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Anthropologists


Overview

Anthropologists

Introduction

Anthropologists study the origin and evolution of humans from a scientific point of view, focusing on the ways of life, physical characteristics, languages, values, customs, and social patterns of people in various parts of the world. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, anthropologists and archeologists, who study evidence and artifacts from past human cultures, hold about 6,500 jobs in the United States.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$62,410

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

Master's Degree
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Experience

Experience as a research assistant or a teaching fellow


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Skills

Research
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Personality Traits

Curious
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Earnings

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reports that the median annual salary for anthropologists and archeologists was $62,410 in May 2018. Entry-level salaries were $36,840 or less, while the most experienced workers earned more than $97,170.

According to the DOL, college and university anthropology professors earned salaries that ranged from less than $45,330 to $159,390 or more in May 201...

Work Environment

The majority of anthropologists are employed by colleges and universities and, as such, have good working conditions, although fieldwork may require extensive travel and difficult living conditions. Educational facilities are normally clean, well lighted, and ventilated.

Anthropologists work about 40 hours a week, and the hours may be irregular. Physical strength and stamina is necessary...

Outlook

Employment of anthropologists is predicted to increase by 10 percent through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, or slower than the average for all careers. Most new jobs arising in the near future will be nonteaching positions in consulting firms, research institutes, corporations, and federal, state, and local government agencies. Anthropologists will have to be creative in findi...