How much does a archaeologist make?

In the United States, pay varies with experience and skills, location, and employer type—federal agencies, consulting firms, research groups, and universities have different pay levels. Specialty, responsibility, and hours can matter too; fieldwork may bring long, irregular days.

Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.

What's a typical day like?

On a survey day, an archaeologist may map a site and use a trowel and sieve to collect and record clues. In the lab, they measure and compare finds, then write a report about what they reveal.

In the U.S., earn a bachelor's in anthropology or archaeology and train at a supervised field school. Most professional jobs need a master's; some need a Ph.D., while bachelor's graduates can start as assistants.

Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)

Good for people who like figuring things out and creating.

Surprise: U.S. archaeologists spend more time analyzing and writing in labs and offices than working in the field.