Home

Archaeologist

Do you want to become a Archaeologist? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Archaeologists learn about the past from material remains, which could be anything from fragments of bone to buried cities.

Excavations (called 'digs') are only part of the work - a lot more time is spent planning, before the excavation takes place, and analysing and recording finds afterwards.

Archaeologists also use investigative techniques such as:

• Fieldwalking - searching ploughed fields for artefacts such as pieces of pottery or Roman coins.
• Aerial photography - this can show up bumps or depressions in the ground that are characteristic of ancient settlements.
• Laboratory tests, such as radio carbon dating.

Some archaeologists work standard office hours, Monday to Friday. On excavations, hours are more variable. Some archaeologists work indoors, in comfortable conditions, but excavations frequently involve working outdoors in all weathers.

The average salary is around £19,161.

An archaeologist should:

• be patient, persistent and determined
• be able to work accurately, paying attention to detail
• have a passionate interest in the subject, and to be able to demonstrate this.

Around 40 per cent of archaeologists work for commercial organisations which carry out field investigation and research. They are also employed by national bodies such as English Heritage, Historic Scotland and CADW in Wales.

Archaeologists usually need a degree - 90 per cent of the profession are graduates. Although many professional archaeologists have degrees in archaeology, some have degrees in related subjects such as geography or biology.

Adult entry is possible for people with a strong interest in archaeology.

Archaeologists are likely to need to gain experience of field excavation work before getting a paid job.

Only a small proportion of people who study archaeology make a long-term career in the profession. It can be difficult to get established in this field, and the early years are likely to involve a series of short-term contracts.

More Useful Resources - Archaeologist:

Do you know of a useful and relevant website that would be helpful to our users? Tell us about it by emailing