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Archaeologist Salary Hour Jobs (NOW HIRING)

On-Call Archaeologist Jacobs is looking for a Secretary of the Interior (SOI) qualified on-call ... Has, or is willing to obtain, 40-hour HAZWOPER credentials Posted Salary Range: Minimum 70,900.00 ...

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Archaeologist Salary Hour information

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How much do archaeologist salary hour jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for archaeologist salary hour 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an archaeologist?

To thrive as an Archaeologist, you need a strong background in anthropology, history, and field research methods, typically supported by at least a bachelor's degree in archaeology or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, excavation tools, and lab analysis techniques is essential, and certifications like RPA (Register of Professional Archaeologists) can be advantageous. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for interpreting findings and collaborating with diverse teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for conducting thorough research, preserving historical sites, and ensuring accurate reporting of archaeological discoveries.

What is the average hourly salary of an archaeologist?

The average hourly salary for an archaeologist in the United States typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, depending on experience, education, location, and employer. Entry-level archaeologists may earn closer to the lower end of this range, while those with advanced degrees or several years of experience can earn more. Salaries can also vary based on whether the job is with a government agency, private consulting firm, or academic institution.

What are some common challenges archaeologists face when working in the field, and how can job seekers prepare for them?

Archaeologists often encounter challenges such as working in remote locations, adapting to unpredictable weather conditions, and managing physical labor during excavations. Fieldwork can also involve long hours and meticulous documentation of findings, which requires attention to detail and patience. To prepare, job seekers should develop strong observational skills, physical stamina, and the ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. Gaining experience through internships or volunteering on digs can also provide valuable insights into fieldwork realities.

What is the difference between Archaeologist Salary Hour vs Paleontologist Salary Hour?

AspectArchaeologist Salary HourPaleontologist Salary Hour
Average Hourly Wage$20 - $35$25 - $45
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in archaeology or related fieldBachelor's or higher in paleontology, geology, or related field
Work EnvironmentField excavations, museums, research labsField digs, museums, research institutions
Industry UsageHeritage, academia, government agenciesResearch, museums, academia

While both archaeologists and paleontologists work in excavation and research environments, paleontologists tend to earn higher hourly wages due to specialized knowledge in fossils and geology. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but paleontologists often pursue advanced degrees. The choice depends on your interest in human history versus prehistoric life.

Are archaeologists still in demand?

Archaeologists are still in demand in fields such as cultural resource management, academia, and museums, especially as heritage preservation and environmental assessments grow in importance. Employment opportunities often require fieldwork skills, knowledge of excavation tools, and relevant certifications, with job stability influenced by government funding and project availability.

How many hours do archaeologists work a day?

Archaeologists typically work around 40 hours per week, often from Monday to Friday, with daily hours usually between 8 and 10 hours depending on the project and field conditions. Fieldwork may require longer hours, including weekends, especially during excavation seasons or time-sensitive projects.
More about Archaeologist Salary Hour jobs

What cities are hiring for Archaeologist Salary Hour jobs?

Cities with the most Archaeologist Salary Hour job openings:

What states have the most Archaeologist Salary Hour jobs?

States with the most job openings for Archaeologist Salary Hour jobs include:

Infographic showing various Archaeologist Salary Hour job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,710 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Archaeologist/Archaeological Monitor (Arizona)

Southeastern Archaeological Research, LLC. "SEARCH"

Yuma, AZ โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Title: Archaeologistย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 
Location:
Southwestern Arizonaย ย ย 
Job Code:
Arch_AZ_2026ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 
Job Link:ย 
SEARCH Job Postings - Direct Applicationsย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 


Position Information

SEARCH has immediate openings for Archaeologists to join our team on an Arizona/California border monitoring project. This is a Full-Time project hire position expected to run 2 years until the contract ends or is extended. This is a salaried role with benefits. Work includes monitoring construction sites along the southwestern border, identifying sensitive cultural resources, marking areas of avoidances, conducting surveys, and submitting daily reports to the project lead. Selected candidates must be based in Arizona, eligible to work on federal government projects, and meet the project experience qualifications. ย 

