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Archeologists are anthropologists who specialize in the scientific study of past human societies, primarily through their material remains. Prehistoric Archeologists study the material remains such as fossil relics and artifacts of human life prior to the beginning of recorded history.  

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION  

Archeologists may:

Supervise expeditions  

Conduct surveys and reconnaissance to determine sites to excavate  

Dig, scrape, and sift in search of artifacts or architectural structures and features  

Clean, restore, and preserve archeological specimens and artifacts  

Study, classify, and interpret uncovered items, such as house patterns, tools, clothing, and ornaments to determine their age, use, and cultural identity  

Relate finds to similar finds made elsewhere and to other archeological data  

Maintain archeological records  

Establish the chronological order of development of each culture from simpler to more complex levels  

Prepare reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations  

Assist in preparing collections for public exhibition  

Speak to public and professional audiences  

Teach and consult  

Supervise and train graduate students and faculty  

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

Archeologists may specialize in these areas:

055.067-018 ARCHEOLOGISTS are anthropologists who specialize in the scientific study of past human societies, primarily through their material remains.  

055.067-018 CLASSICAL ARCHEOLOGISTS specialize in the study of literate (characterized by written language) historical periods of major civilizations in the Near or Middle East and Greek and Roman remains.  

055.067-018 HISTORICAL ARCHEOLOGISTS study the material remains of past human life and activities which have taken place since the beginning of world exploration particularly in the Western Hemisphere.  

Archeologists may also specialize in specific subjects, such as the study of past industrialization, its processes and artifacts, or study a particular region, such as the Arctic or Africa. Many specializations also require practical knowledge of other disciplines such as art, biology, or physical sciences. Nautical or marine archeology, for example, presents a different set of excavation and artifact preservation problems, and thus calls for extensive background in oceanography and marine technology.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  

Archeologists generally work in teams when in the field. They may work alone on an excavation site or in other settings. They may supervise assistants and other members of the expedition or personnel in museums and universities.  

Actual working conditions vary according to the type of assignment. Archeologists may work indoors in clean, well lighted and ventilated facilities. On the other hand, they may do field work under adverse weather conditions, in uncomfortable climates or in areas that pose health problems. It may be necessary for them to live in cultures for long periods of time that are socially and economically different from cultures in the United States.  

Archeologists usually work 40 hours per week, but often work longer hours when in the field. Those working on excavations may dig during daylight hours and spend the evenings studying the day's find, planning the next day's activities, and writing. Archeologists who teach may spend many hours in research or in lecture preparation.  

Archeologists may travel to remote areas and be away from home for long periods of time at irregular intervals.  

They may join professional organizations such as the Society of Professional Archeologists, the Archeological Institute of America, the Society for American Archeology, and the Society for Historical Archeology. They may also join groups that have a mixed amateur- professional membership, such as the Michigan Archeological Society. Those who choose to become members must pay periodic dues.  

You Should Prefer:

• Activities concerned with the communication of data  

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature  

• Activities of an abstract and creative nature  

You Should Be Able To:

• Reason logically  

• Know the meanings/relationships of words and use language effectively  

• Rate information using personal judgment and verifiable data  

• Visualize how flat drawings/pictures would look as solid objects  

• See detail in objects or drawings  

• Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings  

• Perform arithmetical operations quickly and accurately  

• Give directions to and coordinate the activities of others  

• Work independently  

• Work patiently on prolonged study and research  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

There are five different observed beds of rocks laid on each other. The top layer is dated to be 80 million years old and the bottom layer is dated to be 100 million years old. On the average, how many years does it take to form each layer of rock?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Each layer or bed of rock is younger than the beds below it and older than the beds above it, if the bed sequence has not been overturned by geologic processes-a statement of the law of superposition.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining any finding that you may come across during your research.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the best way to retrieve an artifact from any sight that you may be digging at.  

A Ph.D. degree is generally required for promotion to top positions in the field and is increasingly required for permanent teaching positions by many colleges and universities. However, a master's degree plus field experience is sufficient for many beginning professional positions.  

