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Performs professional archeology work including archaeological surveys, excavations, and artifact analysis.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0193
Education
Degree that included 3 semester hours each in the following course areas:
• History of archeology.
• Archeology of a major geographical area such as North America or Africa.
• Regional archeology, archeological cultures, or sites in a specific part or portion of a major geographical area to acquire or develop a foundation for regional specialization for professional development.
• Theory and methods of archeology. Methods include, but are not limited to, typology, classification, sampling, cultural evolution, diffusion, dating, and analytical techniques. Archeological field school, to provide a basic understanding of theoretical and practical approaches to research design implementation, field preservation techniques, and report preparation by participation in actual field work.
AND
Six semester hours of related course work in:
• geography, geology, or cultural geography;
• history, historiography, or historical archeology;
• environmental studies;
• scientific writing (nonfiction English composition); and/or
• surveying;
AND
Archeological field school.
Related Curriculum: degree in anthropology (with emphasis on ethnology, physical anthropology, or scientific linguistics), history, American studies, or a related discipline may be accepted as satisfying in full the educational requirements, provided the curriculum supplied academic course work sufficiently similar to the requirements in A.1 (including archeological field school).
OR
Combination of Education and Experience
College-level education or training that provided knowledge equivalent to that described in A above, plus appropriate technical experience or additional education.
OR
Experience
Four years of archeological work experience that demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of professional archeology. The work experience must have included archeology field experience, which may include that gained in an archeological field school. Field experience should have included a combination of professional experience in archeological survey, excavation, laboratory analysis, and preparation of written materials. Applicants with such field experience should, after additional experience under the direction of a higher grade archeologist, be able to demonstrate the ability to be a crew chief, directing the work of others at a single location as a part of a larger archeological project.
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Step-by-step guide to landing a federal archeology position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0193
Geospatial Intelligence specialists have skills in analyzing imagery and maps, which can be applicable to archaeological surveys and site documentation.
Geospatial Engineers have experience in mapping and surveying, which aligns with archaeological survey techniques. Highlight experience in field data collection and analysis.
These specialists are trained in geographic data collection and analysis, which is useful for archaeological site surveys and artifact documentation.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Skill in archaeological excavation and survey techniques.
Ability to analyze and classify archaeological materials.
Skill in documenting archaeological sites and finds.
Ability to prepare archaeological reports and publications.
Knowledge of artifact preservation and curation.
Skill in using GIS for archaeological mapping.
Knowledge of archaeological laboratory techniques.
Understanding of cultural resource management laws.
Ability to develop archaeological research designs.
Skill in presenting archaeology to public audiences.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0193 Archeologist studies past human cultures through excavation and artifact analysis. Federal archeologists protect cultural resources, conduct compliance surveys, and manage historic preservation at agencies including NPS, Forest Service, and Army Corps.
Archeologists earn between $42,679 (GS-7 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-9/11/12, earning $52,205-$98,422 annually. Fieldwork may include additional per diem.
GS-0193 positions require education in archeology or anthropology with specific coursework and field school training. Secretary of Interior Professional Qualification Standards apply. Higher grades require progressively more fieldwork and project management experience.
Military experience cannot substitute for required archeology education. However, veterans with archeology degrees who served in cultural property protection or civil affairs have applicable experience working with cultural resources in operational environments.
The career ladder follows GS-7/9/11/12/13/14 intervals. Entry-level archeologists conduct field surveys. GS-11/12 archeologists manage projects and compliance programs. Senior archeologists direct regional programs and advise on preservation policy.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Archeologist' or '0193' series. Major employers include NPS, Forest Service, BLM, and Army Corps. Your federal resume should detail fieldwork, project experience, and compliance knowledge. Professional qualifications must be documented.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.