Archaeologist Salary in the UK: Statutory Rates, Advertised Pay and Career Prospects

Archaeologist Salary in the UK: Statutory Rates, Advertised Pay and Career Prospects

If you are considering a career in archaeology or are already working in the sector, understanding the archaeologist salary landscape is essential. Pay in archaeology varies widely depending on role, experience, employer, and region. This guide draws on the latest official data from the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), the Profiling the Profession survey, and GOV.UK minimum wage rates to give you a clear picture.

Statutory Minimum Wage and Age Bands

All UK workers, including archaeologists, are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW) depending on their age. From April 2026, the rates are:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (18–20): £10.85 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (under 18): £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (for apprentices under 19, or those aged 19+ in their first year)

For a full-time archaeologist working 37.5 hours per week, the NLW equates to an annual salary of approximately £24,800. Many entry-level archaeology roles – such as trainee field technician or archaeological technician – advertise starting salaries in this region. However, the CIfA salary benchmarking report for 2024–25 shows that average starting salaries for some roles, like Supervisor (£24,141), appear below the NLW when calculated on a standard week. This may reflect part-time contracts, averaging across different employers, or roles that include significant overtime. Employers are legally required to pay at least the statutory minimum for the worker’s age band, so always check your contract.

Advertised Starting Salaries: What the CIfA Survey Shows

The CIfA’s UK Salary Benchmarking Survey (covering 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025) provides average starting salaries for a range of advertised archaeology roles. Key figures include:

• Project Manager: £31,467
• Project Officer: £28,033
• Supervisor: £24,141
• Archaeological Technician: £25,655 (summary figure)
• Assistant Professor: £36,413
• Post-Doctoral Researcher: £45,292

The report notes that average starting salaries for most roles increased by more than inflation compared to the previous year. Trainee positions saw the biggest rise (8%), and technician roles increased by 6%. However, roles requiring Practitioner-level competence still fall below the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s Minimum Income Standard of £28,000 for a single person. Finds officer and finds specialist roles saw only a 1% increase, and the number of adverts remains low, highlighting a shortage in this specialism.

Take-Home Pay: What Archaeologists Actually Earn

The Profiling the Profession survey (2019–20) collected income data directly from archaeologists, including self-employed individuals. This gives a more accurate picture of real take-home pay than advertised salaries alone. Key findings:

• Average income: £30,183
• Median income: £28,500
• Average income normalised to 37.5 hours: £32,910
• Median income normalised to 37.5 hours: £30,405

About 80% of archaeologists earn between £20,000 and £40,000. The distribution shows that while some earn well above £50,000 (especially in senior academic or management roles), the majority are clustered in the lower to middle bands. The survey also found that over 80% of archaeologists work more than 31 hours per week, with about three-quarters working 36–40 hours.

Career Progression and Pay Hints

If you are looking to increase your archaeologist salary, progression often means moving from fieldwork into project management, consultancy, or academia. The CIfA data shows that Project Manager roles pay around £31,500, while academic posts like Assistant Professor and Post-Doctoral Researcher offer £36,000–£45,000. However, competition for these roles is strong, and many require additional qualifications or years of experience.

For those starting out, trainee and technician roles are the most common entry points. Pay in these roles has improved recently, but still often sits just above the NLW. The CIfA survey also highlights that consultant roles (excluding senior) saw a decrease in advertised starting salaries, and entry-level consultant pay is similar to trainee positions – an area that merits further investigation.

Practical Steps for Job Seekers

• Check your age band: If you are under 21, you may be entitled to a lower minimum wage. Ensure your employer pays at least the correct rate.
• Compare advertised salaries: Use the CIfA benchmarking data as a guide when applying for roles. Remember that advertised salaries may not include overtime or benefits.
• Consider specialising: Finds specialists and post-doctoral researchers command higher pay, but opportunities are limited.
• Look beyond fieldwork: Project management, consultancy, and academic roles offer higher earning potential.

For more detailed pay data and guides, visit our pay guides and pay data pages. You can also learn about the UK Minimum Wage rates that apply to all workers.

Final Thoughts

The archaeologist salary landscape in the UK is improving slowly, but many roles still pay below the Minimum Income Standard. The statutory minimum wage provides a floor, but career progression and specialisation are key to earning more. Always check your contract against current rates, and use reputable surveys like CIfA’s to benchmark your pay.

Disclaimer: Figures are public reference values for orientation only. Actual pay depends on age band, role, region, hours, overtime, and contract terms. Always check your contract and current statutory rates.