How to become an Archaeologist

Studies human activity in the past, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data left behind, which includes artefacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscapes (the archaeological record).

Main tasks

• Cleans, examines, records and preserves archaeological finds and sites
• Collects, analyses and interprets data from artefacts and archaeological sites
• Uses methods such as aerial photography and remote sensing techniques to locate archaeological sites
• Collects information and produces simulations to recreate the way a site or artefact would have looked in the past
• Assesses archaeological sites for resource management, development or conservation purposes
• Recommends methods for archaeological site protection

Ways in

• University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• University: Social Work & Community degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Sites Work (AHC32522)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $109,876 a year
• About 15,800 people work in this job group now, and about 19,200 are projected by 2035. (+21.2%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Archivist
• Economist
• Gallery or Museum Curator
• Heritage Consultant
• Historian

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Archaeologist?

Ways in include: Science degrees; Social Work & Community degrees; Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Sites Work.

How much does an Archaeologist earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $109,876 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Archaeologist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 21% by 2035, from about 15,800 to about 19,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Archaeologist?

Usually. 94% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Archaeologist?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04