Also called: Colonial Archaeologist, Historic Sites Archaeologist
Digs up the past of the last 500 years, from colonial towns to plantations and Gold Rush camps, combining artifacts with written records.
A historical archaeologist excavates a 1700s house site, studies buttons and pottery, reads old letters and maps, and works with descendant communities to tell fuller stories.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's in anthropology or archaeology.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Anthropology, Archaeology, History.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 19-3091: Faster than average (5% to 6%).
Low risk for 10 years. AI searches old letters and maps fast; excavating house sites and tying finds to records stay human.
Classes: AP US History, AP English Language, Earth science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-3091.
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