Anthropologists and Archeologists
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 earn a median of $34.02/hr — about $71,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $23.58/hr; the top 10% earn $51.95/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually 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.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
The feel of the work
Much of the day is spent working solo; it rewards working independently. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 3.6% of anthropologists and archeologists are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are analytical, hands-on and creative.
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Quick questions
- How much does a anthropologists and archeologist make?
- The median pay is $34.02 per hour — roughly $71,000 a year, with the real range running from about $23.58/hr (10th percentile) to $51.95/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a anthropologists and archeologist?
- The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
- What does a anthropologists and archeologist actually do all day?
- 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.
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