Archeology and Curation
Within archeology and curation jobs you will study the tangible remains of people and events, including architectural remains, features, and artifacts found in surveys, during excavation, or underwater. Perform technical and specialized work necessary to care for cultural artifacts, natural history specimens, and archives so they can be seen, researched, and appreciated by current and future generations. You may expand to leveraging a deep understanding of historical events and human society and apply preservation and archival techniques to manage, preserve and protect important artifacts and sites.
Industry Insights
A high-level pulse check on talent demand, projected growth, compensation, and how work typically happens across this pathway.
Estimated employment nationwide in 2024
Projected change in employment through 2034
Mid-career annual salary (nationwide median)
How the work is typically performed
Field seasons vary
Career Pathways & Progression
Position Responsibilities
New graduates often begin as archaeological field technicians or museum/archives assistants. They participate in excavations, catalog artifacts, assist with basic conservation and learn collections management systems.
Job Types & Titles
- Archaeological field technician
- Museum or collections assistant
- Archives technician/intern
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, history or related field; completion of an archaeological field school is highly valued.
Certifications
None required; membership in professional societies (Society for American Archaeology) and completion of field‑school certificates are advantageous.
Experience
Volunteer or internship experience in museums, laboratories or field projects.
Position Responsibilities
Technicians support senior professionals by running lab analyses, preparing exhibits, cataloging and digitizing collections and conducting survey work. They may supervise small crews or manage specific collection areas.
Job Types & Titles
- Museum technician/registrar
- Archaeological lab technician
- Archaeological survey crew chief
- Assistant curator
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s degree with specialized coursework; some positions prefer or require a graduate certificate in museum studies or digital curation.
Certifications
Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA) for those meeting experience requirements; Digital Curation or Museum Studies certificates.
Experience
1-3 years of field or museum experience; demonstrated skills in cataloging, GIS, laboratory analysis or object conservation.
Position Responsibilities
Professional archaeologists, curators and collections managers design research projects, manage excavations, develop exhibits, interpret collections and ensure compliance with federal and state laws. They write reports and publications and may teach or conduct outreach.
Job Types & Titles
- Archaeologist/Cultural resource specialist
- Curator
- Collections manager
- Museum educator
- Archivist
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Master’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, museum studies, archival studies or a related discipline.
Certifications
RPA certification for archaeologists; Academy of Certified Archivists certification for archivists; compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards.
Experience
3-5 years of progressively responsible experience; proficiency in project management, research methods, grant writing and public engagement.
Position Responsibilities
Managers oversee programs, budgets and staff. They serve as principal investigators for cultural resource projects, direct museums or archives, develop long‑range plans and ensure regulatory compliance.
Job Types & Titles
- Principal investigator (archaeology)
- Museum director/Chief curator
- Cultural resources program manager
- State or Tribal historic preservation officer
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Master’s degree; many managers hold a Ph.D. in archaeology, anthropology, history or museum studies.
Certifications
RPA certification and compliance with Secretary of the Interior’s Standards; professional membership in organizations such as the Society for American Archaeology or American Alliance of Museums.
Experience
Five or more years of professional experience including supervision, budgeting, and policy or regulatory work; track record of publications, exhibitions or successful projects.
Who Hires Archeology and Curation Professionals?
Explore leading organizations in this field and discover career opportunities.
National Park Service (NPS)
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Smithsonian Institution
American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)
SWCA Environmental Consultants
New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
White Earth Nation - Tribal Historic Preservation Office
University of Washington - Employment
Education & Certification
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Words from the Field
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