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES  

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond high school) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

10 ART , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1900 HISTORY , 2200 MATH , 3000 SOCIAL STUDIES

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

010 ANTHROPOLOGY & ARCHEOLOGY

Programs in Anthropology and Archeology provide opportunities to gain knowledge and skills helpful to occupations where understanding human relations and changing social-cultural behavior is important. Individuals who teach anthropology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.  

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript  

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

Local amateur archeological societies may engage in exploration and provide lectures. Trips to museums or part-time work in museums may be of value to those considering this occupation. Experience may also be gained through Scouting. Various scout badges requiring work in areas such as pottery and Indian lore would be of interest to future Archeologists. Undergraduate archeology students may get field training through work as laborers, diggers, or collectors on expeditions. They may also be hired as laborers by contract archeology companies.  

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Archeologist employer  

internships  

volunteer work with a Archeologist employer  

community service work with an agency  

Most Archeologists enter this field through graduate work in a university department as a research assistant or teaching Fellow. College placement offices and faculty may also be of assistance in finding positions. Some professional associations, such as the Archeological Institute of America, have placement services to assist persons in finding employment in archeology and related fields. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

Society for American Archaeology Job Announcements http://www.saa.org/careers/job-listing.html

Archaeological Institute of America Placement Service ( http://www.archaeology.org )  

Michigan Talent Bank

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal  

Classifieds Employment  

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Earnings of Archeologists depend on education, experience, and reputation.  

Nationally, social scientists, including Archeologists, earned a median annual salary of $35,412 in 1998. Recent graduates of master's degree programs in social science, including archeology, were offered starting salaries which averaged $29,237 (mid 1998). In the federal government (1999) starting annual salaries were $31,195 for persons with a M.A. degree and $37,744 for those with a Ph.D. degree. Supervisory Archeologists started at $53,793 per year (1999). The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.  

Nationally, average salaries for college faculty members in public 4-year colleges and universities for the 1998-99 school year (9-10 months) were $72,721 for professors, $53,170 for associate professors, $43,799 for assistant professors, and $33,402 for instructors.  

College and university teachers in the East North Central region that includes Michigan 4-year institutions earned the following average annual salaries (1998-99):  

Archeologists employed by the State of Michigan (mid 1999) earned between $28,668 and $66,419 per year.  

Depending on the employer, most Archeologists receive paid vacations and holidays; life, disability, and hospitalization insurance; sick pay; and retirement plans. Archeologists working in academic settings usually work under 9-month contracts and do not get a paid summer vacation. These benefits are paid for, at least in part, by employers.  

College instructors may advance to assistant professor, associate professor, and full professor. Archeologists working in museums may advance to become an assistant curator of anthropology or archeology and then advance to curator.  

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

In mid 1999, there were approximately 11,000 members in the Archeological Institute of America. Employment for Archeologists in the future is limited. Competition for openings will be strong, even among those who hold Ph.D. degrees. Competition for positions in museums, parks, government agencies, private industries, public and private foundations, and national and international agencies is also expected to be keen.  

Between 50-100 anthropologists, including Archeologists, were employed in Michigan in 1996. Nearly all were employed by colleges and universities. A few worked for museums, historical sites and other locations as curators, conservators or in other positions (See MOIScript #346).  

The State of Michigan employed three Archeologists in the Michigan History Division of the Department of State, two in the Department of Natural Resources, and another in the Department of Transportation. In addition, the U. S. Department of Agriculture employs several Archeologists as Professional cultural resource specialists, providing help in the identification, protection, management, and enhancement of national forests located in Michigan. A few worked for museums, historical sites, and other locations as curators, conservators, or other positions.  

Because of the small size of the occupation, few openings are expected annually for anthropologists in Michigan through the year 2006. Most openings will be due to the replacement of those who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons. The number of qualified Archeologists will probably exceed the number of available positions. Archeologists with a broad background in anthropology and other social sciences will probably find the most opportunities for employment. Small colleges that hire Archeologists generally expect them to teach a broad range of anthropological subjects. Some teaching positions may be available in junior or community colleges. Archeologists who prefer to specialize may find a limited number of openings in a variety of positions with museums, the state government, and other agencies. A background in math, statistics, and computer science is becoming increasingly important in anthropological work.  

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2006

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.  

SUMMARY PROFILE  

The occupation of Archeologist can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development