Archaeologist

You'll study the past through the discovery and investigation of remains such as tools, artefacts and structures. You may carry out excavations, commonly known as digs, or work in related settings, such as:

• local authorities, advising on the archaeological implications of planning applications and managing the historic environment
• museums or heritage centres, supporting the conservation, display and interpretation of collections
• universities or research organisations, undertaking research and teaching.

Many archaeologists also conduct surveys, site assessments and desk-based analysis and reporting that inform later fieldwork and decision-making.

Areas of archaeology

Archaeology can be grouped in different ways, including by period or by the type of work carried out. A common distinction is between prehistoric and historic archaeology.

Historic archaeology studies material remains from periods where written records exist, while prehistoric archaeology focuses on periods before written records began, which vary by region.

There are four main areas:

• contract or commercial archaeology - working for archaeological contractors or consultancies, usually on developer-funded projects linked to construction or planning work
• research or academic archaeology - teaching in higher education, or working on long-term research projects, often subject to funding
• public or community archaeology - work carried out by professional organisations that involves engaging local communities or volunteers
• specialist archaeology - focusing on specific techniques, materials or contexts, such as geoarchaeology, osteoarchaeology or digital methods.

What does an archaeologist do?

As an archaeologist you may need to:

Survey, assessment and fieldwork

• identify and assess sites using survey techniques such as field walking, geophysical surveys, aerial photography and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology
• carry out archaeological fieldwork and excavations as part of a team, following safe working practices

Recording, analysis and interpretation

• record sites and features accurately using written records, drawings, photography and digital methods
• analyse finds and environmental evidence by identifying, classifying and interpreting materials
• conduct or contribute to laboratory analysis, such as dating or material testing
• use digital tools such as GIS, CAD and specialist databases to record, analyse and present data

Research, reporting and planning

• carry out desk-based research and assessments to evaluate the archaeological potential of sites
• write excavation reports and contribute to publications or technical documentation, such as site reports
• advise on the archaeological implications of development and planning proposals

Conservation and heritage management

• contribute to the conservation, management or appropriate preservation of archaeological remains.

How much do archaeologists earn?

• An early-career or trainee archaeologist in the UK typically earns in the mid-£20,000s, with salaries commonly ranging from £24,000 to £28,000, depending on experience.
• With experience and increased responsibility, salaries often move into the high-£20,000s and mid-£30,000s, particularly in project supervisory or project officer roles.
• At senior level, salaries commonly range from around £33,000 to £50,000 or more, depending on the type of employer, location, your experience and level of responsibility.

Although archaeology is a popular profession, salaries can be quite low when starting out, and many jobs are fixed-term contracts. Even at higher levels, salaries may be lower than in other comparable fields.

Salaries vary according to your area of work (for example field archaeology, specialisms, the historic environment, academia and consultancy), location, employer size, Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) grade, role and level of responsibility.

For current benchmarks across different job grades, see the CIfA Salary Benchmarking Survey and the BAJR (British Archaeology Jobs and Resources) monthly 'going rates'.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

How many hours does an archaeologist work?

You'll usually work around 37 to 40 hours per week, typically during weekday hours. However, working patterns can vary, particularly if you're doing fieldwork, and you may need to work early mornings, evenings or weekends to meet excavation schedules or project deadlines.

Part-time work may be available in some organisations, depending on the role and sector.

Temporary contracts are common. For experienced professionals, there are opportunities for self-employment and specialist consultancy work.

How do I become an archaeologist?

You'll usually need a degree in archaeology or a related subject, such as forensic archaeology or archaeological science. Other relevant subjects include ancient history, anthropology, conservation and heritage management.

Degrees accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK) have been recognised as including the practical and professional skills needed for a career in archaeology. Search the list of accredited degrees.

Archaeology draws on a range of disciplines, including geography, history and the social sciences, and for some specialist roles a science-based degree, for example in biology, botany, medicine, geology or environmental science, may be more appropriate. Digital skills, including GIS and CAD, are increasingly important.

It's also possible to enter the profession through work-based routes. Heritage and archaeology apprenticeships are available at different levels, including the Level 3 Archaeological Technician apprenticeship and the Level 7 Archaeological Specialist Degree Apprenticeship, although availability depends on employers, location and eligibility requirements.

