Archaeology and “New Collar Jobs,” Part II
Cultural Resource Management (CRM) archaeology often prioritizes college degrees over professional certifications, yet the “wealth premium” from degrees may be waning due to high tuition costs and loan debt. The author argues that New Collar Certifications may soon rival degrees, offering practical skills without as much financial burden. This could be especially important for maintaining net worth in the long term and is relevant for BIPOC and working-class archaeologists who face additional challenges in the field. The author suggests that combining degrees with certifications might be essential for future success in archaeology, with a particular emphasis on the changing landscape of CRM job requirements and the potential of New Collar certifications to address staffing shortages and training needs.
