Anthropology

Career Opportunities

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), anthropologists in the United States in 2020 earned a median annual salary topping $66,000, or around $32 an hour.

“Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans,” the BLS goes on to report. “They examine the cultures, languages, archeological remains, and physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world.”

BLS: “Anthropologists and archeologists typically work in research organizations, government, and consulting firms. Although most work in offices, some analyze samples in laboratories or do fieldwork. Fieldwork may require travel for extended periods.”

Employment Information

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Anthropologist and Archeologist Duties

  • Plan cultural research
  • Customize data collection methods according to a particular region, specialty, or project
  • Collect information from observations, interviews, and documents
  • Record and manage records of observations taken in the field
  • Analyze data and laboratory samples to uncover patterns about human life, culture, and origins
  • Prepare reports and present research findings
  • Advise organizations on the cultural impact of policies, programs, and products

Career Fields for Anthropology Majors

  • Administration and management
  • Archaeology
  • Business
  • Community development
  • Cultural Resource Management (CRM)
  • Education and outreach
  • Environment and natural resources
  • Ethnography and cultural anthropology
  • Evaluation and assessment
  • Healthcare management, services and delivery
  • Historic preservation
  • Human and social services
  • Humanitarian efforts
  • Human rights and social justice advocacy
  • International and public health
  • International development and affairs
  • Management consulting and organizational development
  • Market research
  • Mass communication
  • Museum and curation and project design
  • Social impact assessment
  • Tourism and heritage

Anthropological Specialties

  • Sociocultural anthropologists examine social patterns and practices across cultures.
  • Archaeologists investigate the material remains of bygone peoples and cultures.
  • Physical anthropologists work to determine the biological nature of humankind.
  • Linguistic anthropologists study how language reflects and influences social life.
  • Medical anthropologists research factors that affect human health and well-being.
  • Forensic anthropologists analyze human remains in crime detection.
  • Business anthropologists apply theories and methods to solve business problems.
  • Visual anthropologists employ imagery to describe, analyze and interpret behavior.
  • Environmental anthropologists evaluate how people relate to changes in their environment.
  • Museum anthropologists explore museum history and the roles of museums in society.

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