An AA and AA-T Degree in Anthropology enables students to pursue graduate studies if they choose a teaching, research, or field career in Anthropology. It is also a good preparation for anyone who chooses a career that requires a cross-cultural perspective and sensitivity to other cultures (education, medical fields, business, law, law enforcement, administration, management, politics), a good understanding of humans' interaction with their physical and cultural environment (human ecology, environmental science), and/or a good understanding of evolutionary processes (medical and pharmaceutical research).
Salaries
Anthropologists have a high pay potential as their work varies greatly based on the type of position, employment and experience. It is a very stable field and anthropologists can find jobs in almost all fields. They can work for private agencies, corporate sectors, businesses, individual clients and others.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for anthropologists are expected to increase at a rate of 10% from 2018 to 2028, with a 2020 median annual salary of $74,670.
- The top 10 percent earned an average of $110,000.
- The best-paid 25 percent made $85,230 per year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $49,020.
- Federal government offers some of the highest salaries for anthropologists, averaging $85,000 per year.
- California is the state with the highest employment level for anthropologists.
Job Satisfaction
Average Americans work well into their 60s, so workers might as well have a job that's enjoyable and a career that's fulfilling. A job with a low stress level, good work-life balance and solid prospects to improve; get promoted and earn a higher salary would make many employees happy. Anthropologists’ job satisfaction is rated in terms of upward mobility, stress level and flexibility as follows:
Upward Mobility: Opportunities for advancements and salary is Average
Stress Level: Work environment and complexities of the job's responsibilities is Below Average
Flexibility: Alternative working schedule and work life balance is Average
FAQs
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
- Care manager.
- Chaplain.
- Equality, diversity and inclusion officer.
- Palaeontologist.
- Policy officer.
- Political risk analyst.
- Public relations officer.
- Social worker.
Job Outlook
Employment of anthropologists and archeologists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 800 openings for anthropologists and archeologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
What is the career path of anthropology? ›
Career Paths
A number of academic anthropologists find careers in other departments or university programs, such as schools of medicine, epidemiology, public health, ethnic studies, cultural studies, community or area studies, linguistics, education, ecology, cognitive psychology and neural science.
Can you make a career out of anthropology? ›
An anthropology degree can give you the foundations to pursue careers such as archeology, college professor, environmental anthropologist, medical anthropologist and museum curator. It can also help you make a difference on teams that focus on advertising, diversity, human resources, user experience and social justice.
What is the highest paying job in anthropology? ›
Best-Paying Careers with an Anthropology Bachelor's Degree
- Social or Community Service Manager. ...
- Urban or Regional Planner. ...
- Anthropology Professor. ...
- Sociologist. ...
- Training and Development Manager. ...
- Public Relations or Fundraising Manager. ...
- Human Resources Manager. ...
- Advertising, Promotions, or Marketing Manager.
Today's anthropologists work in a surprisingly wide array of fields and careers, not just in remote jungle settings. Anthropologists work in corporations, all levels of government, educational institutions and non-profit associations.
Is it worth it to major in anthropology? ›
Anthropology opens the doors to a wide range of jobs
Anthropology students develop a wide range of skills that are essential in today's world. Perhaps the most important are critical thinking, advanced research skills, and cultural awareness.
Is anthropology a good career choice? ›
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4.2% employment growth for anthropologists between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 300 jobs should open up. Anthropology is the study of humans in the past or the present.
What are the 4 major fields of anthropology? ›
One discipline, four fields of study
Our students pursue concentrations that cut across four subfields: archaeology, bioanthropology, linguistic anthropology, and social-cultural anthropology.
Do anthropologists make good money? ›
6. Anthropologist. National average salary: $61,910 per year Primary duties: An anthropologist studies everything related to humans, including their origin, development, societies, linguistics and culture.
Some entry-level positions for those holding a bachelor's degree in anthropology include positions such as research assistants or field workers. However, most jobs in the field of anthropology require a master's degree.
Does anthropology have a future? ›
Abstract. Anthropology has a future and a very pertinent role to play, if we are sensitive to and aware of the new developments in the fields of medicine, biology and ecology which are undergoing dramatic changes. Most definitely these fields will need an anthropological dimension to be added.
What are the career outcomes of anthropology? ›
A graduate degree in anthropology provides countless opportunities to contribute to research, policy, community development, health care, law, industry and many other areas. This degree also provides a solid foundation for graduate study in: Museum studies. Business (marketing, UX design, non-profit management)
How many jobs are there in anthropology? ›
There are currently an estimated 8,000 anthropologists in the United States. The anthropologist job market is expected to grow by 3.8% between 2022 and 2032.
Where do anthropology people work? ›
Since anthropology graduates learn skills in research, biology and writing, they may find career opportunities in the healthcare field. They might apply their skills to research public healthcare policies, work in medical research, become health consultants or find jobs as data analysts.
