OSCA 232331: Archaeologist
Studies human activity in the past, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data left behind, which includes artefacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscapes (the archaeological record). This record sits in Social Science and Related Professionals. Related ANZSIC industry links are included for faster classification cross-checking. Skill level 1 is attached to this occupation record.
Should you use OSCA or ANZSCO?
OSCA 2024 is the current Australian occupation classification for storing, organising and reporting occupation information. Use this OSCA record for current Australian statistical and analytical classification work.
Some migration and administrative programs still specify ANZSCO 2022. Check the exact system named by the agency or form rather than replacing the code automatically.
Official ANZSCO correspondence
Role overview
Studies human activity in the past, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data left behind, which includes artefacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscapes (the archaeological record).
Use this page to confirm the official title, the parent unit group, the task list and the related ANZSIC industry context before using the occupation in classification, reporting or migration-adjacent workflows.
Occupation facts
- Skill level
- 1
- Major group
- 2 Professionals
- Sub-major group
- 23 Cultural and Social Professionals
- Minor group
- 232 Social Professionals
- Unit group
- 2323 Social Science and Related Professionals
Tasks
- Cleans, examines, records and preserves archaeological finds and sites
- Collects, analyses and interprets data from artefacts and archaeological sites
- Uses methods such as aerial photography and remote sensing techniques to locate archaeological sites
- Collects information and produces simulations to recreate the way a site or artefact would have looked in the past
- Assesses archaeological sites for resource management, development or conservation purposes
- Recommends methods for archaeological site protection
Skill level guidance
Skill level helps place the occupation inside the ABS hierarchy. Use it as a classification cue, then check the actual task list and occupational context before making a decision for HR, visa or reporting work.
How to use this occupation page
Start with the official OSCA title and task list. Then confirm the parent unit group and compare the related occupations on this page if the job title is broad, overlapping or used differently across employers.
The ANZSIC links are there to help when the same occupation appears across several industries and you need the business-side classification as well.
Related occupations
Industry context
Alternative titles
No alternative titles are currently attached.
Compare before choosing
Compare OSCA 232331 with related occupations
Compare roles in the same OSCA unit group by their official definition, skill level, tasks and recognised alternative titles.
| Comparison point | Current code232331 Archaeologist | 232332 Archivist | 232333 Economist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official role definition | Studies human activity in the past, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data left behind, which includes artefacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscapes (the archaeological record). | Analyses and documents records, and plans and organises systems and procedures for the safekeeping of records and historically valuable documents. | Researches and analyses the production and distribution of goods and services, and people's spending and financial behaviour. Uses this information to predict trends, develop theories, and provide advice to governments and organisations on economic policy matters. |
| Skill level | Skill Level 1 | Skill Level 1 | Skill Level 1 |
| Key tasks |
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| Alternative titles | Not stated | Not stated |
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Comparison uses occupation definitions, skill levels, tasks and title variants from the ABS OSCA data files.
Compliance risk score
4 of 4 factors passing
In this section
Frequently asked questions
What does OSCA 232331 do?
Archaeologist is the current ABS occupation record used to describe a specific occupation. It sits in the OSCA hierarchy and carries skill-level context plus related titles and tasks.
How should I read the skill level?
The skill level tells you the educational or training depth that the ABS associates with the occupation. It is a classification signal, not a salary band or a qualification checklist on its own.
Why is industry context shown on an occupation page?
Industry context helps when the title is common or ambiguous. It shows where the occupation is typically employed so you can compare it with the right ANZSIC family.
Source and trust
- Official source
- ABS OSCA 2024 release and correspondence tables
- Last reviewed
- 2026-04-17
This site is an independent reference resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the ABS, ATO or any Australian Government agency.
Please verify critical classification decisions with the official authority before using them for tax, payroll, licensing, immigration or compliance work.