Anthropologists study human beings through cultural and biological lenses. Cultural anthropologists examine languages, art, and social structures across diverse communities, while biological anthropologists investigate physical evolution through human and pre-human remains. Most positions require a master's degree, with anthropologists earning a median salary of $63,940 annually (with federal positions reaching $85,150). Employment is projected to grow 4% through 2032.
If you've ever wondered how different cultures adapt to their environments, or how human societies have shaped-and been shaped by-ecosystems over millennia, anthropology might be your calling. At EnvironmentalScience.org, we've worked with students who are drawn to the intersection of human culture and environmental systems. Anthropology offers a unique lens for understanding these connections.
Anthropology is the study of human beings. It's generally divided into two main branches: cultural anthropology and biological anthropology. Biological anthropology focuses on the physical evolution of humans and human ancestors. Cultural anthropology is the study of all aspects of human cultures, modern and ancient, around the world. Linguistics and archaeology are also considered fields of anthropology.
Cultural anthropologists study the languages, music, art, and architecture of communities. Biological anthropologists use physical and genetic examinations of human and pre-human remains to investigate our past. Their research sheds light on our origins and what it means to be human. It also helps us understand how cultures interact with their environments, and what we can learn from them.
What Does an Anthropologist Do?
Cultural anthropologists research and compare the characteristics of different cultures, communities, and organizations. This includes their economic systems, demographics, health status, languages, and religions. Their research involves conducting interviews, observing behavior, and analyzing documents.
Many cultural anthropologists specialize in a particular area of the world, such as the British Isles or the American Southwest. Others focus on specific groups of people, like isolated Western Irish communities or the Inuit. They explore what it takes to be successful in a given culture, how cultural characteristics are passed from one generation to the next, and the reasons behind our similarities and differences.
Today, many anthropologists study cultures within the United States at the request of businesses and governments. They use the information they gather to predict future development and behavior. For example, they might investigate diverse cultural beliefs that influence the use of available health care. They develop and conduct focus group interviews and observe workplace interactions. These skills are increasingly valuable to businesses and governments, and anthropologists are taking on advisory roles in corporate settings.
Biological anthropologists study human and pre-human remains. They measure the sizes and shapes of bones, skulls, and teeth, noting any markings or damage. They create endocasts (molds of the inside of the braincase) to answer questions about brain size, organization, intelligence, and capacity for language.
They also extract DNA from remains and conduct genetic analyses to determine how closely an individual is related to us. Their research helps determine how, when, and where an individual lived or died, ultimately explaining the biological origins of human beings and human culture. Biological anthropologists may specialize in a particular species, such as Neanderthals or Homo erectus, or focus on a particular fossil site. Some choose to help solve crimes as forensic anthropologists.
Environmental Anthropology: Bridging Culture and Ecology
Some anthropologists specialize in environmental anthropology, examining the complex relationships between human societies and their natural environments. This specialization has become increasingly relevant as we face global environmental challenges.
Environmental anthropologists have studied how Native American cultures used fire to clear brush, maintain hunting grounds and trails, and prevent disastrous lightning-caused fires. This research has informed modern forest management practices and wildfire prevention strategies. By understanding traditional ecological knowledge, environmental anthropologists help bridge the gap between indigenous practices and contemporary conservation efforts.
Others study how Aboriginal and indigenous cultures make the most of limited water resources or use the land without degrading it. In arid regions, anthropologists have documented sophisticated irrigation systems and water-sharing practices that sustained communities for centuries. These studies provide valuable insights for sustainable resource management in our changing climate.
Medical anthropologists research the medicinal use of plants in various cultures, which can lead to new pharmaceutical treatments. Their fieldwork has contributed to the discovery of compounds now used in modern medicine. Biological anthropology also teaches us about the evolutionary context of human behavior, including the development of art, tool use, and altruism.
Where Does an Anthropologist Work?
While you may imagine anthropologists working in far-flung, remote destinations, these days they can be found in all kinds of fields and workplaces. The reality is more diverse than many people expect.
Many anthropologists work in traditional settings like colleges and universities, laboratories, and museums. Academic anthropologists typically split their time between teaching, conducting research, and writing. They share their research through journal articles and conference presentations. Some do contract work at archaeological sites, spending several months in the field during summer research seasons.
But due to increasing demand for social science research, new opportunities have opened up in other fields. More anthropologists are finding positions in nontraditional academic departments, such as medicine, ethnic and cultural studies, area studies, linguistics, and neuroscience.
Anthropologists working for non-governmental organizations, such as health and development organizations, help design and implement projects. State and local governments also use anthropologists for planning and research. Many corporations seek out anthropologists for the insights and skills they can apply to market research and user experience design.
Cultural anthropologists in private sector roles might spend their mornings conducting focus group interviews, their afternoons analyzing field notes and observing workplace interactions, and their evenings preparing presentations for stakeholders. Biological anthropologists in museum settings divide their time between laboratory analysis of specimens and public education programs. Forensic anthropologists work with police departments and may maintain positions at universities or consulting firms.
