The median pay for Anthropologists and Archeologists is $70,770 a year ($34.02/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 6.0% through 2035, with about 800 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.
- SOC 19-3091
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Anthropologist in four numbers
- Median pay
- $70,770a year, or $34.02/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $49KTop 10% $108K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +6.0%Faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+6%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +6% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 80010,200 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202510.2K
- Projected 203510.8K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 10.2K Projected 2035 10.8K - Typical education
- Master'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Some college5%
- Associate's5%
- Bachelor's20%
- Master's30%
- Doctorate40%
Highest education held by anthropologists and archeologists Segment Value Some college 5% Associate's 5% Bachelor's 20% Master's 30% Doctorate 40%
Also advertised as: American Indian Policy Specialist, Applied Anthropologist, Applied Cultural Anthropologist, Archaeologist, Communication and Folklore Specialist, Forensic Anthropologist.
Pay
How much do Anthropologists and Archeologists make?
Every anthropologist in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$70,770
Middle half earn $59,400 to $89,670
- 10th
- $49,050
- 25th
- $59,400
- 75th
- $89,670
- 90th
- $108,060
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $49,050 |
| 25th | $59,400 |
| Median | $70,770 |
| 75th | $89,670 |
| 90th | $108,060 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $70,770
- Median hourly wage
- $34.02/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $75,620
- People employed
- 8,990
Versus all US occupations
At $70,770, Anthropologists and Archeologists earn 39% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $19,790 a year.
Versus life, physical, and social science occupations
Inside the Life, Physical, and Social Science group, where the middle occupation pays $82,220, this is 14% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $108,060 or more while the bottom 10% earn $49,050, a gap of 2.2×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 45% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Massachusetts pays the most at $121,300, and still leads at $114,697 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Anthropologists and Archeologists the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Massachusetts | $121,300 | $114,697 | 80 |
| 2Nebraska | $94,520 | $104,902 | 40 |
| 3Connecticut | $91,420 | $88,235 | N/A |
| 4Alaska | $89,810 | $87,740 | 130 |
| 5Idaho | $88,710 | $92,896 | 170 |
| 6Oregon | $84,970 | $82,207 | 240 |
| 7Hawaii | $84,530 | $76,880 | 210 |
| 8Virginia | $80,230 | $79,354 | 320 |
| 9Pennsylvania | $79,660 | $81,642 | 130 |
| 10Montana | $79,420 | $83,914 | 80 |
Job outlook
Is Anthropologist a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Faster than average. +6.0% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Anthropologists and Archeologists | +6% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Faster than average
BLS projects employment of Anthropologists and Archeologists to change 6.0% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 600 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 800 openings are projected each year, 7.8% of the 10,200 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
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.
Corporations are expected to continue to use anthropological research to gain a better understanding of consumer demand within specific cultures or social groups. Anthropologists also will likely be needed to analyze markets, allowing businesses to serve their clients better or to target new customers or demographic groups.
Demand for archeologists will likely stem from the need to ensure that builders, museums, and other organizations comply with federal regulations pertaining to the preservation and handling of archeological and historical artifacts.
Because anthropological and archeological research may depend on research funding, federal budgetary decisions can affect future employment of these scientists in research.
Getting in
How to become an Anthropologist
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.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Master's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Considerable preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as anthropologists and archeologists.
- Doctoral Degree40%
- Master's Degree30%
- Bachelor's Degree20%
- Some College Courses5%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Degree | 40% |
| Master's Degree | 30% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 20% |
| Some College Courses | 5% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 5% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does an Anthropologist do?
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.
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.
Day-to-day tasks
- Collect information and make judgments through observation, interviews, and review of documents.
- 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.
- Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.
- Teach or mentor undergraduate and graduate students in anthropology or archeology.
- Advise government agencies, private organizations, and communities regarding proposed programs, plans, and policies and their potential impacts on cultural institutions, organizations, and communities.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Many anthropologists and archeologists work full time. When doing fieldwork, they may be required to work irregular schedules, including long hours, evenings, and weekends.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where anthropologists and archeologists work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting services28%
- Research and development in the social sciences and humanities23%
- Federal government, excluding postal service19%
- Engineering services6%
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state4%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | 28% |
| Research and development in the social sciences and humanities | 23% |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 19% |
| Engineering services | 6% |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state | 4% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Writing4.3
- Speaking4.3
- Reading Comprehension4.1
- Active Listening4.1
- Critical Thinking4.1
- Active Learning3.9
- Monitoring3.5
- Learning Strategies3.4
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Writing | 4.3 |
| Speaking | 4.3 |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.1 |
| Active Listening | 4.1 |
| Critical Thinking | 4.1 |
| Active Learning | 3.9 |
| Monitoring | 3.5 |
| Learning Strategies | 3.4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Complex Problem Solving3.8
- Instructing3.3
- Judgment and Decision Making3.3
- Social Perceptiveness3.1
- Coordination3.1
- Systems Analysis3.0
- Time Management3.0
- Management of Personnel Resources3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.8 |
| Instructing | 3.3 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.3 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.1 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.0 |
| Time Management | 3.0 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Analytical or scientific software · in demand
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Desktop publishing software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Geographic information system · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Object or component oriented development software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits an Anthropologist?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Anthropologist |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 4 |
| Investigative | 7 |
| Artistic | 4 |
| Social | 4 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data, combined with creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules.
- Investigative6.8
- Artistic4.2
- Realistic4.0
- Social3.7
- Conventional3.2
- Enterprising1.6
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Anthropologist
O*NET related occupations
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Educational Instruction and Library
Anthropology and Archeology Teacher, Postsecondary
$99,650median a year
Most earn $58K to $171K
+2.6%Doctorate - Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Educational Instruction and Library
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teacher, Postsecondary
$85,020median a year
Most earn $52K to $160K
+2.7%Doctorate - Educational Instruction and Library
More life, physical, and social science careers
Median annual pay, with anthropologists and archeologists highlighted
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologist$193,950
- Physicist$172,250
- Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologists$103,410
- Chemist$91,240
- Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health$82,220
- Conservation Scientist$73,010
- Anthropologist$70,770
- Chemical Technician$60,390
- Biological Technician$57,510
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | $193,950 |
| Physicist | $172,250 |
| Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologists | $103,410 |
| Chemist | $91,240 |
| Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health | $82,220 |
| Conservation Scientist | $73,010 |
| Anthropologist | $70,770 |
| Chemical Technician | $60,390 |
| Biological Technician | $57,510 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within anthropologist
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Anthropologist appears on
Questions
Anthropologist: frequently asked questions
How much do Anthropologists and Archeologists make?
Anthropologists and Archeologists earn a median of $70,770 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 39% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $34.02/hr. The middle half earn between $59,400 and $89,670. The top 10% earn $108,060 or more.
Do you need a degree to become an Anthropologist?
Yes. BLS reports a master's degree as the typical entry-level education for Anthropologists and Archeologists, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as considerable preparation. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 40.0% hold doctoral degree.
Is Anthropologist a growing career?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6.0% over 2025–2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 800 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does an Anthropologist do?
Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans. A core O*NET task: collect information and make judgments through observation, interviews, and review of documents. Employers most often ask for Analytical or scientific software, Computer aided design CAD software, Data base user interface and query software.
Which states pay Anthropologists and Archeologists the most?
The highest state medians for Anthropologists and Archeologists are Massachusetts ($121,300), Nebraska ($94,520), Connecticut ($91,420) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits an Anthropologist?
O*NET scores Anthropologists and Archeologists highest on the Investigative, Artistic and Realistic interest areas, so the work mixes investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data with creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with INTP personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.