What are Anthropologists and Archeologists?Anthropologists and Archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans throughout history and across cultures. Anthropologists investigate human beings' cultural, social, and biological aspects, often conducting fieldwork in contemporary societies. Archeologists focus on past societies by excavating, recovering, and examining material remains, such as ruins, tools, and pottery.
Typical Education
Anthropologists and archeologists typically need at least a Master's degree in anthropology or archeology to enter the occupation, with a Ph.D. often required for academic and senior research positions.
Salary Range in the United States
The typical median annual salary for Anthropologists and Archeologists was $63,800 as of May 2023.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Day in the Life
How to Become an Anthropologist or Archeologist
- Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Complete an undergraduate degree, typically in Anthropology (which includes archaeology as a sub-field), History, or a related social or physical science. Seek out degrees that offer a strong foundation in research, writing, and statistics.
- Complete a Field School: For aspiring archeologists, participation in a university-sponsored archaeological field school is essential to gain practical, hands-on training in excavation, surveying, and recording techniques.
- Pursue a Graduate Degree (Master's or Ph.D.): Secure admission to and successfully complete a Master's program, as this is the minimum requirement for most professional, non-assistant roles. A Ph.D. is usually necessary for teaching positions and high-level research appointments.
- Gain Practical Experience: During graduate studies, secure internships or contract work in Cultural Resource Management (CRM) firms, government agencies (e.g., National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management), or museums.
- Develop Specialization: Focus on a specific sub-field (e.g., biological anthropology, nautical archaeology, linguistic anthropology) and a geographical area of study (e.g., Mesoamerica, forensic anthropology) to establish professional expertise and competitive advantage.
Essential Skills
- Analytical and Critical Thinking: The ability to use scientific methods and logic to assess complex data, artifacts, and observations to develop and test hypotheses about human culture and history.
- Research and Observational Skills: Meticulous attention to detail when conducting fieldwork (surveys, ethnography, excavation) and laboratory analysis (dating, cataloging) to ensure data integrity.
- Technical Proficiency (GIS/Statistics): Competency in using specialized technology, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and spatial analysis, and statistical software for quantitative data analysis.
- Communication Skills (Written and Oral): The capacity to write detailed, publishable reports and present complex research findings clearly to academic peers, government officials, and the general public.
- Physical Stamina and Adaptability: The necessity to perform fieldwork in remote, challenging, or variable environmental conditions, often requiring extensive hiking, digging, and lifting.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct Fieldwork and Data Collection: Travel to sites (contemporary communities or ancient ruins) to conduct ethnographic interviews, perform excavation, survey land, and collect cultural, biological, or material data.
- Analyze and Interpret Findings: Process, clean, date, and analyze collected artifacts, remains, or cultural observations in a laboratory setting, using specialized techniques to determine their significance and context.
- Develop Research Hypotheses: Formulate and test theories regarding human populations' origin, behavior, migration patterns, and cultural development over time.
- Preserve and Catalog Materials: Ensure the proper handling, documentation, cataloging, and storage (curation) of delicate artifacts and records according to institutional and legal standards.
- Write and Present Reports/Publications: Author technical reports (especially in CRM), publish academic articles, present research at professional conferences, and occasionally teach or lecture to share findings with the wider world.
Five Common Interview Questions
- "Describe your experience with a specific methodology, such as survey mapping, ethnography, or radiocarbon dating. What challenges did you face, and how did you resolve them?"
- Description: This assesses your practical, hands-on knowledge of essential fieldwork or laboratory techniques in your specialized sub-field.
- "What is your interpretation of the relationship between Cultural Resource Management (CRM) archaeology and academic archaeology, and where do you see yourself fitting into that dynamic?"
- Description: This evaluates your understanding of the major career paths in the field, particularly the tension between commercial contract work and pure research.
- "Tell us about a time during fieldwork when you had to manage an unexpected ethical or political conflict with local communities or stakeholders."
- Description: This probes your cultural sensitivity, diplomacy, and adherence to professional ethical guidelines when dealing with culturally significant or sensitive materials.
- "How do you stay current with the theoretical developments and methodological advances within your specific area of specialization?"
- Description: This assesses your commitment to continuous learning and your awareness of current academic discourse and emerging technologies (e.g., LiDAR, DNA analysis).
- "Walk us through the steps you would take to prepare a final report on a small-scale excavation or ethnographic project, starting from the moment data collection is complete."
- Description: This evaluates your organizational skills and your ability to transition from fieldwork to the essential phase of data synthesis, analysis, and formal written communication.
Questions?
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