Archaeologist pay range
Commonwealth of Kentucky · class code 20001532
- Class code
- 20001532
- Pay grade
- 13
- Pay unit
- Month
- Alternate ranges
- 3
- State
- Kentucky
- The Commonwealth of Kentucky published pay range for Archaeologist is $3,339 to $5,343 per month, spanning every alternate range the plan defines.
- Kentucky publishes an entry rate and a midpoint for each pay grade, not a maximum, so the upper figure on this page is the grade midpoint.
- That works out to about $40,071 to $64,114 a year at full time.
- Kentucky Personnel Cabinet keys this classification as class code 20001532.
- The plan defines 3 alternate ranges for this class, so the rate depends on which criteria an employee meets.
- This is the range the plan authorises, not the salary of any individual employee.
Alternate ranges
| Range | Entry | Midpoint | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range 37.5-hour week | $3,339 | $5,009 | per month |
| Range 40-hour week | $3,562 | $5,343 | per month |
| Range Hourly | $20.55 | $30.82 | per hour |
Which alternate range applies is set by the plan's own criteria (experience, certification or assignment). The criteria text lives in the source document.
Class specification
The Personnel Cabinet class specification for this class is published by Kentucky Personnel Cabinet. The passages below are quoted from it as published, not paraphrased, and cut to their opening sentences; the full specification is the authority on duties and qualifications. It was last revised 03/16/2024.
What the state says the job is
Performs archaeological research and documentation of archaeological projects. Responds to formal submissions of documents to determine whether archaeological investigations are warranted; and performs other duties as required.
Examples of the work
Initiates archaeological investigations to identify, document, and evaluate archaeological resources related to projects. Conducts archaeological investigations and writes reports. Assesses the significance of archaeological sites located, tested, or excavated during investigations in accordance with state and federal laws andrules. Recommends further archaeological investigations when necessary. Prepares artifact analysis which includes describing, measuring, placing in a typological framework, and interpreting the function of the site. Reviews past and current archaeological research, ecological, and cultural historic data pertaining to a specific project area. Draws test unit profiles.
Minimum qualifications
EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, cultural history or a related field. EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: One year of archaeology or anthropology experience. Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: A master's degree in archaeology or anthropology OR two years of graduate study in archaeology or anthropology will substitute for the bachelor's degree and experience. Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE
Quoted from the Personnel Cabinet class specification, read 2026-10-21.
Where this comes from
Kentucky Personnel Cabinet publishes this figure in Classified and Unclassified 37.5 and 40-Hour Salary Schedule, effective September 16, 2026. Every number on this page is read from that document; nothing is estimated, modelled or averaged.
Job titles and their pay grades come from the Job Specification Search, joined to the salary schedule.
Nearby classes in Kentucky
Archaeologist in other states
| State | Entry | Midpoint | Per year at full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $38,189 | $70,392 | $38,189 to $70,392 |
| Arkansas | $58,700 | $86,876 | $58,700 to $86,876 |
| Idaho | $49,743 | $99,486 | $49,743 to $99,486 |
| Missouri | $52,080 | $126,072 | $52,080 to $126,072 |
Each state publishes its own range for a classification with this exact title. Duties, grade structures and bargaining units differ between states, so read each class page before comparing.