Do anthropologist make a lot of money?

Question

How much do they get paid and how do they begin their career?

Answer 1

Some Anthropologists may do OK financially, but no one goes into this field to make money. To really work in the field you have to have an advanced degree, usually a PhD.

There are several branches of Anthropology and they are quite different in terms of the skills or interests one needs.

Physical Anthropology is the one most like a "hard" or physical science. It can involve working with population genetics (lots of math formulas), looking at genetic factors in populations and other evolutionary factors. Physical Anthros. study human remains (Paleoanthropologists). Under this field would also be  Forensic Anthropology (have you seen the show "Bones"?). These specialist often testify at trials (forensic has to do with the law) for example, providing info on the human remains found at the scene of a crime. They might be able to tell cause of death by looking at bone trauma, for example.

Social-Cultural Anthropologists generally study non-western cultures. They are social scientists. The discipline differs from sociology in that sociologist generally look at modern/westernized societies. There are even more sub-specialties of socio/cultural anthropology. For example, Linguistic Anthropology --they look at language and it's patterns, syntax, etc. to learn about features of a society. This is quite interesting, but also has a rather mathematical component to it because they study lingustic patterns.

Archeology is another subfield of anthropology. They learn a great deal about past cultures thru the study of the artifacts left behind. (Think Indiana Jones, but without all the drama!)

I earned my B.A. in socio-cultural Anthropology from UCLA 20 years ago. I chose not to go into the field, but I think it is a terrific area of study nonetheless. It changed the way I view the world and really gives you a very broad world view and perspective. I learned critical thinking skills and feel it was a very good general background for many fields. I've worked in non-profit organizations that promote real workable solutions in developing countries, government welfare to work programs (very disappointing), social service agencies and in local city government. It's also a good background for teachers, librarians, etc.

Answer 2

What you should also know is the job market is horrible right now.  Which area of the field you focus on will affect your ability to find a job.  Many universities are not replacing retirees as they would rather focus their money and resources on more "important" fields.  The powers that be do not realise the importance of anthropology, especially as we are becoming more globalised.

It is important to pursue higher degrees.  It is also important to gain skills in related fields, such as GIS, geology, or remote sensing - this will make you more marketable and have greater job potential.

Answer 3

wats that?

Answer 4

I think they make a fair amount of money.

Answer 5

Not really, but you gotta' do what you love.

Answer 6

No