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Archaeology Graduate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Archeologist

Aberdeen, SD · On-site

$50K/yr

Archeology of a major geographical area such as North America or Africa; Regional archeology ... OR I have 1 full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge ...

ARCHEOLOGIST

Delta, CO · On-site

$74K/yr

AND Archeological field school. 2. Related Curriculum -- Degree in anthropology (with emphasis on ... Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate ...

ARCHEOLOGIST

Montrose, CO · On-site

$74K/yr

AND Archeological field school. 2. Related Curriculum -- Degree in anthropology (with emphasis on ... Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate ...

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Archaeology Graduate information

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$31.5K

$60.7K

$97K

How much do archaeology graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for archaeology graduate 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 much does an archaeologist with a master's degree make?

An archaeologist with a master's degree typically earns between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in specialized fields can earn higher salaries.

Is a degree in archeology worth it?

A degree in archaeology provides foundational knowledge and skills for careers in research, cultural resource management, and museum work. However, job prospects can be competitive, and additional experience or certifications may be necessary for advancement in the field.

What is an Archaeology Graduate job?

An Archaeology Graduate job typically involves entry-level roles in research, excavation, analysis, and conservation of historical sites and artifacts. Graduates may work for universities, museums, cultural resource management firms, or government agencies. Responsibilities often include assisting in fieldwork, cataloging findings, and supporting senior archaeologists in research projects. The role provides hands-on experience and helps build expertise for career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Archaeology Graduate position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Archaeology Graduate, you need a degree in archaeology or a related field, solid research and analytical skills, and a good understanding of fieldwork techniques. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), laboratory analysis tools, and excavation equipment is expected, with some roles requiring certifications in field safety or heritage management. Attention to detail, teamwork, adaptability, and effective written and verbal communication are vital soft skills in this field. These competencies enable graduates to accurately document findings, collaborate efficiently on-site, and contribute meaningfully to archaeological projects.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an Archaeology Graduate expect in an entry-level role?

As an Archaeology Graduate in an entry-level position, you may assist with field surveys, excavations, and lab analysis of artifacts under the supervision of experienced archaeologists. Responsibilities often include recording site data, cataloguing finds, conducting background research, and helping prepare reports. You might work both outdoors at dig sites and indoors in laboratories or museums, often as part of a multidisciplinary team. This role provides excellent exposure to practical fieldwork and research, laying the foundation for professional growth in heritage management, academic archaeology, or related sectors.

What is the 50 year rule in archeology?

The 50-year rule in archaeology states that artifacts and historical items are generally considered eligible for excavation and study if they are at least 50 years old. This guideline helps determine what is considered historically significant and eligible for preservation or research, often used by archaeologists and heritage professionals when prioritizing sites and artifacts.

What jobs can I get with a degree in archaeology?

With a degree in archaeology, common jobs include archaeological technician, field archaeologist, museum curator, heritage manager, and conservation specialist. These roles often require skills in excavation, research, report writing, and knowledge of preservation tools and techniques.
More about Archaeology Graduate jobs
What cities are hiring for Archaeology Graduate jobs? Cities with the most Archaeology Graduate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Archaeology Graduate jobs? The most popular types of Archaeology Graduate jobs are:
What states have the most Archaeology Graduate jobs? States with the most job openings for Archaeology Graduate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Archaeology Graduate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,710 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

$74K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

This position is located in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), State Resource Conservation. The incumbent serves as a Cultural Resources Specialist and is responsible for guidance and assistance to field personnel and resource technical teams for conservation, protection, and enhancement of cultural resources, including Native American issues, encountered in all NRCS programs and activities.
Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts.
Basic Requirement: Education 1. Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study that included 3 semester hours each in the following course areas:-History of archeology.-Archeology of a major geographical area such as North America or Africa.-Regional archeology, archeological cultures, or sites in a specific part or portion of a major geographical area to acquire or develop a foundation for regional specialization for professional development.-Theory and methods of archeology. Methods include, but are not limited to, typology, classification, sampling, cultural evolution, diffusion, dating, and analytical techniques. -Archeological field school, to provide a basic understanding of theoretical and practical approaches to research design implementation, field preservation techniques, and report preparation by participation in actual field work. AND
Six semester hours of related course work in: -geography, geology, or cultural history: - historiography, or historical archeology; -environmental studies; -scientific writing (nonfiction English composition); and/or-surveying; AND
Archeological field school.
2. Related Curriculum -- Degree in anthropology (with emphasis on ethnology, physical anthropology, or scientific linguistics), history, American studies, or a related discipline may be accepted as satisfying in full the educational requirements, provided the curriculum supplied academic course work sufficiently similar to the requirements in A.1 (including archeological field school). OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience: College-level education or training that provided knowledge equivalent to that described above, plus appropriate technical experience or additional education. OR
C. Experience: Four years of archeological work experience that demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of professional archeology. The work experience must have included archeology field experience, which may include that gained in an archeological field school. Field experience should have included a combination of professional experience in archeological survey, excavation, laboratory analysis, and preparation of written materials. Applicants with such field experience should, after additional experience under the direction of a higher-grade archeologist, be able to demonstrate the ability to be a crew chief, directing the work of others at a single location as a part of a larger archeological project.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education listed below.
Specialized Experience Requirement
For the GS-11 grade level: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: performing administrative duties in support of conservation planning. Specialized experience is defined as experience assisting in conducting background studies and document reviews pertaining to archeological project development. This experience must include:
1. provide advice to leadership and/or agency officials responsible for broad program operations;
2. execute significant cultural projects affecting the welfare of the public and/or the sustainability of natural and cultural resources on the environment;
3. developing and coordinating networks and contacts beneficial to the successful performance of archeological work assignments, such as interacting technically with colleagues and supervisors, and demonstrating the ability to work cooperatively with other persons;
4. utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) to capture, store, manipulate and present spatial or geographic data; and5. utilizing GPS software for mapping. OR
Education at the GS-11 grade level: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: archeology, anthropology, or closely related field. OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience as listed above.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Time-in-Grade Requirement: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. You must meet this requirement by the closing date of this announcement.Education:College Transcript: If qualifying based on education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript with course number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours, and grade earned. If a relevant course is not clearly qualifying (e.g., special topic, seminar, research, thesis, obscure or misleading course title, etc.), please submit an official course syllabi and/or detailed course description from the university/college to ensure proper evaluation.
Your education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited toward qualifications. You may verify accreditation by visiting the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs website. We will verify your education accordingly.
Foreign Education: You must submit verification that education completed in a foreign institution, was recognized by an accreditation body accepted by the U.S. Department of Education. You must include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Your transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
You may submit an unofficial copy of your transcript at the initial phase of the application process. However, if selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Please refer to the "How to Apply" section for instructions on submitting transcripts.Employment Type: OTHER