Anthropologist: Career Information

An anthropologist studies the ways of life, languages, archaeological remains and physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world.

**See also Archaeologist: Career Profile

There were 6,000 anthropologists and archaeologists^* employed in 2008.

To work as an anthropologist one needs, at the minimum, a master's degree. A Ph.D. is required if one wants to teach at a college or university.

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Because anthropologists collaborate on research and also must present their research to others, they need excellent communication skills. Perseverance is another necessary trait, given the number of years anthropologists spend on individual projects.

A high rate of publication can lead to career advancement for an anthropologist.

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The job outlook for anthropologists is excellent. It is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. This occupation is also projected to experience faster growth than most other occupations that also require at least a master's degree (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

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Median annual earnings of anthropologists and archaeologists^* were $53,460 (U.S., 2009).

Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much an Anthropologist currently earns in your city.

On a typical day an anthropologist's tasks might include:

• examining and comparing the customs, values, and social patterns of different cultures
• studying current human concerns, such as overpopulation, warfare and poverty
• studying the prehistory of humans
• collecting information through observation, interviews or review of documents
• writing and presenting research findings

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Social Scientists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos315.htm (visited March 23, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Anthropologist, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/19-3091.01 (visited July 1, 2010).

*Note: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics combines wage and employment data for Anthropologist and Archaeologist.