Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Communicating clearly through speech while listening carefully to understand others.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
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. PayThe median annual wage for anthropologists and archeologists was $70,770 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of anthropologists and archeologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 800 openings for anthropologists and archeologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for anthropologists and archeologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of anthropologists and archeologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about anthropologists and archeologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for anthropologists and archeologists was $70,770 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of anthropologists and archeologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 800 openings for anthropologists and archeologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for anthropologists and archeologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of anthropologists and archeologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about anthropologists and archeologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of anthropologists and archeologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 800 openings for anthropologists and archeologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for anthropologists and archeologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of anthropologists and archeologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about anthropologists and archeologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans.
Work Environment
Anthropologists and archeologists typically work in offices, in laboratories, or in the field. Fieldwork may require travel for extended periods.
How to Become an Anthropologist or Archeologist
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for anthropologists and archeologists was $70,770 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of anthropologists and archeologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 800 openings for anthropologists and archeologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for anthropologists and archeologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of anthropologists and archeologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about anthropologists and archeologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Anthropologists and archeologists typically work in offices, in laboratories, or in the field. Fieldwork may require travel for extended periods.
How to Become an Anthropologist or Archeologist
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for anthropologists and archeologists was $70,770 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of anthropologists and archeologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 800 openings for anthropologists and archeologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for anthropologists and archeologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of anthropologists and archeologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about anthropologists and archeologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for anthropologists and archeologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of anthropologists and archeologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about anthropologists and archeologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about anthropologists and archeologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.