11 Professions That Use Anthropology Skills

Written by

Updated April 10, 2025

A career in anthropology can be a rewarding career where you use your passion for human behavior and culture to secure a job in a variety of fields. In this article, we discuss the major fields in anthropology and some anthropology skills-related jobs, including average salaries and typical responsibilities.

What is anthropology?

Anthropology is the study of humans, societies, cultures and behavior. When studying anthropology in college, you can specialize in one or more types of anthropology including archeology, cultural, biological, linguistic, medical and forensic anthropology. You can pursue a minor degree, a Bachelor of Science or Arts undergraduate degree or a graduate degree with the choice of a master or doctoral program. Your degree in anthropology can act as a companion to your current study or can encompass your entire learning experience in college.Anthropology coursework can include cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, biological anthropology, archeology, theories of culture and applied anthropology. Depending on the specialty, subfield or degree focus, you can study anthropology courses with a focus on either culture, biology or archeology. Additional methods courses might include learning about cultural research, field methods, science, history and the environment.A degree in anthropology might be an excellent choice for a variety of careers because it can equip you with these skills:

Verbal and written communication
Logical, critical and analytical thinking
Computation and statistics
Problem-solving
Organization and planning
Time management
Data gathering and interpretation

Fields in anthropology

Anthropology is a broad study that splits into four major fields, including:

Archeology is the study of human culture based on what cultures have made in the past. Archeologists study human history by excavating sites and analyzing artifacts and other physical remains.
Biological anthropology is the study of the development of humans and how we have adapted to different environments. Some refer to this field as physical anthropology. This field of anthropology relates to the behavioral and biological aspects of humans from the past and present.
Cultural anthropology is the study of different cultures and places where people live. This field of anthropology explores the development of human cultures and societies.
Linguistic anthropology is the study of how people communicate all around the world. This field of anthropology explores all aspects of the variety of language structures.

Anthropology jobs list

If you have a degree in anthropology, consider one of the following related jobs or careers. For the most current salary information from Indeed, click on the links.

1. Interpreter

National average salary: $46,852 per yearPrimary duties: An interpreter translates languages between groups of people. An interpreter will use both written and verbal communication in translation. For example, an interpreter can be the voice of an international company when translating from a foreign language to the language that the company understands.Requirements: A minor or undergraduate degree in linguistic anthropology can be helpful in achieving an interpreter position. Working as an interpreter requires the mastery of at least two languages. Training with or shadowing a professional interpreter can be helpful in obtaining a full-time interpreter position.

2. Social media strategist

National average salary: $63,875 per yearPrimary duties: A social media strategist is responsible for developing and implementing social media campaigns with goals that may include increasing conversions, receiving a larger response, selling more products or improving the overall online presence of an organization.Requirements: An undergraduate degree in anthropology can help these professionals develop necessary skills in communication, analysis and strategic planning. The study of people and cultures can help them better understand their audience and interpret data about their audience's experience to develop effective social media strategies.

3. Data evaluator

National average salary: $64,465 per yearPrimary duties: A data evaluator is a person who manages and evaluates complex data. An evaluator will track, collect, analyze and distribute data in a way that the team or company can understand. Data evaluators are proficient with numbers and quantitative data.Requirements: An undergraduate anthropology degree is helpful in developing analysis and interpretation skills needed to be a data evaluator. A graduate degree can be beneficial for more advanced data evaluation positions. Choosing to study more mathematics classes during anthropology study can also help these professionals develop quantitative proficiency.

4. Social worker

National average salary: $58,939 per yearPrimary Duties: Social workers are advocates for people in need of help. A social worker will help clients handle significant issues such as domestic violence, mental health issues and substance abuse among others. It is a social worker's duty to ensure the wellness of their patients regardless of their circumstances. A social worker must also maintain records and prepare reports regarding their clients.Requirements: An undergraduate degree or minor in anthropology can help secure a career in social work, and a cultural anthropology specialty can be an additional benefit because of the communication and cultural skills gained. To become a social worker, these professionals are required to obtain an initial license, complete social work examinations and undergo supervised experience.

