Anthropologists and Archeologists
Additional Information
Duties
These are typical tasks carried out by anthropologists and archaeologists:
- Plan for cultural research
- Be flexible in your data gathering approaches and tailor them to a particular location, expertise, or project.
- Make notes from what you see, what you hear, and what you read in papers.
- Keep detailed notes of all field observations.
- Discover patterns in human existence, culture, and origins by analyzing data, laboratory samples and other sources of information.
- Prepare and present research findings in the form of reports.
- Assess the cultural influence of proposed policies, initiatives, and products for the benefit of the organization.
Anthropologists and archaeologists study the cultures, languages, artifacts, and physical traits of people all over the world by combining information from the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, and biology. They also look at the traditions, beliefs, and social structures of many ethnic groups across the world.
Archaeologists and anthropologists employ a wide range of instruments, including excavation and measuring tools, laboratory and recording equipment, statistical and database software, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for their work (GIS).
Archaeologists search for, retrieve, and preserve artifacts and other traces of ancient human life. They examine human remains and artifacts, like tools, pottery, cave paintings, and the remnants of structures, to better understand how people lived in the past. Scientists use their results in conjunction with historical data to gain a better understanding of how people lived and behaved in previous times.
Additionally, archaeologists are tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the maintenance and security of archaeological sites. The public is educated and protected at national parks and historical landmarks by those who work there. To make sure that development plans conform with federal requirements on site preservation, others conduct assessments of the proposed construction sites. The study of animal remains, or underwater archeological sites is popular among archeologists who want to focus on a certain region, time, or kind of artifact.
Physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology are the three main subfields within the study of anthropology. Physical and biological anthropologists examine the evolution of human and similar ape biology. Overpopulation, natural disasters, conflict, and poverty are all studied by cultural anthropologists. Anthropologists in the field of linguistics investigate the origins and spread of various languages.
Anthropologists are increasingly being hired by firms to do market research, focusing on the needs of a certain cultural or social group. They may gather data on how a product is utilized by various demographic groups using their anthropological training and a range of methodologies, including interviews, surveys, and observations.
Many anthropologists and archaeologists who get a Ph.D. become teachers or curators of museums. The biographies of postsecondary professors, archivists, curators, and museum technicians provide further information.
Education
An anthropology or archeology master's degree is often required for employment as an anthropologist or archeologist. Students pursuing a master's degree often devote two years to research in the field or in a laboratory.
Graduate students in anthropology and archaeology generally perform fieldwork in a local community or overseas. Also, students can attend archeological field schools, where they learn about the excavation of historical and archaeological sites, as well as the proper documentation of the results.
It may be necessary for some employment to have a doctorate level of education, although a master's degree will suffice for many. Foreign countries often demand anthropologists and archaeologists to have a Ph.D. to do research abroad. To get a Ph.D., students must devote greater time and effort to their studies. As part of their PhD dissertations, students are required to conduct field research and speak a foreign language for at least 18 to 30 months.
Research assistants and field technicians with a bachelor's degree in anthropology or archeology can work in the fields or laboratories.
Experiential Learning
Anthropologists and archaeologists often need expertise in their respective professions and training in both quantitative and qualitative research approaches to be successful in their respective fields. Field training and internships at museums, historical societies, and other nonprofits are excellent ways for students to get this experience while still in school.
Qualities that are critical to success
Ability to think critically. To do their work, anthropologists and archaeologists need to be well-versed in scientific principles and data.
Abilities to think critically Archaeologists and anthropologists need to be able to make inferences from their findings, whether they are based on observation or other techniques of study. Research requires them to be able to synthesize data from multiple sources to solve issues and answer questions.
The ability to communicate. Scholars in the fields of anthropology and archaeology are frequently required to publish their results in peer-reviewed publications and to lay audiences alike. Writing, speaking, and listening abilities are all essential for these tasks.
Stamina of the body. Archaeologists and anthropologists may have to travel or hike for kilometers to get to a study location, carrying heavy equipment.
Pay
For anthropologists and archaeologists, the May 2020 median salary was $66,130. When half of an occupation's workforce earns more than the median wage, the wage is referred to as the "median." Most people made less than $40,800 a year; the top ten percent made more than $102,770 a year.
Job Projections
There is a 7 percent increase in the number of anthropologists and archeologists expected to be employed between 2020 and 2030.