Latest Data: 2020
This page examines the age distribution of UK professional archaeologists.
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Over 85% of archaeologists are between the ages of 25 and 60. The largest age cohort are those aged between 36 to 40. These data were collected from the individuals survey of Profiling the Profession 2020.
Table 2.5.1: Breakdown of ages for employed/self-employed archaeologists. Includes those studying and working part-time.
| Age | Count | % |
|---|---|---|
| 25 & Under | 42 | 4% |
| 26-30 | 98 | 10% |
| 31-35 | 120 | 12% |
| 36 – 40 | 159 | 16% |
| 41 – 45 | 130 | 13% |
| 46 – 50 | 116 | 12% |
| 51 – 55 | 114 | 12% |
| 56 – 60 | 105 | 11% |
| 61 – 65 | 67 | 7% |
| 66 – 70 | 20 | 2% |
| Over 70 | 8 | 1% |
| Total (n=) | 979 |
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There is no UK demographic trend that explains the high number of archaeologists in their mid-late thirties. While there are fluctuations in the size of age groups, there is nothing externally reported that can account for what is seen in archaeology (Figure 2.5.2). This might a response bias or caused by another, unknown, variable. The differences between archaeology and the larger workforce for younger and older age groups can be explained by university study and retirements.
Download data used is this figure from ONS.
Table 2.5.2: Average ages for employed/self-employed archaeologists by gender from 1997-2020.
| 1997‐98 | 2002‐03 | 2007‐08 | 2012‐13 | 2019-20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| female archaeologists | 34 | 36 | 36 | 39 | 41 |
| male archaeologists | 37 | 39 | 39 | 44 | 47 |
| all archaeologists | 36 | 38 | 38 | 42 | 44 |
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Image Credit
Colossus dive trail – Seabed sign, buoy 1 and diver by Kevin Camidge CC BY 4.0. Kevin Camidge (2020) Colossus Dive Trail Maintenance and Wheel Wreck Dating 2019 [data-set]. York: Archaeology Data Service [distributor] https://doi.org/10.5284/1079022
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As a digital document we may update parts of this page in the future to account for corrections or the need for clarification. Please use the version when citing:
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CREDITS
Title: Profiling the Profession
2020 Authors: Kenneth Aitchison, Poppy German and Doug Rocks-Macqueen
Published by: Landward Research Ltd
Version Date: 2021
ISBN: 978-0-9572452-8-0
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14333387
License: CC BY SA 4.0 for all text and figures. Header images are from different sources check image credits for their specific licensing.
2020 funders: Historic England, with support from Historic Environment Scotland, CIfA and FAME.
Questions about Profiling the Profession: enquiries@landward.eu