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Archaeologists


Overview

Archaeologists

Introduction

Archaeologists study the origin and evolution of humans. They study the physical evidence of human culture, examining such items as tools, burial sites, buildings, religious icons, pottery, and clothing. There are approximately 7,600 archaeologists and anthropologists in the United States.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$62,410

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Employment Prospects

Fair

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Minimum Education Level

Master's Degree


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Experience

Internship


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Skills

Organizational
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Personality Traits

Curious
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Earnings

A large percentage of archaeologists work in academia. Salaries for archaeology and anthropology professors ranged from less than $45,330 to $159,390 or more in May 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). 

For those working in the field, salaries ranged widely. The DOL reports that the median annual salaries for archaeologists and anthropologists were $62,410 in May 2018. ...

Work Environment

Archaeologists working in educational facilities have normally clean, well lighted, and ventilated environments. Those working in the field may work in a more challenging environment, working in all types of weather and, depending on the area to which they are assigned, they may deal with potentially difficult living conditions.

Archaeologists work about 40 hours a week, and the hours ma...

Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for archaeologists will grow faster than the average for all other occupations through 2028. Since the academic job market is poor, most new jobs in the near future will probably be nonteaching positions in cultural resource management firms, consulting firms, research institutes, corporations, and federal, state, and local government agenci...