What Is an Archaeologist? (With Definition and Job Duties)

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Updated 14 April 2025

Archaeology is the process of studying artifacts to gain a better understanding of historical societies. Professionals in archaeology can work on anything from recent centuries to civilisations from thousands of years ago. Archaeological expeditions are responsible for some of the most important discoveries in human history and pursuing a career in archaeology can provide you with the potential to participate in such innovations. In this article, we explore what a career as an archaeologist can be like, including what they do and the skills they typically need.

What is an archaeologist?

An archaeologist is an expert on history who gains knowledge through experiences with historical documents and artefacts. These professionals can help identify potential dig locations and the resulting excavations. They can also help to interpret any artefacts discovered during excavation. Many professionals in archaeology specialise in conducting research on a particular part of history, such as a certain time period, a specific location or a type of civilisation. Here are a few examples of common areas of specialisation that someone can pursue in archaeology:

Prehistoric archaeology
Classical archaeology
Near Eastern/biblical archaeology
Underwater archaeology
Field archaeology
Cultural resource management
Bioarchaeology

What does an archaeologist do?

Archaeologists are likely to have responsibilities both in the field and also in an office or academic setting. Common duties for these professionals can include:

Assessing aerial photography, geographical survey data and historical records to identify locations for potential dig sites
Overseeing and documenting the extraction of artefacts at dig sites to maintain an accurate record and reduce the chances of damage during excavation
Identifying items from the excavation, analysing and dating them
Creating computer-generated assessments and simulations of excavated locations to create estimated examples of the historical structures and civilisations
Managing staff during both the excavation work and also the recording and analysis of artefacts
Inputting data into a database and performing analysis to further understanding the area and cultures being studied
Writing reports, academic papers and presentations on discoveries to share information
Assessing developer planning applications to ensure that any proposed construction doesn't disrupt potentially valuable archaeological sites
Developing scientific hypotheses based on analysis of data, then testing these theories through excavation, further research and analysis
Conducting interviews and coordinating with other experts in the region and time period being studied to improve the accuracy of any assessments and projections
Working in a museum or school setting, providing education about historical items and societies

Key skills for an archaeologist

There are many skills that can be essential when working in the field of archaeology, such as:

Physical fitness

When working at an excavation site, professionals in archaeology typically can benefit from having great physical agility in order to perform actions such as digging in a squatting position or standing on unstable ground. Some dig sites may also require a team to walk along uneven or overgrown terrain in order to get to the location. Physical stamina can also help make continued physical labour manageable.

Collaboration

Collaboration can be especially important in archaeology, as most expeditions involve working with teams of technicians and professionals. By having strong collaboration skills, a professional in archaeology can help maintain the efficiency of their team and make sure they consider each person's expertise when taking on new digs or excavations. Collaboration skills can also be helpful during research, as archaeology professionals can share their findings with each other and contribute to each other's discoveries.

Attention to detail

Another key skill to have when pursuing a career in archaeology is attention to detail. This is because professionals in archaeology typically need to pay close attention to all areas on a dig site during excavation to ensure the team uncovers and records all artefacts that are present. Attention to detail can also be valuable in the research aspects of archaeology, as it can help professionals make specific observations and draw conclusions based on what they research.

Communication

The ability to communicate clearly with others can also be helpful in an archaeology career, particularly when working in an educational setting. This is because knowing how to communicate effectively can help make conducting lessons easier. Communication is also important at excavations to ensure that everyone follows the correct procedures and when serving in an assessment role to convey the results of your analysis to the relevant parties accurately.

Historical knowledge

Most professionals in archaeology rely on a deep understanding of the history of human civilisation when carrying out professional duties. They can use this skill to identify artefacts, place them in the correct time period and correctly determine how past civilisations might have used them. The more historical context an archaeology professional understands, the better prepared they might be to complete these assessments.

Inquisitive nature

Since one of the main drivers behind the field of archaeology is new discoveries, professionals in the field can benefit from being naturally inclined to investigate and seek information about things they might not understand right away. Being inquisitive can also help to keep work interesting by identifying new potential areas of interest to study, which in turn can make it easier to give full attention to achieving the best results.

Leadership

Professionals in archaeology may take on leadership positions in a variety of settings, such as running an excavation, managing a research group or overseeing a museum exhibit. Having strong leadership skills can also help a leader to encourage other team members to perform at their best level, which can improve the overall effectiveness of your entire work unit.

Technological skills

Much of modern work in archaeology involves the use of computers and other technological devices. The increasing presence of digital tools has increased the efficiency of work in many phases of archaeological expedition and study greatly. The ability to use this technology efficiently is necessary for professionals to operate as effectively as possible.Related: 10 Best Skills To Include on a CV

Work environment for an archaeologist

An archaeologist can work in several types of work environments, and the place where they work can depend on the specific duties they have. Here are some of the most common work environments in archaeology organised by the type of work these professionals do:

Fieldwork

Professionals in archaeology who engage in fieldwork can take part in archaeological digs and excavations. During these jobs, professionals typically work outdoors at dig sites or in areas where they plan to dig in the future. Dig sites can exist in almost any part of the world. When completing fieldwork, archaeological professionals might work irregular hours that last for long periods of time during each day. Because most archaeological digs take place outside, they often have to take advantage of good weather and can frequently adjust their plans due to rain or other obstacles that might affect a dig site.

Research

Many professionals in archaeology also work in a research capacity, which can involve duties like reviewing artefact records and testing artefacts to determine their age. These types of jobs typically take place in office settings or laboratories where professionals can access databases and equipment that they can use to learn more about the artefacts and communities they're researching. Archaeological research also usually involves frequent communication and collaboration, as professionals can review each other's work and make recommendations for the possible next steps in research based on their specific expertise.

Education

Another common function of archaeology is in education, where professionals can teach students and other professionals about basic concepts and new developments in the field. Archaeology professionals who work in education often find jobs at colleges and universities. They might also work at museums or other cultural institutions to offer lectures or lead programmes that can teach visitors about their discoveries. Educational positions in archaeology typically involve working full-time hours and might require travel to different locations for special events or conferences.Related: A Guide to Work-Life Balance: Definition and Ways To Improve

Average salary for an archaeologist

According to the Economic Research Institute (ERI), the average salary for these types of professionals is currently $462,320 per year. The ERI also indicates that professionals in archaeology can have the potential to earn an average of $11,625 per year through bonuses. While this is already a competitive salary, the ERI shows that the average salary for archaeological professionals could reach an average of $574,889 per year by 2026.

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