- Salary statistics
- Archaeologist salary
Archaeologist salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
41 500 - 52 700 SEK / month
Women earn 96% of what men do.
Administration, ekonomi
Related tools
Salary progression Archaeologist
What does an archaeologist do? – Tasks and work environment
Archaeologists work to investigate, document, and interpret traces of human activity from prehistoric times to the present. Tasks include excavations, research, analysis of finds, and report writing. An archaeologist may also work with cultural environment investigations, consulting before construction projects, and teaching. The work environment varies between outdoor fieldwork, often in different weather conditions, and office work with analysis and reporting. The work is carried out in projects, both independently and in teams, requiring great precision and the ability to handle complex information.
Salary development over time
The salary of an archaeologist has shown a clear increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, which increased to 46 000 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary reached 46 700 SEK, representing a salary increase of approximately 7% over two years. This positive trend can be linked to increased demand for archaeological expertise, particularly in major infrastructure projects and increased focus on cultural heritage preservation. At the same time, skill requirements have risen, which may have contributed to upward pressure on salaries. Despite the increase, some gender wage gaps persist, although the gap has narrowed slightly over time.
Archaeologist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 46 700 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 41,100 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 52,100 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 277 SEK
- Men's average salary: 47 500 SEK/month
- Women's average salary: 45 900 SEK/month
- Women's salary as a percentage of men's: 96%
Education and qualifications
To work as an archaeologist, a university degree in archaeology or a related field is usually required. The basic education includes a bachelor's and often a master's degree, with studies in archaeological methods, theory, and practice. Practical experience from fieldwork and relevant courses are highly meritorious, and many employers also require documented project experience.
- Bachelor's degree in archaeology: 3 years
- Master's degree in archaeology: 2 years (beyond bachelor's)
- Internships during studies: Strongly recommended
- Field courses and specializations: Increase competitiveness
- Good report writing and data analysis skills: Important in the profession
Many archaeologists have opportunities to travel and work internationally, often in projects with researchers from around the world. This provides a unique insight into different cultures and historical environments and contributes to a broader experience base.
Common benefits and compensations
Archaeologists are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pensions, and insurance. Fieldwork may include per diems and compensation for unsociable hours. Opportunities for skills development and conferences are common, especially with larger employers in the public sector.
Competition and challenges
The profession is characterized by fierce competition for permanent positions, especially within academia and the museum sector. Many archaeologists work on a project basis or temporary contracts, which can involve periods of insecurity. Seasonal variations also affect job opportunities, as excavations often take place during the summer months. The demands for both theoretical and practical skills are high, and flexibility is required to work at different locations and under varying conditions. Despite these challenges, the profession attracts many due to the opportunity to contribute to society’s understanding of history and cultural heritage.
Tips for those who want to become archaeologists
To succeed as an archaeologist, it is good to combine curiosity and analytical skills with practical abilities. A strong drive to understand historical contexts helps in interpreting finds and writing reports, while accuracy is crucial during fieldwork and documentation. It’s wise to seek internships or summer jobs in archaeology early to build experience and networks. Flexibility and teamwork skills facilitate projects where multiple competencies meet, and good communication skills make it easier to present results to colleagues and the public. An interest in technology and digital tools can also be an advantage in today’s archaeological work.
Key facts about archaeologists
- Educational level: Master's degree recommended
- Work environment: Varies between field and office
- Typical employment: Project-based or temporary employment
- Demand: 751 available positions within the profession
- Special skills: Archaeological methodology and report writing
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, an archaeologist can develop into roles such as project manager, field supervisor, or specialist within their area. Many choose to deepen their expertise through doctoral studies, opening doors to academic positions or expert assignments in cultural heritage preservation. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate continued stable demand, especially in infrastructure projects and urban planning. Regional differences may occur, with more opportunities in metropolitan areas and regions with extensive construction projects. International career opportunities are also possible for those with interest and language skills.
Frequently asked questions about archaeologists
- What does an archaeologist earn?
- An archaeologist has an average salary of 46 700 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and employer. - How does one become an archaeologist?
- The most common path is through university studies in archaeology, often with both bachelor's and master's degrees. - Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do within the profession. - Which employers hire archaeologists?
- Public sector, museums, consulting firms, and universities are common employers. - What is the job market like for archaeologists?
- There are 751 job openings within the profession, with the highest demand during major construction projects and infrastructure developments. - What are the most common job tasks?
- Excavations, analysis of finds, report writing, and advising on cultural environments. - Is travel required for the job?
- Yes, fieldwork and projects may require travel both within Sweden and internationally.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 39100 kr | 39200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 103% | 46700 kr | 46800 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 48200 kr | 48200 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 48700 kr | 48700 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 46600 kr | 46700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40200 kr | 40400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47700 kr | 47800 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50200 kr | 50200 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 50800 kr | 50800 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 53000 kr | 53000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48100 kr | 48200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40200 kr | 40400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47700 kr | 47800 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50200 kr | 50200 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 50800 kr | 50800 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 53000 kr | 53000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48100 kr | 48200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 44800 kr | 44800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 44800 kr | 44800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 103% | 46000 kr | 46100 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 48700 kr | 48700 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 50900 kr | 50900 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 47500 kr | 47500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 39500 kr | 39600 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47500 kr | 47600 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50300 kr | 50400 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 51900 kr | 52000 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 54400 kr | 54400 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48500 kr | 48500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 39500 kr | 39600 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47500 kr | 47600 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50300 kr | 50400 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 51900 kr | 52000 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 54400 kr | 54400 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48500 kr | 48500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 103% | 47200 kr | 47300 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 47600 kr | 47700 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 45800 kr | 45900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40700 kr | 40900 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47800 kr | 47900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50000 kr | 50000 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 49800 kr | 49800 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 50600 kr | 50600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47900 kr | 47900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40700 kr | 40900 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47800 kr | 47900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50000 kr | 50000 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 49800 kr | 49800 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 50600 kr | 50600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47900 kr | 47900 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Archaeologist has the SSYK code 2623, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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