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How much do search archaeology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for search archaeology 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.

Is there a high demand for archaeologists?

The demand for archaeologists varies by region and sector, with employment opportunities often found in academia, government agencies, and private consulting firms. Overall, job growth is expected to be slow, but specialized skills in GIS, excavation, and conservation can improve employment prospects.

What is search archaeology?

Search archaeology is a specialized field within archaeology that focuses on systematically locating, identifying, and analyzing archaeological sites, artifacts, and features. This process often involves the use of advanced technologies such as ground-penetrating radar, aerial photography, and digital mapping to uncover evidence buried beneath the surface. Search archaeologists collaborate with historians, geologists, and other experts to piece together historical contexts and ensure the preservation of cultural heritage. Their findings help increase our understanding of past human activities and civilizations.

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 objects can be legally and ethically excavated and preserved, often influencing the work of archaeologists in planning digs and managing collections.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in search archaeology, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in search archaeology often encounter challenges such as limited access to excavation sites, unpredictable field conditions, and strict regulatory requirements. Coordination with landowners and local authorities is crucial to gain necessary permissions and ensure compliance with heritage laws. Additionally, search archaeologists must frequently adapt their methodologies to varying site environments and unexpected discoveries, which requires strong problem-solving skills and flexibility. Regular collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including historians and conservationists, is essential for thorough site analysis and preservation.

Is it hard to find a job as an archeologist?

Finding a job as an archaeologist can be competitive, especially in certain regions or specialized fields. Success often depends on relevant education, field experience, and networking, with opportunities typically available in research institutions, museums, or government agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Archaeologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an archaeologist, you typically need a degree in archaeology or a related field, strong research abilities, and fieldwork experience. Familiarity with GIS software, remote sensing tools, and laboratory analysis techniques is often required, along with relevant certifications for excavation or site management. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for analyzing findings and collaborating on projects. These skills and qualifications are vital for conducting rigorous research, preserving historical sites, and accurately interpreting cultural heritage.

Is there a shortage of archaeologists?

The demand for archaeologists varies by region and specialization, but overall employment growth is steady, with job opportunities available in academia, government agencies, and private consulting firms. However, competition can be high for positions, and advanced degrees or specialized skills in excavation, analysis, or digital tools improve job prospects.
More about Search Archaeology jobs
What states have the most Search Archaeology jobs? States with the most job openings for Search Archaeology jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Search Archaeology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Search Archaeology jobs are:
Search Archaeology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Search Archaeology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 20% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 15% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,710 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Archaeologist/Archaeological Monitor (Texas)

Southeastern Archaeological Research, LLC. "SEARCH"

El Paso, TX • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Title: Archaeologist
Location: Southwestern Texas
Job Code: TXMon_2026
Job Link: SEARCH Job Postings - Direct Applications
Position Information
SEARCH has immediate openings for Archaeologists to join our team on a Texas 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 southwestern Texas, eligible to work on federal government projects, and meet the project experience qualifications.
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.
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 Texas.
  • Knowledge of Texan 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).

Qualifications Preferred:
  • Minimum two (2) years of southwestern archaeology border project experience on government projects (i.e., federal, state, municipal,) within Texas 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 El Paso, San Antonio, or closer city to the southwestern border.
  • Demonstrated experience using stop work authority on monitoring sites.
  • Strong experience working on federal government projects at the Texas-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 visit searchinc.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TwitterPlease send inquiries about the position to hr@searchinc.com. Include the Job Posting code (TXMon_2026) in the subject line of your email.

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