For more information on apprenticeships in the heritage sector, see Historic England.

In some cases, those working in paid or voluntary archaeological roles may take a Level 3 NVQ in Archaeological Practice.

Many archaeologists have a postgraduate qualification. Further study can be particularly useful if you want to specialise, for example in osteoarchaeology, marine or digital archaeology, or if you’re aiming for an academic or research career.

Search for postgraduate courses in archaeology.

What skills does an archaeologist need?

You'll need to have:

• practical fieldwork skills, including surveying, excavation, recording and processing finds
• strong observational, analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail
• good IT and digital skills, including the use of GIS, databases and photography
• clear written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presenting information
• the ability to work well both independently and in multidisciplinary teams, often in challenging outdoor environments
• excellent planning, time-management and project management skills, with the ability to work both methodically and creatively
• an understanding of health and safety requirements for fieldwork and site-based work.

Where can I get archaeology work experience?

Competition for jobs is strong, so gaining practical experience beyond the compulsory fieldwork included in an archaeology degree is important. Employers value experience on different types of sites, in areas such as handling and identifying finds, carrying out recording and using technology such as GIS, surveying equipment and photography.

You can gain hands-on experience through field schools and training excavations. Volunteering is a common way of gaining experience to develop skills and understanding of archaeological work, and many people start in basic fieldwork roles that require enthusiasm, flexibility and teamwork.

The CIfA has a searchable list of registered organisations working in areas such as consultancy, education and outreach, field work and post-fieldwork, and stewardship. Use this list to help you identify employers to approach about work experience or entry-level roles.

Student membership of CIfA or the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) can also be useful for finding paid and volunteering opportunities, fieldwork projects and training opportunities, and can also help you develop contacts with professional archaeologists.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Who do archaeologists work for?

Archaeologists are employed by a range of organisations. Many practical archaeology roles are with independent archaeological field units or trusts. These vary in size and may be linked to local authorities, museums or universities, or operate as independent commercial organisations, trusts or charities.

Other typical employers include:

• national heritage bodies - such as English Heritage, Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, Cadw and Northern Ireland's Historic Environment Division
• local authorities - providing advice on the recording, management and conservation of archaeological remains during applications for planning permission
• national organisations - including the National Trust, National Trust for Scotland, National Highways, Environment Agency and the National Parks authorities
• universities and research institutions - in lecturing, technician and research posts
• museums - working in collections care, research, interpretation and display
• professional bodies and heritage organisations - such as the CBA, CIfA and Archaeology Scotland
• specialist contractors and developers - carrying out archaeological work linked to construction projects.

With experience, there are also opportunities to work as an archaeological consultant, advising organisations such as developers, local authorities and national agencies.

There may also be opportunities to work or travel overseas, particularly for experienced or senior archaeologist involved in specialist projects.

Look for job vacancies at:

• British Archaeology Jobs and Resources (BAJR)
• Chartered Institute for Archaeologists
• Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)
• Jobs.ac.uk - for roles in universities and research institutions.

Roles are also advertised directly on employer websites such as commercial consultancies, local authorities, national heritage bodies and university departments.

What are the career prospects for archaeologists?

Training in archaeology usually takes place on the job, and it's important to take responsibility for your own continuing professional development (CPD) and keep up to date with research and new techniques. CIfA offers training courses, workshops and networking opportunities, with additional courses and opportunities advertised through organisations such as BAJR and the IHBC.

You can apply for professional accreditation with CIfA at Practitioner, Associate or Member level, depending on your experience and responsibilities. Accreditation demonstrates your commitment to professional standards and ongoing learning and can support career progression.

Accredited members must complete and log at least 50 hours of CPD every two years, which may include attending training, conferences and workshops. Some archaeologists also choose to study for a postgraduate qualification such as a Masters or PhD, particularly to specialise or pursue an academic career.

Competition for roles can be strong and early-career salaries modest. Career prospects vary by sector and specialism, with opportunities across commercial, public and academic sectors. A typical route may involve progressing from a field archaeologist or digger to site supervisor and then into project management or consultancy roles. Other archaeologists move into academic research or lecturing, or into specialist positions in areas such as forensic archaeology or osteoarchaeology.