Anthropologist
Also known as: sociocultural anthropologist, anthropologue, linguistic anthropologist, cultural anthropologist, arts scientist, music scientist
About this occupation
Anthropologists research all aspects of life pertaining to humans. They study the various civilisations that have existed along the time and their ways of organisation. They attempt to analyse the physical, societal, linguistic, political, economical, philosophical, and cultural aspects of different people. The aim of their studies is to understand and describe the past of humanity and solve topical societal problems. They explore different perspectives such as philosophical anthropology.
Essential skills and knowledge
- participant observation
- study cultures
- research human behaviour
- observe human behaviour
- interview people
- write scientific papers
- scientific research methodology
- anthropology
- apply scientific methods
- perform scientific research
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Anthropologists and Archeologists (O*NET 19-3091.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Collect information and make judgments through observation, interviews, and review of documents.
- Teach or mentor undergraduate and graduate students in anthropology or archeology.
- Write about and present research findings for a variety of specialized and general audiences.
- Plan and direct research to characterize and compare the economic, demographic, health care, social, political, linguistic, and religious institutions of distinct cultural groups, communities, and organizations.
- Create data records for use in describing and analyzing social patterns and processes, using photography, videography, and audio recordings.
- Train others in the application of ethnographic research methods to solve problems in organizational effectiveness, communications, technology development, policy making, and program planning.
- Typical education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Artistic, Realistic
Top skills: Writing, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Active Learning
US median pay: US$70,770 a year (2025), 8,990 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyExtremely important (4.9)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.4)
- HistoryO*NET: History and ArcheologyVery important (4.2)
- Foreign LanguageO*NET: Foreign LanguageVery important (4.0)
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyVery important (3.6)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.4)
- Divinity or PhilosophyO*NET: Philosophy and TheologyImportant (3.1)
- Environmental ScienceO*NET: Biology + GeographyImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
- Geographers
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
- History Teachers, Postsecondary
- Curators
- Archivists
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Social Science Research Assistants
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.