Science
Anthropologists and archeologists
Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.
Median pay
$70,770
Growth to 2035
+6%
faster than average
Openings a year
800
Time to qualify*
2 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Anthropologists and archeologists
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Master's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Anthropologists and archeologists: 70% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Collect information and make judgments through observation, interviews, and review of documents.
- Teach or mentor undergraduate and graduate students in anthropology or archeology.
- Write about and present research findings for a variety of specialized and general audiences.
- Plan and direct research to characterize and compare the economic, demographic, health care, social, political, linguistic, and religious institutions of distinct cultural groups, communities, and organizations.
- Create data records for use in describing and analyzing social patterns and processes, using photography, videography, and audio recordings.
- Train others in the application of ethnographic research methods to solve problems in organizational effectiveness, communications, technology development, policy making, and program planning.
- Identify culturally specific beliefs and practices affecting health status and access to services for distinct populations and communities, in collaboration with medical and public health officials.
- Apply traditional ecological knowledge and assessments of culturally distinctive land and resource management institutions to assist in the resolution of conflicts over habitat protection and resource enhancement.
Also called: American Indian Policy Specialist · Applied Anthropologist · Applied Cultural Anthropologist · Archaeologist · Communication and Folklore Specialist · Forensic Anthropologist · Historical Archaeologist · Research Archaeologist
Outlook and AI
Anthropologists and archeologists held 10,200 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 10,800 by 2035 (+6%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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