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Archaeology Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MVAC Archaeology Technician

La Crosse, WI

$25 - $32.50/hr

Archaeology Lab Technician Job Duties: If hired from this pool, the archaeology technician will be under the general supervision of the relevant department chair. This position consists of assisting ...

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Archaeology Lab information

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How much do archaeology lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for archaeology lab in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an archaeology lab?

To excel in an Archaeology Lab position, you typically need experience in artifact handling, cataloging, and analysis, often supported by a degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a related field. Familiarity with lab-specific software, GIS mapping tools, and procedures for proper specimen documentation and conservation are valuable assets. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork set candidates apart in this environment. These abilities ensure that archaeological materials are preserved accurately, research is conducted efficiently, and findings are reliably communicated within a multidisciplinary team.

What is an archaeology lab?

An Archaeology Lab job involves processing, analyzing, and preserving artifacts recovered from archaeological sites. Lab technicians clean, catalog, and study materials such as pottery, bones, and tools to help researchers understand past cultures. They may use microscopes, databases, and conservation techniques to ensure artifacts are properly documented and stored. These roles support field excavations and contribute to archaeological research and museum collections.

What does an archaeology lab do?

In an Archaeology Lab position, your daily tasks may include cleaning and cataloging artifacts, conducting preservation processes, and recording detailed data about each specimen. You will often contribute to ongoing research projects, assist with laboratory inventory, and help prepare materials for analysis or exhibition. Collaboration with archaeologists, researchers, and sometimes the public is common, especially when preparing reports or participating in outreach activities. This role provides a hands-on environment where attention to accuracy and teamwork are critical to the success of archaeological research and preservation efforts.

What cities are hiring for Archaeology Lab jobs? Cities with the most Archaeology Lab job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Archaeology Lab jobs? The most popular types of Archaeology Lab jobs are:
What states have the most Archaeology Lab jobs? States with the most job openings for Archaeology Lab jobs include:
Infographic showing various Archaeology Lab job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Archaeology Lab Technician

James Madison's Montpelier

Orange, VA โ€ข On-site

$18.36/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Work as part of a mission and value driven team in carrying out all elements of the archaeological lab process in order to improve our understanding of the cultural resources of James Madison's Montpelier - the home and the plantation. Work with the archaeology staff to conduct archaeological artifact and soil sample processing, iron conservation, and collections management work, interpret this information to the visiting public on a day-to-day basis, supervise archaeology staff interns, be an active part of the LEARN public archaeology programs at Montpelier, and teach lab processes to the Summer Archaeology Field School. This position pays $18.36 an hour with an average of 35 hours per week (full time)

This position provides on property housing at Arlington House. The Archaeology team is dedicated to professional development and providing opportunities to expand your skills and advance your career. DUTIES Learn from the archaeology staff, continue to build on and hone skills learned through previous archaeological field and lab experiences.

Check-in and accessioning of archaeological samples into the archaeology lab. Post-excavation organizing and processing of archaeological materials in the archaeology lab (water-screening, floating, finds washing, gradient sorting, picking, cataloging, iron conservation). Assist Archaeology Lab Director in supervising, instructing, and educating volunteers and staff interns in the lab, students during Montpelier's archaeological field school, and the LEARN Archaeology public expedition program participants.

Maintenance of databases related to archaeological collections, storage, and the archaeology study collection. Engage with the public in a polite and professional manner as one informs them of archaeological processes and historical concepts. This includes visitors at the archaeological site, archaeology lab, and using social media.

Engage in descendant collaboration regarding Montpelier's archaeological work with the Montpelier Descendants Committee members. Work a varying weekly schedule that may include occasional weekends (not to exceed 70 hours per pay period). Maintain and care for the Community Archaeology Lab at Montpelier's offices and lab space as well as the residence at Arlington House.

Work as part of a value driven team to further the goals of the Archaeology Department and mission of The Montpelier Foundation. Other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates will be required to have a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field.

Must have attended an accredited historical archaeology field school. Must have archaeological experience or training working in or with archaeological collections from the Virginia Piedmont. Must have archaeological experience working with 18th-19th century archaeological artifacts of Virginia.

Familiarity with Montpelier's Archaeology Lab processes and collections management protocols strongly encouraged. Must be able to effectively communicate, teach, and supervise archaeological lab techniques to untrained public, volunteers, and students. Proficient in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel and Access).

Ability to be organized and efficient both independently and in group work environments. Willingness to adhere to The Values of The Montpelier Archaeology Department. Valid Driver's license.

Acceptable background check.