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Job Description | Duties | Working Conditions
Educational Requirements | Outlook | Salary
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Job Description: Anthropologists study the origins and cultures of humans. They usually specialize in one of four areas: cultural anthropology, archeology, linguistics, or physical anthropology. They look at how humans develop physically and socially. Anthropologists study people in their native environment. They examine their way of life, language, physical characteristics, and customs.
Duties: Anthropologists may perform some or all of the following tasks:
- Study tribal groups by living with them for long periods of time to learn about their ways of life
- Learn native languages of the people they study
- Write papers or develop research studies comparing cultures and societies of various groups
- Study the remains of homes, tools, and other evidence of human life
- Teach in colleges and universities
- Research customs, values, and social patterns of different cultures
For detailed information on tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, work activities, work contexts, job zones, interests, work styles, work values, and related occupations visit the O*Net Online, a division of the National Center for Occupational Information.
Working Conditions: Anthropologists normally work 40 to 50 hours per week. Those who are employed by colleges or universities generally have flexible work schedules. They divide their schedule into periods for teaching, researching, writing, consulting, and/or completing administrative responsibilities. Some anthropologists continue to work in the field, and often travel to remote areas, live among the people they are studying, and stay on-site for long periods of time. They may have to work under rugged conditions, and their work may involve strenuous activities.
Educational Requirements: Anthropology programs are designed to broaden the understanding of human beings in many different cultural settings. The programs encompass many fields in the social and natural sciences such as history, biology, geology, sociology, art, and psychology. Most community colleges offer two-year programs that can be transferred to four-year colleges and universities offering anthropology degree programs. Many four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in anthropology. Individuals who wish to become anthropologists should obtain a Ph.D. or equivalent degree if they wish to enter the teaching or research field. High school students who wish to become anthropologists should pursue college preparatory courses. For more information concerning careers in anthropology you may visit the American Anthropological Association online.
Outlook: There are 30 anthropologists and archaeologists in Tennessee. It is projected there will be an increase of 7 percent in this occupation through the year 2012 with few job openings annually. Competition is very keen for the few positions that are available. Prospects are best for those with advanced degrees. For additional information on this occupation, visit the nationally recognized Occupational Outlook Handbook online.
| 10% | 25% | Median- 50% | 75% | 90% | |
| TN Annual | $30,050 | $35,170 | $42,950 | $65,800 | $76,850 |
| US Annual | $28,940 | $36,150 | $49,930 | $66,610 | $81,490 |
*Some salaries are listed at an hourly rate. Those that include a single dollar amount are considered hourly wage.
Wage and salary data provided by:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor website
- TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development website
- Bureau of Economic Analysis website
For an explanation of salary data please visit acinet.org
Last updated on: January 23, 2008