How to become an anthropologists and archeologist

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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require graduate school. for example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a ph.d., m.d., or j.d. (law degree)..Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What anthropologists and archeologists do

• 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.

Skills that matter most

• Writing
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Learning Strategies

Is anthropologists and archeologist a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 39% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Massachusetts $121,300
• Nebraska $94,520
• Alaska $89,810
• Idaho $88,710
• Oregon $84,970

Anthropologists and Archeologists salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.