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Archaeologist

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March 29, 2024 Updated April 4, 2025 16 minute read

A Career as an Archaeologist: Unearthing the Past

Archaeology is the scientific study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of physical remains. It's a field that seeks to understand where humans came from, how societies developed, and the ways cultures evolved over time by examining the things people left behind, from tiny pottery shards to entire buried cities.

Working as an archaeologist often conjures images of adventure: uncovering ancient tombs, piecing together forgotten histories, and exploring remote corners of the globe. The reality involves meticulous research, careful documentation, and often, hard physical work, but the thrill of discovery and the contribution to understanding humanity's story remain powerful draws.

Introduction to Archaeology

This section provides a foundational understanding of archaeology, covering its definition, historical development, and core research goals, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the career.

What is Archaeology? Defining the Scope

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Salaries for Archaeologist

City
Median
New York
$95,000
San Francisco
$134,000
Seattle
$105,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$95,000
San Francisco
$134,000
Seattle
$105,000
Austin
$81,000
Toronto
$76,000
London
£90,000
Paris
€46,200
Berlin
€72,000
Tel Aviv
₪726,000
Singapore
S$111,000
Beijing
¥112,000
Shanghai
¥250,000
Shenzhen
¥1,272,000
Bengalaru
₹453,000
Delhi
₹367,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to Archaeologist

Take the first step.
We've curated 24 courses to help you on your path to Archaeologist. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Featured in The Course Notes

This career is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Archaeologist:

Reading list

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This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of all of the major archaeological methods, including excavation, survey, and analysis of artifacts and features.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the cultural history of mummies, from ancient Egypt to the modern day.
Gives a broad overview of major archaeological methods and great starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
This encyclopedia provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of archaeology, including archaeological methods.
Provides a behind-the-scenes look at the work of mummy researchers, including the techniques used to study them.
Provides a detailed history of the Roman Empire, from its foundation to its fall. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the political and military history of this topic.
Provides a comprehensive timeline of the Roman Empire. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the important events of this period.
Provides a comprehensive visual history of the Roman Empire. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the art and architecture of this period.
Provides a comprehensive world history of the Roman Empire. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the impact of the Roman Empire on the world.
Provides a comprehensive gazetteer of the Roman Empire. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the important places of this period.
Provides a fascinating look at the bog mummies of Denmark, which have been preserved in peat bogs for centuries.
Provides a concise overview of the Roman Empire, covering its history, government, society, and culture. It good starting point for students who want to learn more about this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Roman Republic, from its foundation to its fall. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the political and social history of this period.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the cultural history of the Roman Empire. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the art, literature, and religion of this period.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Roman army. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the military history of this period.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Roman navy. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the naval history of this period.
Provides a detailed overview of archaeological fieldwork methods, including excavation, survey, and analysis of artifacts and features.
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