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Palaeontologist

Alternative titles for this job include

Palaeontologists study the history of life on Earth through fossils.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Palaeontologist

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

You'll usually need to complete a first degree followed by further study for postgraduate qualifications at master's or PhD level.

Subjects include:

  • botany
  • Earth sciences
  • geology
  • palaeontology
  • zoology
  • biological science

Employers like universities or research institutions will expect you to have completed, or be working towards, a PhD in your specialist area of interest in palaeontology.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Volunteering

Volunteering at your local museum can help you learn more about palaeontology, especially where the museum has a fossil collection.

You can also get involved in activities organised by geology and fossil hunting societies, like Rockwatch and the Jurassic Coast Trust.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The Palaeontology Association for professional development opportunities and to make contacts in the profession.

Further information

You can find more information about how to become a palaeontologist from The Palaeontological Association and the Natural History Museum.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • science skills
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of geography
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • persistence and determination
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a palaeontologist, you could:

  • collect samples and data from field trips and museum collections
  • examine specimens in the lab, using technology like CT scanning
  • analyse data and catalogue fossil specimens
  • carry out research and publish findings
  • plan and deliver lectures to students
  • give talks and manage displays and exhibitions
  • provide expert advice for broadcasters and publishers

Working environment

You could work in a laboratory, in a museum, at a university or visit sites.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a:

  • senior researcher, managing a project team
  • collections curator at a museum
  • lecturer in higher education

You may also find opportunities in geological surveying in mining and minerals exploration, or work as a consultant in media publishing.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Palaeontologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to HE - Science

  • Provider: Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC)
  • Start date: 09 September 2025
  • Location: Harrow

Access to HE Science

  • Provider: The Bournemouth and Poole College
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Poole

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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