Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Working Life

Archaeologists study the human past through remains such as bones, textiles, pottery, tools, landscape features and buildings. They excavate, identify, record and conserve the remains. They also relate these remains to environmental evidence such as the climate and animal and plant life. They can then build a picture of life in various cultures throughout time.  
 
Archaeologists who do fieldwork usually work as part of a team, surveying or excavating. Surveying includes drawing maps and plans of an area to be excavated. Excavation normally involves supervising diggers, and photographing and cataloguing objects. The archaeologist must keep notes and take accurate measurements. They may need to use these details for written reports. In some cases, excavation may be long-term and the site arranged for the public to view. In other cases, archaeologists may work within a timescale to complete excavations before redevelopment begins.  
 
Most archaeologists specialise in a geographical region, a historical period or a type of artefact such as coins or pottery. Some archaeologists in museums and universities carry out research along with their other work. Those who work in museums need to make sure that exhibitions are presented well and that objects are protected from damage while on display.  
 
Some archaeologists work as advisers, often within local authorities where they help with problems such as whether or not new development projects will destroy an archaeological site. So, a lot of an archaeologist's time can be spent monitoring planning applications and plotting local sites onto maps. Others inspect ancient sites, monuments and historic buildings. Their role is to preserve conservation sites.

Experience is valuable - you can volunteer to assist in an archaeological dig over the summer holiday period before committing to a dedicated degree programme, as a way of testing your enthusiasm for the area.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Study objects and structures recovered by excavation to identify, date, and authenticate them and to interpret their significance.
• Collect information and make judgments through observation, interviews, and review of documents.
• Research, survey, or assess sites of past societies and cultures in search of answers to specific research questions.
• Write about and present research findings for a variety of specialised and general audiences.
• Describe artifacts' physical properties or attributes, such as the materials from which artifacts are made and their sise, shape, function, and decoration.
• Plan and direct research to characterise and compare the economic, demographic, health care, social, political, linguistic, and religious institutions of distinct cultural groups, communities, and organisations.
• Compare findings from one site with archeological data from other sites to find similarities or differences.
• Record the exact locations and conditions of artifacts uncovered in diggings or surveys, using drawings and photographs as necessary.
• Assess archeological sites for resource management, development, or conservation purposes and recommend methods for site protection.
• Gather and analyse artifacts and skeletal remains to increase knowledge of ancient cultures.

Further Information

• Archaeologist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Archaeologist- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Entrants to Archaeology are usually graduates. Many will hold higher degrees, particularly those who wish to work in higher education. To become a licensed archaeologist, you must pass a competency interview. Licenses are granted by the Director of Monument Services at Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

UCAS Archaeology & Palaeoecology - Research, Geography & Environmental Sciences - Research Search UK Post grad options

USA Archaeology is considered a sub discipline of Anthropology.

Career opportunities in the academic world, employment opportunities for Archaeologists include: Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: archaeology and heritage, culture, heritage studies, pre-university, arts, history.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: archaeology and heritage, culture, heritage studies, pre-university, arts, history.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: ancient history, archaeology, geography, modern language, religion, arts, classics ancient history, science, archaeological sciences, culture, environment, middle eastern jewish, islamic civilisations, heritage studies, celtic civilization.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: archaeology, hunter gatherer, archaeological excavation, research, structured, experimental archaeology, material culture, landscape archaeology.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

• Statutory bodies such as the National Roads Authority (NRA)
• The state heritage sector (OPW) Office of Public Works
• Central government bodies such as the National Monuments Services
• Local authorities and planning departments

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €46k - €79k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, sessional & project rate patterns, and role. Academia may form part of an Archaeologist salary. 

IUA Salary scales
TUI Lecturer scales

Data Source(s):
Salary Expert/ IUA/ TUI / Indeed

Last Updated: June, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chemical scientists, Biological scientists and biochemists, Physical scientists, Social and humanities scientists, Natural and social science professionals n.e.c., Research and development managers.  

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Average annual employment growth over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, although employment levels remained unchanged between 2022 and 2023. At 26%, the share of non-Irish citizens employed in this occupation was above the national average. Despite a fall in the number of online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) in 2023, scientists were the fifth most frequently occurring occupation across all online job adverts.

Employment permits issued were across various roles in industry and health including bio-process associates, QC chemists, and medical scientists. The Recruitment Agency Survey highlighted issues with recruiting process/analytical scientists and microbiologists, while Skills for Growth data identified the need for skills in good manufacturing practices (GMP), quality and validation. The number of biochemistry and chemistry awards made at third level has been growing annually for several years and reached nearly 900 and 1,000 awards respectively in 2022 (up from 580 and 800 in 2018). Similarly, the number of awards made in medical or pharma/bio-pharma fields grew to 1,400 (up from 1,300 in 2018).

A high level of demand for these occupations remains evident, with shortages expected to persist, particularly in the life sciences sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas.

• OPW - The Office of Public Works

  • Head Office Jonathan Swift Street Trim Co. Meath C15 NX36
  • (046) 942 6000
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• National Monuments Service

  • Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Custom House Dublin 1
  • (01) 888 2178
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Transport Infrastructure Ireland

  • Parkgate Business Centre, Parkgate Street, Dublin 8
  • (01) 646 3600
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland

  • 63 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
  • (01) 662 9517
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here