Anthropologists and Archeologists
Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans.
Is anthropologists and archeologists a good career?
It scores 18/100 and ranks #388 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($70,770)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a master's degree
What anthropologists and archeologists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. anthropologists and archeologists earn between $59,400 and $89,670 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live anthropologists and archeologists jobs
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- Typical education
- Master's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Education
Anthropologists and archeologists typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the occupation. Some positions require a Ph.D.
Master’s degree programs usually take 2 years to complete. Programs in anthropology or archaeology often include field or laboratory research that may take place in the United States or abroad. Students may have the opportunity to attend archeological field schools, which teach them how to excavate archeological sites and how to record and interpret findings and data.
A Ph.D. takes additional years of study beyond a master’s degree and typically involves completing a dissertation.
Although most positions require a graduate degree, some anthropologists and archaeologists begin their careers with a bachelor’s degree and related experience. They may work as field or laboratory technicians or research assistants, increasing their responsibilities as they get additional education.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Anthropologists and archeologists need to understand scientific methods and data to assess artifacts and other findings from their research.
Communication skills. Anthropologists and archeologists must be able to write reports or papers and to present their research findings to a variety of audiences.
Critical-thinking skills. Anthropologists and archeologists must be able to draw conclusions and answer questions based on observations, laboratory experiments, and other methods of research.
Observational skills. Anthropologists and archeologists study people, sites, and objects, paying particular attention to the surroundings and other sources relevant to their research.
Physical stamina. When conducting fieldwork, anthropologists and archeologists may need to hike or walk several miles while carrying equipment to a research site.
Related occupations
How much do anthropologists and archeologists make?
The national median wage is $70,770 a year, with the middle half earning between $59,400 and $89,670 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is anthropologists and archeologists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 18 of 100 and ranks #388 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +3.7% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a anthropologists and archeologist?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree.
Where do anthropologists and archeologists earn the most?
Among states, Massachusetts pays the highest median ($121,300). Local pay for every state and metro is below.