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Archaeological Curation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design, conduct, and report on archaeological investigations of all types (pre-contact, historic ... Ability to lead teams of archaeologists to complete fieldwork, reporting, lab work and curation in ...

This hourly, on-call position will support the archaeological fieldwork needs of the Midwest region ... Perform laboratory duties including artifact processing, classification, and curation, as well as ...

This hourly, on-call position will support the archaeological fieldwork needs of the Midwest region ... Perform laboratory duties including artifact processing, classification, and curation, as well as ...

Key responsibilities of the position include conducting and supervising archaeological surveys ... Conduct artifact analysis and assist in curation efforts * Coordinate regulatory compliance efforts ...

Key responsibilities of the position include conducting and supervising archaeological surveys ... Conduct artifact analysis and assist in curation efforts * Coordinate regulatory compliance efforts ...

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Archaeological Curation information

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$31.5K

$60.7K

$97K

How much do archaeological curation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for archaeological curation in the United States is $60,710.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become an archaeological curator?

To become an archaeological curator, typically a bachelor's degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or doctoral degree for advanced positions. Relevant skills include knowledge of conservation techniques, museum practices, and experience with artifact management, often gained through internships or volunteer work. Certification or specialized training in conservation or curation can enhance job prospects in this field.

What is the difference between Archaeological Curation vs Archaeological Collections Manager?

AspectArchaeological CurationArchaeological Collections Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in archaeology, anthropology, or related fieldSimilar credentials, often with additional management or conservation training
Work EnvironmentMuseums, archaeological sites, research institutionsMuseums, cultural heritage organizations, research facilities
Job FocusPreserving, documenting, and managing archaeological artifactsOverseeing collection care, storage, and access for research and exhibitions

Both roles involve managing archaeological artifacts, but Archaeological Curation focuses more on preservation and documentation, while Archaeological Collections Managers handle overall collection management and access. They often work together within museums or research institutions to ensure artifacts are preserved and accessible for study and display.

What is the 50 year rule in archeology?

The 50 year rule in archaeological curation states that artifacts and records are typically considered open for research and public access if they are at least 50 years old. Curators and archaeologists use this guideline to determine when collections can be transferred from active excavation to museum or archival storage, ensuring proper preservation and documentation over time.

What is the highest paying job in archeology?

The highest paying roles in archaeological curation typically include senior positions such as Archaeological Directors or Consultants, especially those working for government agencies, large institutions, or private firms. These roles often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and specialized skills, and they can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level positions.

Do museum curators get paid well?

Museum curators, including those specializing in archaeological curation, typically earn moderate salaries that vary by institution, location, and experience. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced curators with advanced degrees and specialized skills can earn higher wages, often supplemented by benefits and job stability in cultural institutions.
More about Archaeological Curation jobs
What cities are hiring for Archaeological Curation jobs? Cities with the most Archaeological Curation job openings:
What states have the most Archaeological Curation jobs? States with the most job openings for Archaeological Curation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Archaeological Curation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 91% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,710 per year, or $29.2 per hour.
Project Archaeologist

Project Archaeologist

TERRACON

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Terracon rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 57 rated business consultants


Job description

General Responsibilities:
Are you looking to join an established environmental planning practice with the opportunity to build your own local cultural resources team? We are looking for a Senior Archaeologist to help grow our cultural resources team in Lenexa, Kansas. This is a full-time position with benefits.
Essential Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
  • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.
  • Design, conduct, and report on archaeological investigations of all types (pre-contact, historic, industrial, rural, urban) and phases (survey, evaluation, mitigation) to regulatory agency standards on projects located in the central region with an emphasis on MO and KS.
  • Conduct independent pre-contact and historic documentary research.
  • Develop proposals, methodologies, and research designs for all types and phases of archaeological projects.
  • Supervise and coordinate field and laboratory crews.
  • Coordinate and assist internal and external clients with cultural resources regulatory compliance.
  • Coordinate with other Archaeological Principal Investigators and historians within Terracon across the region and nationally.
  • Market our archaeological services to new and existing clients.
  • Manage projects within budget and deadline constraints.
  • Grow and manage a local team of full and part time field archaeologists.

Preferred:
  • Professional experience as an Archaeological Principal Investigator in MO, IL, AR, and/or KS.
  • Professional experience working on solar farms, commercial developments, and communications tower projects.
  • Experience writing bid and proposal packages for large mutli-year state and federal government contracts.
  • Experience marketing archaeological services.
  • Experience managing a team of archaeologists.
  • Listed as a Registered Professional Archaeologist or ability to obtain RPA status.

Required
  • Meet SOI Qualifications as Principal Investigator
  • Ability to work as an Archaeological Principal Investigator under the requirements of the State Historic Preservation Officer in MO.
  • Minimum of Master's degree in Anthropology or closely related field.
  • A minimum of ten (10) years of experience with increasing responsibility including at least one (1) year of experience serving as a Principal Investigator and/or Project Archaeologist in U.S. with a professional cultural resource, architectural, or engineering firm or a federal or state agency such as a State Historic Preservation Office.
  • Intimate knowledge of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely using both written and verbal skills.
  • Ability to multi-task within flexible/fluid schedules and project needs.
  • Ability to lead teams of archaeologists to complete fieldwork, reporting, lab work and curation in compliance with regulatory obligations.
  • Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship.
  • Ability to pass drug screening.
  • Possession of a U.S. driver's license, with acceptable violation history.

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