Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 69'150 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 79'788 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 70'163 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 74'393 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 80'000 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 120'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsCulture & Media
Archäologische/r Grabungstechniker/in BP
Technical management and documentation for archaeological excavations
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
You lead the technical aspects of excavations, document finds, and secure archaeological sites for research.
Archaeological excavation technicians combine practical craftsmanship with scientific precision. You plan complex fieldwork, coordinate excavation teams, and protect historical finds from environmental damage. Your careful work and thorough documentation form the foundation for future archaeological research, heritage conservation projects, and the sustainable preservation of our cultural heritage for future generations and science.
FieldCulture & Media
Education pathContinuing Education Profession
IndustryCultural Heritage
Swissdoc 0.827.3.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Strong salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Archaeologist. Based on 24 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
-4% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 75'000 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 94'000 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 68'831 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 72'000 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Public administration / Associations | CHF 75'000 | 11 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Archäologische/r Grabungstechniker/in mit eidg. Fachausweis
Official education path
The further training lasts about three years and includes about 16 to 20 course days as well as extensive self-study.
Typical training path
Archäologische/r Grabungstechniker/in mit eidg. Fachausweis
Prerequisites
- Completed at least 3-year vocational basic training, Maturität, or equivalent training AND 4 years of professional practice (full-time) as an employee in archaeological investigations
- Completed 2-year vocational basic training or equivalent training AND 6 years of professional practice (full-time) as an employee in archaeological investigations
- Written proof that the practical exam can be carried out at an archaeological company
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Technical management
- Documentation skills
- Physical stamina
- Conservation knowledge
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You stand on the excavation site, measure the ground, and guide the team in carefully recovering finds.
- You prepare archaeological excavations together with the scientific director.
- You assemble the excavation team and organise the necessary equipment.
- You set up the excavation site logistically and create a surveying system.
- You lead the excavation crew and support them in properly recovering the finds.
- You take measures against corrosion, decay, or drying out of the artefacts.
- You document all changes exactly in the excavation diary and with photos.
- You pass the excavated finds on to storage or for restoration.
Working conditions
You work mainly outdoors on excavation sites or in construction analysis offices. Occasionally, you may also work in museums or cantonal offices.
Where to learn
- Vereinigung des Archäologisch-Technischen Grabungspersonals der Schweiz VATG/ASTFA Marco Amstutz (Koordination Technikerprüfung) Archäologischer Dienst des Kantons Bern3001 Bern
Strengths
- Technical management
- Documentation skills
- Physical stamina
- Conservation knowledge
Trade-offs
- Freelance work
- Weather dependence
- Physical demands
- Environmental exposure
06 · Similar