Most anthropologists and archeologists in government, research and consulting firms, museums, and businesses work full-time during regular business hours. However, fieldwork often requires travel and long hours. Cultural anthropologists may spend 3-6 months annually conducting research in communities abroad or in remote areas.
What Is the Average Anthropologist Salary?
The median annual wage for anthropologists and archeologists is $63,940. However, salary varies significantly based on specialization, sector, and experience level.
| Employment Sector | Median Annual Salary | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Government | $85,150 | Research scientists, policy advisors, cultural resource managers |
| Management & Consulting Services | $64,470 | Corporate researchers, user experience specialists, consultants |
| Research & Development | $54,290 | Academic researchers, laboratory assistants, field technicians |
Entry-level positions as field technicians or laboratory assistants typically start at lower salaries, while senior researchers and project directors with doctoral degrees can earn significantly more. Geographic location also affects salary, with positions in major metropolitan areas and federal agencies generally offering higher compensation.
What Is the Job Demand for Anthropologists?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of anthropologists and archeologists to grow by 4% between 2022 and 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth translates to approximately 600 new positions annually.
Candidates with doctoral degrees and field experience will have the best opportunities. Much of the growth will occur in the private sector, as anthropological research is increasingly used to understand consumer behavior and preferences in a global economy. Technology companies, in particular, are hiring anthropologists to inform product design and user experience.
The availability of research positions funded by the federal government will depend on federal budgets. However, the diversification of anthropological work into business, healthcare, and consulting sectors provides more career stability than traditional academic-only paths.
Skills and Responsibilities of Anthropologists
Anthropologists are cross-disciplinary experts who research humans and their impact on culture, as well as how culture and the environment affect humans. Whether pursuing teaching, research, or business applications, successful anthropologists develop a core set of competencies.
Fundamental skills include commitment to examining the social and cultural meanings of their field of study, dedication to impartial and intuitive research, and the ability to turn knowledge into action. Anthropologists design and plan research investigations, perform data gathering and analysis, and communicate their findings effectively to diverse audiences. They contribute to scholarly endeavors and design conceptual frameworks for collecting and analyzing data to find meaningful insights in their field.
As anthropologists advance to leadership positions-such as team leader, chief researcher, or manager-they take on additional responsibilities. They apply and communicate a cultural understanding to business units, partners, and the public. Senior anthropologists lead training sessions for groups, internal business partners, and external parties. They work toward recognition as scientists with defined areas of expertise and the ability to communicate effectively with global teams.
Leadership roles also involve overseeing process improvements and data quality to help teams meet research and communication benchmarks. Senior anthropologists create and deliver presentations to work groups, customers, and external business contacts. They lead teams in designing and testing prototype methods and models, and facilitate partnerships with internal and external collaborators.
Anthropology Career Pathways
The path to becoming an anthropologist typically follows a structured progression, though the timeline and specific steps can vary based on your chosen specialization and career goals.
Entry-Level (Bachelor's Degree): Recent graduates with bachelor's degrees in anthropology can find work as field technicians, laboratory assistants, or research assistants. These positions provide hands-on experience with data collection, specimen analysis, and research methods. You might assist with archaeological excavations, help catalog museum collections, or support senior researchers with data analysis.
Mid-Level (Master's Degree): A master's degree opens doors to more independent research roles. You can lead small research projects, work as a consulting anthropologist for government agencies or private firms, or teach at community colleges. Many anthropologists at this level conduct fieldwork for non-governmental organizations or work as cultural resource managers for development projects.
Advanced Level (Doctoral Degree): A Ph.D. is required for most university faculty positions and for directing major research projects. Doctoral-level anthropologists design and lead research programs, secure grant funding, mentor graduate students, and publish extensively in academic journals. They may also serve as senior consultants or chief researchers in private sector roles.
Many anthropology students pursue graduate studies in related fields. Anthropology degrees provide a solid foundation for further training in international law, public health, environmental policy, museum studies, and other social sciences.
How Do I Get an Anthropologist Degree?
High school students interested in anthropology should take classes in biology, history, math, science, and languages. Building a strong foundation in both sciences and humanities prepares you for the interdisciplinary nature of anthropological study.
Undergraduates study archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistics, cultural anthropology, and methods for studying communities. Most programs require coursework in research methods, statistics, and either physical or cultural anthropology specializations. Hands-on experience is crucial. Seek out internships, volunteer at museums, and participate in field schools to gain practical skills.
Entry-level positions as field technicians or laboratory assistants are open to graduates with bachelor's degrees. However, anthropologists generally need at least a master's degree in anthropology or archaeology to advance beyond entry-level jobs. Experience with fieldwork through internships, museums, and volunteer work is essential for graduate school applications and future employment.
Graduate students learn advanced research techniques and conduct significant fieldwork. Master's programs typically take two to three years and culminate in a thesis based on original research. Although a master's degree is sufficient for many positions, a Ph.D. may be required for leadership positions and university faculty roles. Doctoral programs usually take five to seven years and require comprehensive exams, extensive fieldwork, and a dissertation.
Those who direct anthropological research projects in other countries are generally required to have doctoral degrees. They also need cultural competency and often fluency in the languages of the regions where they work.