SEARCH provides a flexible work environment, a professional and collaborative atmosphere, and a wide range of projects and opportunities for our staff. SEARCH offers a competitive total compensation package with strong health and wellness and retirement plans. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, group term life insurance, 401(k) plan with match, 11 paid holidays per year, and accrued PTO. Pay range for this position is commensurate with education and experience. ย ย ย 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Use experience, education from a degreed program, and professional judgment to identify and target locations of sensitive cultural resources, mark areas for avoidance and buffer zones, and identify site probability based on cultural, geological, and other environmental features.
  • Adhere to project health and safety plan and participate, and/or lead when necessary, in office and field training and meetings. Offer recommendations for improvement to Health & Safety Manager.
  • Prepare daily and weekly cultural resource monitoring summaries, photo-documentation, and maps; input data into electronic devices.
  • Conduct archaeological monitoring, and potentially survey, in accordance with the research design.
  • Recognize archaeological signatures and apply reasoning to evaluate resources.
  • Evaluate and record accurate, organized, and clear field notes, maps, drawings, logs, forms, tables, databases, artifact bags, box labels, and other project documentation.
  • Field identification of artifacts and cultural features.
  • Perform quality control of field data (hand-written and electronic) on a daily basis to ensure information is accurate and complete.
  • Use electronic and traditional navigational equipment (GPS, iPad/ArcCollector/Survey 123, compass, transit, etc.) to determine project limits, record fieldwork, document findings, and communicate progress.
  • Photo-document artifacts, features, land use, landscapes, unique environmental features, historic structures, archaeology sites, unique environmental features, specialized equipment or technique usage, and work-in-progress.
  • Procure and maintain field equipment and supplies, technology, and vehicles, in a clean, working, and safe manner.
  • Work closely with other project staff such as environmental monitors and construction crews.
  • Organized and clear written and oral communication.
  • Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications Required:

  • Degree in Anthropology or related field.
  • Based in Southwestern Arizona
  • Knowledge of Arizona cultural resources.
  • Archaeological monitoring experience on construction sites.
  • Archaeological survey experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to work remotely with limited supervision.
  • Reliable transportation with clean driving record.
  • Eligible for federal projects (i.e. U.S. citizen with no felonies).ย 

Qualifications Preferred:

  • Minimum two (2) years of southwestern archaeology border project experience on government projects (i.e., federal, state, municipal,) within Arizona or other southwestern border state.
  • Meet the Secretary of the Interior's professional qualifications standards for archaeology and be an RPA or be eligible to become an RPA.
  • Located in Yuma, AZ.
  • Demonstrated experience using stop work authority on monitoring sites.ย 
  • Strong experience working on federal government projects at the Arizona-Mexico border.

Application Requirements

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • References
  • Writing Sample

Other Important Need-to-Know Information

  • This position will require flexible availability outside of standard working hours.
  • Applicants must be eligible to be employed in the United States.
  • SEARCH is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.
  • SEARCH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
  • SEARCH is an Affirmative Action Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.
  • Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory verification of criminal, education, driving, and/or employment background checks as well as passing results from a pre-employment drug screen.
  • We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or, if requested, to participate in an interview, please let us know.

Benefits

SEARCH Compensation and Benefits include:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Per Diem (for overnight travel)
  • SEARCH-subsidized Group Health Insurance (including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage)
  • SEARCH-provided Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • SEARCH-provided Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • SEARCH-provided Group Term Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Emergency Travel Assistance
  • Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Paid Holidays (11)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Merit-Based Raises, Bonuses, and Promotions


About SEARCH:

SEARCH is a global leader in archaeology, maritime archaeology, and the full spectrum of cultural heritage services. SEARCH's staff are industry leaders and subject matter experts who support commercial and government clients worldwide. Since 1993, SEARCH has completed over 5,000 projects nationwide and across 44 countries, spanning seven continents and four oceans. By integrating science, technology, and creativity, SEARCH harnesses the power of the past to advance the projects, places, and people it serves.
For more information about SEARCH, please visitย searchinc.comย and follow us onย Facebook,ย Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.ย ย ย ย ย ย 
Please send inquiries about the position to hr@searchinc.com. Include the Job Posting code (Arch_AZ_2026) in the subject line of your email.