Fellow HistArchers:
A friend alerted me to DougsArchaeology postings on pay rates.:

http://dougsarchaeology.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/how-much-archaeologists-make-usa-2012-fieldlab-tech/

 http://dougsarchaeology.wordpress.com/archaeology-job-conditions-us/

 As I understand it, his numbers derive from posted job listings in 2011 and 2012. While subject to a variety of biases, those numbers approximate what I think most technicians experience: a wide range, but generally in the range of $13 to $15 per hour. California's rates, although possibly a little higher, aren't that far above the newly enacted minimum wage rate of $10 (still not close to a living wage).

Ethically and practically, we need to change this situation. Hardworking, talented archaeology technicians should earn salaries commensurate with their education and the value that they bring to commercial projects. It is the right thing to do and it will help insure a talented pool of individuals are prepared to meet the demands of the industry.

I'm committing to an increase from $150/ 8-hour day (including at least half the travel time for field projects) to $160/day for all projects awarded after December 1, 2013. If I have projects, I expect a raise to $200 per day beginning January 1, 2015. For those already paying technicians at these levels, great...keep pushing them higher. For those who don't, please make the commitment to improve rates in your region. Education is only one measure of the esteem in which we and others hold our field: levels of compensation and a sincere regard for the health and welfare of our assistants, backed by action, are equally important.

Jim


 
James G. Gibb

Gibb Archaeological Consulting

2554 Carrollton Road

Annapolis, Maryland USA ?? 21403

443.482.9593 (Land) 410.693.3847 (Cell)

www.gibbarchaeology.net ? www.porttobacco.blogspot.com