Related Degree Options for Anthropology
Choosing Your Anthropology Specialization
Deciding between cultural and biological anthropology, or pursuing a specialization like environmental or forensic anthropology, depends on your interests and career goals. Consider these questions:
Do you prefer working with living communities or historical remains? Cultural anthropologists spend significant time conducting ethnographic research with contemporary communities, while biological anthropologists primarily work with skeletal remains and artifacts.
Are you more interested in social systems or physical evolution? Cultural anthropology examines languages, beliefs, social structures, and cultural practices. Biological anthropology focuses on human evolution, genetics, primatology, and forensic analysis.
What work environment appeals to you? Cultural anthropologists often travel for extended fieldwork and work in diverse community settings. Biological anthropologists typically work in laboratories, museums, or medical examiners' offices.
How does your interest in environmental issues fit? Environmental anthropology bridges both approaches, examining how human cultures interact with and adapt to their environments. This specialization draws on both cultural understanding and biological knowledge.
Professional Organizations for Anthropologists
Professional organizations provide essential networking, career development, and research support for anthropologists at all career stages.
The American Anthropological Association (AAA) has over 40 subsections for cultural, biological, visual, and other areas of anthropology. The organization sets standards for professional ethics, hosts a career center with job postings, and offers professional development through workshops. AAA membership provides access to journals, conferences, and a network of over 10,000 anthropologists worldwide.
The Anthropology and Environment Society, a section of the AAA, explores issues in international development, environmental justice, and sustainability. Its Facebook page is more active than its website and serves as a valuable networking space for environmental anthropologists.
The National Association of Student Anthropologists is the student section of AAA. This networking organization addresses issues of concern to aspiring anthropologists, like navigating graduate school, securing fieldwork funding, and finding jobs. Student membership is significantly discounted and offers early-career support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between cultural and biological anthropology?
Cultural anthropology studies living human cultures, languages, social structures, and behaviors through fieldwork and ethnographic research. Biological anthropology examines human physical evolution, genetics, and skeletal remains to understand our species' history. Cultural anthropologists typically work with contemporary communities, while biological anthropologists analyze fossils, bones, and archaeological materials. Both approaches share the goal of understanding what makes us human, just from different perspectives.
Can I pursue environmental anthropology without a PhD?
Yes, you can work in environmental anthropology with a master's degree, especially in applied settings. Many NGOs, government agencies, and consulting firms hire environmental anthropologists with master's degrees to work on conservation projects, environmental impact assessments, and community development programs. However, a PhD is typically required for university faculty positions and directing major research projects. A master's degree, combined with strong field experience, can lead to fulfilling careers in environmental anthropology.
Is forensic anthropology a viable career path?
Forensic anthropology is a competitive but rewarding specialization. Most forensic anthropologists have doctoral degrees and board certification from the American Board of Forensic Anthropology. They work with medical examiners, law enforcement, and human rights organizations to identify remains and determine the cause of death. Positions are limited, so many forensic anthropologists maintain academic appointments while consulting on cases. Building experience through internships with medical examiners or forensic labs is essential.
What opportunities exist for anthropologists in the private sector?
The private sector increasingly values anthropological skills. Technology companies hire anthropologists as user experience researchers to study how people interact with products and services. Marketing firms employ anthropologists to understand consumer behavior and cultural trends. Healthcare organizations use medical anthropologists to improve patient care and health outcomes. Consulting firms seek anthropologists for organizational culture assessments and international business consulting. These roles often pay competitively with academic positions and offer different work-life balance options.
How important is learning foreign languages for anthropology?
Language skills are highly valuable, especially for cultural anthropology. Many graduate programs require proficiency in at least one foreign language, and fieldwork often demands working in the local language of your research site. Even for biological anthropology, reading research in other languages expands your scholarly resources. The specific language depends on your research focus-Spanish for Latin American studies, French for francophone Africa, or indigenous languages for community-based work. Language proficiency demonstrates cultural commitment and opens more research opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Two Main Branches: Anthropology divides into cultural anthropology (studying living cultures and societies) and biological anthropology (examining human evolution through physical remains). Both contribute to understanding human diversity and our environmental relationships.
- Diverse Career Settings: Modern anthropologists work beyond traditional academic and museum roles. Opportunities exist in government agencies, NGOs, private sector consulting, technology companies, and healthcare organizations, with increasing demand for anthropological expertise in business.
- Education Requirements: Entry-level positions typically require a bachelor's degree, while most professional anthropology roles require a master's degree. PhD programs are essential for university faculty positions, directing research projects, and advanced forensic anthropology work.
- Salary and Growth: Anthropologists earn a median salary of $63,940, with federal government positions reaching $85,150. Employment is projected to grow by 4% through 2032, with the strongest opportunities in private-sector applications and environmental consulting.
- Environmental Applications: Environmental anthropology bridges culture and ecology, studying traditional ecological knowledge, sustainable resource use, and human-environment interactions. This specialization is increasingly relevant for conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable development work.
Ready to explore anthropology programs? Discover degree options that align with your interests in cultural research, biological evolution, or environmental anthropology.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for anthropologists and archeologists reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.
