Anthropologists and Archeologists

Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans. They study the culture and characteristics of living or past civilizations throughout the world.

Duties

Anthropologists and archeologists typically do the following:

• Plan and oversee cultural research
• Design and coordinate data collection appropriate for a particular region, specialty, or project
• Collect information through methods such as observation and interviews
• Document and manage records of information collected in the field
• Analyze data, artifacts, and other sources of information to uncover patterns about human life, culture, and origins
• Write reports and present research findings
• Advise organizations on the cultural impact of policies, programs, and products

Anthropologists and archeologists use knowledge from the humanities and sciences to examine human behavior. Anthropologists focus on the ways of life, languages, and other characteristics of people throughout the world. Archaeologists research past cultures’ impacts on the customs, values, and habits of societies in the present.

Anthropologists and archaeologists apply their insights to businesses, schools, and other organizations in a variety of ways. For example, an anthropologist may collect and analyze data on a particular culture or social group for purposes of market research on product demand. An archeologist may assess potential construction sites to ensure compliance with federal regulations related to historic preservation.

The equipment used by anthropologists and archeologists varies by task and specialty. For example, they may use audio and video equipment to record research in the field; Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to evaluate potential excavation sites; trowels and sieves to collect soil, artifacts, and other objects; and scales and calipers to measure samples in the laboratory.

Anthropologists and archaeologists typically specialize in a particular field, geographic area, or time period. For example, biological and physical anthropologists study evolution and the changing nature of humans and primates. Cultural and social anthropologists study the societal consequences of human issues, such as poverty, over time. Linguistic anthropologists study how languages develop and what they teach us about history and culture.

Anthropologists and archeologists held about 8,800 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of anthropologists and archeologists were as follows:

Archeologists work in a variety of settings, such as in museums, at historical sites, and in laboratories.

Fieldwork usually requires travel for extended periods, sometimes to remote areas that involve rugged living conditions and strenuous physical exertion. Anthropologists and archaeologists may work outdoors in all types of weather, including extreme heat or cold. Depending on the project, they also may need to learn a foreign language. 

Anthropologists’ and archaeologists’ work may be stressful because they often face limited funding for their projects.

Work Schedules

Many anthropologists and archeologists work full time. When doing fieldwork, they may be required to work irregular schedules, including long hours, evenings, and weekends.

To enter the occupation, anthropologists and archeologists typically need at least a master’s degree in anthropology or archeology. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have experience doing fieldwork in their discipline.

The median annual wage for anthropologists and archeologists was $64,910 in May 2024.

Employment of anthropologists and archeologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 800 openings for anthropologists and archeologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.