considering these cities can lead to both successful career placements and higher earnings.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Archaeologist jobs, highlighting San Diego, CA with the highest at $102,017 and Reno, NV with the lowest at $71,939.
  1. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $102,017
    Professionals here explore ancient civilizations near the coast. They work for both government agencies and private firms. Sites like Cabrillo National Monument offer hands-on experience.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $93,636
    In Seattle, archaeologists examine early Native American cultures. They often collaborate with universities and research institutions. The Burke Museum offers great research opportunities.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $85,558
    In San Francisco, archaeologists focus on California’s rich history. They work with cultural preservation groups and universities. The California Academy of Sciences is a key workplace.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $83,540
    Working in Sacramento, archaeologists uncover the state’s historical sites. They often partner with state agencies for preservation projects. The California State Capitol Museum is a significant site.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $83,063
    In Los Angeles, archaeologists delve into Native American heritage. They often work for private firms specializing in cultural resource management. The Getty Villa provides rich research opportunities.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $81,254
    In Portland, professionals explore Native American history and pioneer settlements. They often work with non-profits and educational institutions. The Oregon Historical Society is a key collaborator.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Portland, OR


  7. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $78,267
    Bakersfield offers a focus on local historical sites and Native American heritage. Archaeologists here work with local government and educational institutions. Research is often conducted in partnership with local museums.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  8. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $75,302
    In Phoenix, archaeologists study ancient civilizations and Native American cultures. They work with universities and government agencies. The Heard Museum is a notable site for research.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  9. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $73,380
    Houston’s archaeologists explore coastal and Native American sites. They often work for cultural resource management firms. The Houston Museum of Natural Science provides valuable research opportunities.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Houston, TX


  10. Reno, NV
    Average Salary: $71,939
    Reno offers a focus on the history of the Great Basin. Archaeologists here work with universities and government agencies. The Nevada State Museum is a key institution for research.
    Find Archaeologist jobs in Reno, NV

What are the best companies a Archaeologist can work for?

Arcadis stands out as a top employer for archaeologists, offering a robust average salary of $140,832. This company focuses on sustainable design and consultancy, providing ample opportunities for career growth. GEI Consultants also pays well, with an average salary of $91,167, making it another strong choice for archaeologists. AECOM follows closely with an average salary of $85,688. This firm works on infrastructure projects globally, offering archaeologists a chance to gain diverse experience. Stantec, WSP, Tetra Tech, and SWCA Environmental Consultants also provide competitive salaries for archaeologists. Each of these companies values skilled professionals and offers growth potential.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Archaeologist jobs, highlighting Arcadis with the highest at $140,832 and SWCA Environmental Consultants with the lowest at $63,492.
  1. Arcadis
    Average Salary: $140,832
    Arcadis offers exciting opportunities for archaeologists. They work on a variety of projects around the world. Locations include major cities in North America, Europe, and Asia.


  2. GEI Consultants
    Average Salary: $91,167
    GEI Consultants provides many archaeology jobs. They focus on preservation and research. They operate primarily in the United States with offices in several states.


  3. AECOM
    Average Salary: $85,688
    AECOM is a global company that hires archaeologists. They work on historic preservation and site assessments. Their offices span across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.


  4. Stantec
    Average Salary: $72,957
    Stantec offers rewarding archaeology roles. They work on cultural resource projects. Their team works in offices across North America, Europe, and Australia.


  5. U.S. National Park Service
    Average Salary: $72,445
    The U.S. National Park Service provides archaeologists with a chance to work on historic sites. They focus on preserving America’s heritage. The service operates in all 50 states.


  6. WSP
    Average Salary: $67,082
    WSP offers diverse archaeology opportunities. They focus on environmental and cultural resources. They have offices in many countries including the U.S., Canada, and the UK.


  7. Tetra Tech
    Average Salary: $64,615
    Tetra Tech provides archaeology jobs that focus on environmental consulting. They work in many countries. Their offices are in North America, Europe, and Asia.


  8. SWCA Environmental Consultants
    Average Salary: $63,492
    SWCA Environmental Consultants offers archaeology roles with a focus on ecological studies. They operate in the western United States.

How to earn more as a Archaeologist?

Archaeologists who seek higher earnings should focus on several key factors. One is gaining specialized skills. Advanced training in areas like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) or underwater archaeology can make an archaeologist more valuable. Another important factor is securing funding. Archaeologists who can attract grants or work for well-funded projects often earn more.

Networking also plays a critical role. Building relationships with other professionals and organizations can lead to better job opportunities and higher-paying positions. Taking on leadership roles and becoming a team supervisor can increase salary. Finally, advancing education can help. Those with master’s degrees or Ph.Ds often find higher-paying jobs and greater responsibilities.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more:

  • Specialized skills and training
  • Securing project funding
  • Building a professional network
  • Taking on leadership roles
  • Pursuing advanced degrees

Currently 55 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
55 Job Openings