Archaeology is one of the most interesting branches of science and a career in this field can give you immense job satisfaction and good monetary returns. In this article, we shall learn how you can pursue archaeology and what this job entails.
Archaeology has attracted many students in today’s time as the job prospects are improving very fast. Archaeology mainly involves a scientific study about human history and the life and culture which was prevalent at that time. Archaeology is definitely one of the most respected careers. However, before we tell you how you can become an archaeologist, let us first understand what this job is all about.
As mentioned above, archaeologists carefully examine the life of people in the past through excavated artifacts and other remains which they find in the course of their study. This evidence is collected by them and is preserved for laboratory analysis, tests, and future reference. In today’s world of modernization and technology, archaeologists make use of advanced equipment and systems to get the desired results in time. These days, the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is widely used by them to find out how climate and environment play a crucial role in the formation of human life and civilizations.
After a study in archaeology, one can look forward to career options such as:
- Field archaeology (working on the field; also includes branches such as marine archaeology.)
- Jobs in public museums and university museums
- Jobs in State and Federal Government
- Professors of archaeology in colleges and universities
Educational Requirements
- Becoming an archaeologist is challenging and hence, you need to take dedicated efforts right from your high school. Studying subjects such as Anthropology, Geology, History, Physiology, and English in high school will develop a solid foundation to excel in this field.
- Seek admission in an accredited archaeology school and complete your bachelor’s degree in archaeology.
- Degree in the field of anthropology can also help you enter this field successfully.
- Master’s degree in archaeology can help you grab the best jobs in the market.
- For academic positions such as professors in renowned colleges or universities, you need a doctoral degree in the field of archaeology, along with some research work (thesis) to your credit.
- Internships and working under other experienced archaeologists will definitely help you in your career.
- Since work may involve travel, knowledge of foreign languages will certainly help.
Salary
The salary of archaeologists largely depends on the following factors:
- Educational qualifications of the applicant
- Experience of the applicant
- Location of the job
- Type of employer
Salaries for those with a master’s degree are naturally higher than those with just a bachelor’s degree. The average salary for those holding a bachelor’s degree can be between USD 32,000 to USD 45,000 per year. The salary figures for master’s degree holders are higher, and in the range of UDS 35,000 to USD 50,000 per year. Doctorates can make in excess of USD 60,000 per year depending on the ranking of the educational institution or research organization they work for. Candidates with an experience of one to four years can expect to earn between USD 30,000 to USD 42,000 per year while those having four to ten years of experience can draw anything between USD 35,000 to USD 70,000 per year. With more than fifteen years of experience, you can easily earn above USD 75,000 per year.
When you select a particular field to make a career in it, studying it in detail and gaining in-depth knowledge about that field always pays off greatly in the long run. So, take your studies sincerely to excel in your chosen profession. All the best!