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.
Also called: American Indian Policy Specialist, Anthropologist, Applied Anthropologist, Applied Cultural Anthropologist, Archaeological Field Technician, Archaeological Technician (Archeological Tech)
Median pay
$70,770
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$49,050 – $108,060
People employed
8,990
Holland code
IAR
Investigative · Artistic · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 2.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 5.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 6.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Anthropologists and Archeologists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What anthropologists and archeologists do
- 01Collect information and make judgments through observation, interviews, and review of documents.
- 02Teach or mentor undergraduate and graduate students in anthropology or archeology.
- 03Write about and present research findings for a variety of specialized and general audiences.
- 04Plan 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.
- 05Record the exact locations and conditions of artifacts uncovered in diggings or surveys, using drawings and photographs as necessary.
- 06Create data records for use in describing and analyzing social patterns and processes, using photography, videography, and audio recordings.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Sociology and Anthropology
- English Language
- History and Archeology
- Foreign Language
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
- Adaptability
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from anthropologists and archeologists
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary91% · +41%
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary85% · +20%
- History Teachers, Postsecondary83% · +18%
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary79% · +19%
- Geography Teachers, Postsecondary79% · +38%
Change into anthropologists and archeologists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Archivists75% · $64,550
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary74% · $99,650
- History Teachers, Postsecondary72% · $83,820
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary72% · $84,290
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary71% · $85,020
Majors that lead here
- Ancient Studies/Civilization
- Classical and Ancient Studies, Other
- Human Biology
- Geoarcheaology
- Linguistics and Anthropology
- Anthropology, General
- Physical and Biological Anthropology
- Medical Anthropology
- Cultural Anthropology
- Forensic Anthropology
- Anthropology, Other
- Archeology
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.