Archaeologist
Research human history by examining and interpreting artefacts
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be an Archaeologist?
- How to become an Archaeologist
- Latest Archaeologist jobs
- Top skills and experience for Archaeologists
- Archaeologist role reviews
What's it like to be an Archaeologist?
Archaeologists research human history through the study of artefacts. These artefacts can be bones, Indigenous sites, prehistoric tools or organisms. Archeologists examine, date and interpret artefacts to gain an understanding of human, social and cultural progression.
Tasks and duties
- Locating suitable excavation sites using surveys and aerial photography.
- Examining, dating, interpreting and preserving artefacts.
- Using geographical information systems (GIS) and computer-aided design (CAD) to produce simulations of how artefacts and excavation sites might have looked in the past.
- Collecting and interpreting data.
- Keeping meticulous files of notes, photographs, drawings and electronic data.
- Writing up reports for publication and peer reviewing others’ reports.
- Assessing building applications when specialist review is required.
How to become an Archaeologist
To become an Archaeologist, you’ll need a minimum of an undergraduate degree and a one-year Honours degree. Archaeology is a component of many socially focused courses.
- To complete your undergraduate degree, consider studying a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. These degrees will require you to have completed year 12 or enter through an alternative pathway. They will usually take 3 years to complete.
- You will then need to undertake a one-year Honours degree in an area that relates to archaeology. This will often have a research component requiring you to write a thesis. Once you complete this, you may begin to call yourself an Archaeologist.
- Consider continuing on to postgraduate study, such as a masters or doctorate in your chosen field, (for example, a Master or Doctor of Philosophy). A masters will take two years, and a doctorate will take three years.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Archaeologists.Latest Archaeologist jobs on SEEK
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Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Archaeologist employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Archaeology
Cultural Heritage Management
Excavation
Cultural Heritage
Fieldworks
Heritage Assessment
Anthropology
Heritage Management
Site Analysis
Geographic Information Systems
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Archaeologist reviews
Aug 2023
Being an archaeologist teaches you so much about the world, but also your place in it. You’re actively doing a service for humanity.
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Arts (Archaeology)
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeSmall (1-19 employees)
SpecialisationTrades & Services
The good thingsIf you are passionate about people, history and interpersonal connections archaeology can be a rewarding career path. Everyday is different and can include various tasks and challenges, you’ll never j...
The challengesLike any job, archaeology has some challenges. Some of these challenges include that the industry is still relatively new, we are constantly learning new things about our human past, but also the best...
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Sep 2024
Let's just say that was a good experience
Reviewer's QualificationCertificate III in Warehouse Operations
ExperienceLess than a year
Organisation sizeSmall (1-19 employees)
SpecialisationConstruction
The good thingsEverything. Good workers, good friends.
Good boss
The challengesI'm Get alarm. I'm a quick learner I'll hard worker I get along with people I get along with other people.I'd like Like meeting new people and new friends
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SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