5. Archeologist

National average salary: $62,023 per yearPrimary Duties: An archeologist studies human history by analyzing historical artifacts and physical remains. An archeologist might be tasked with excavating a historical site to uncover past artifacts that an institution wants to explore and analyze. Archeologists could also analyze artifacts that have already been discovered from an excavation site, in which they would use their skills to make determinations and hypotheses based on their findings.Requirements: An undergraduate degree in archeology, which is an anthropological discipline, can lead to an entry-level position in archeology. To advance to an expert archeologist, a master's Degree in archeology or anthropology is beneficial. Earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Archeology can enable these professionals to pursue more advanced archeology positions, like working internationally or teaching in higher learning institutions.

6. Foreign language teacher

National average salary: $52,573 per yearPrimary duties: A foreign language teacher is a master of multiple languages. To be a teacher of a foreign language requires high proficiency in all aspects of the language including speaking, reading and writing. The teacher must also be able to teach these skills effectively to their students. A foreign language teacher can teach students of any age and should be comfortable teaching a single person as well as a large class of students.Requirements: Receiving an undergraduate degree in linguistic anthropology can help secure a job as a foreign language teacher. Having experience with teaching is helpful, and being fluent in at least two languages is required to teach a foreign language.

7. Research analyst

National average salary: $66,256 per year A research analyst collects and interprets data for a client, customer or company. Research analysts can find jobs in a variety of industries including finance, marketing, science and healthcare. For example, a research analyst might be tasked with compiling research from a variety of sources to analyze the data and report back to the client with recommendations about their findings. A research analyst collects and interprets data for a client, customer or company. Research analysts can find jobs in a variety of industries including finance, marketing, science and health care. For example, a research analyst might be tasked with compiling research from a variety of sources to analyze the data and report back to the client with recommendations about their findings.Requirements: An undergraduate degree in anthropology provides these professionals with exceptional abilities in data collection and interpretation, critical thinking and analysis as well as communication. These skills can help them secure a position as an entry-level research analyst. To become an expert analyst, training with other analysts as part of a research team can help them gain experience and knowledge. Obtaining a specialty degree in either archeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology or linguistic anthropology will depend on the research they want to pursue.

8. Human resources manager

National average salary: $78,321 per yearPrimary duties: A human resources (HR) manager is the leader of the HR department and manages all human resources activities. An HR manager develops policies to coordinate employee services such as compensation, training, employee relations and recruitment. An HR manager will handle every concern related to the well-being of an employee.Requirements: An undergraduate degree in anthropology, especially in cultural anthropology, can provide the communication, empathy and organization skills needed to work in the human resources field. Gaining experience as a human resources assistant or associate can provide on-the-job training and experience need to advance into a human resources manager role.Related: 12 Human Resources Jobs That Pay Well

9. Diversity and inclusion manager

National average salary: $85,244 per yearPrimary duties: A diversity and inclusion manager is a human resource professional who is responsible for promoting diversity within a company or organization. A diversity and inclusion manager goes beyond regular human resource duties to reinforce diversity in the workplace and address harassment and bullying.Requirements: A diversity and inclusion manager is a respected human resource position that often requires a graduate degree. Obtaining a Master's Degree in Anthropology with a specialty in cultural anthropology can provide knowledge in identity studies, intercultural communication and other relevant topics. Having on-the-job experience in a human resources department with special attention to inclusion management goals can also help these professionals.

10. Researcher

National average salary: $81,237 per yearPrimary duties: A researcher takes the initiative from management to conduct research to gather information for the use of the company. A researcher communicates their research to their manager and might work in close proximity to a research analyst or data evaluator to explain the information clearly and to make recommendations based on the company's best interests.Requirements: Researchers in a variety of fields may benefit from the skills in data collection and interpretation, evaluation and analysis earned when studying anthropology, either through taking courses, earning a minor or completing a full degree. In addition, the research of historical artifacts might benefit from a degree in archeology while scientific research could benefit more from a degree in biological anthropology. Some professionals achieve a research position with an undergraduate degree, though advanced research positions might require a master's degree.

11. Project manager

National average salary: $84,531 per yearPrimary duties: A project manager is the team leader when it comes to planning, organizing, motivating and managing a team. A project manager has an entrepreneurial mindset that can take control of an entire project with an end goal that is always on their mind. Project managers know how to plan an entire project and use their time management skills and motivational qualities to encourage their team to reach their full potential.Requirements: Although a degree might not be required to become a project manager, having a specialty in cultural anthropology can give these professionals skills in communication, organization and strategic planning. Project management is a leadership position, and on-the-job experience in management with continual training can also help those seeking a project manager position.

The information on this site is provided as a courtesy and for informational purposes only. Indeed is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers