What is an anthropologist? Plus sub-fields, salary and skills

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Updated 17 December 2024

If people's interactions and the growth of communities and cultures fascinate you, you may want to pursue a career in anthropology, the study of human communities. As an anthropologist, you complete research on the formation of cultures and assist communities in unique and useful ways. A background in anthropology lets you work in several different types of organisations, using your interest in other people to benefit members of the public. In this article, we explore what an anthropologist is and does, the four sub-fields of anthropology and how to become one.

What is an anthropologist?

The answer to 'What is an anthropologist?' is simply a professional who examines what makes people human. Although virtually all humans require the same things to exist, such as food, water and companionship, how people achieve these requirements varies greatly. Anthropologists study cultures, communities and how they interact and evolve. They use a comprehensive approach called holism to examine the many distinct facets of the human experience.Anthropologists use archaeology to go back hundreds of years and understand how human cultures lived and what they deemed significant. In their work, they look at the bones, physical bodies, ancestry, food and overall wellness of people from past civilisations. They often compare humans to other species to determine their similarities and differences. Some anthropologists specialise in a certain sub-discipline, such as archaeology, linguistics or biological anthropology. They may work for a commercial company, a non-profit organisation, a government agency or an institution, such as a college or university. Related: 5 anthropology degree jobs to pursue (with salary info)

Sub-fields of anthropology

Each of the four disciplines of anthropology requires its own unique set of abilities, but there are some parallels between them. For example, each discipline applies theories, adopts systematic research procedures and formulates and evaluates hypotheses. The four sub-fields of anthropology are:

Archaeology

Archaeologists investigate human existence by examining the artefacts that humans created. They meticulously collect pottery and artefacts from the ground and make records of the sites of buildings and cemeteries to learn about people's everyday existence. They also examine human teeth and bones to learn more about a person's diet and physical health. Archaeologists gather plant, animal and soil remnants from the sites where humans lived to learn how they used and modified their natural settings. Archaeology, like other branches of anthropology, has a primary interest in understanding differences and patterns in human cultures through time and location.Related: 15 anthropologist jobs to consider (with salaries)

Biological anthropology

Biological anthropologists study how people adapt to their surroundings, what causes death and disease and how humans developed from other species. They do so by studying humans, other primates, including apes and monkeys and fossils. Biological anthropologists also have a keen interest in how biology and culture interact to shape lives. They aspire to know why there remain so many similarities and differences between people all around the world. Biological anthropologists have demonstrated that, although people differ in biology and behaviour, they're more alike than different.

Sociocultural anthropology

Sociocultural anthropologists study how people in different places live and perceive the world. People can differ in how they talk to or treat others, even within the same country or community. They frequently discover that living among other ethnicities and cultures remains the greatest way to learn about them. They endeavour to comprehend the viewpoints, behaviours and social structures of different communities.

Linguistic anthropology

Linguistic anthropologists research the many ways in which people communicate across the world. They aspire to know how language affects human perceptions of the environment and how people interact with one another. This entails investigating how language functions in all of its forms and how it evolves over time. It also entails examining individual attitudes about language and communication and how people use language in their daily lives. This covers how humans use language to create and communicate meaning, to develop and modify identities and to create power dynamics.

Important skills for an anthropologist

Anthropologists research human origins, development and behaviour. They look at people's cultures, archaeological relics and physical traits from all around the world. Important skills for an anthropologist include:

Analytical skills: It's important for anthropologists to familiarise themselves with scientific procedures and data to perform their research.
Critical thinking skills: Anthropologists derive conclusions from sightings, laboratory tests and other research techniques. Therefore, it's important for them to synthesise data from a variety of sources to solve issues and respond to research queries.
Communication skills: A major part of an anthropologist's work is producing reports or articles for academic publications and sharing their studies and conclusions with colleagues and the public. Strong writing, speaking and listening abilities are important for these tasks.
Physical stamina: Field anthropologists and archaeologists occasionally travel or walk many kilometres to a study site while carrying heavy or delicate equipment.

How to become an anthropologist

As an anthropologist, you learn about the biological and cultural variety of humans. Studying both science and the humanities provides you with a wide discipline that can lead to a range of vocations. Take the following steps to become an anthropologist:

1. Pursue a bachelor's degree

Enrol in a university to complete an undergraduate course. Many universities offer anthropology as an option for study. Each university's main areas of study are very likely to be different, so before picking a university to attend, review the individual modules on offer. When choosing a university, remember to consider fees and location. As an undergraduate, look for chances to do research and internships. These experiences can help you prepare for a future in anthropology and stand out when you start applying for full-time, permanent positions.Related: Guide: pursuing an anthropology degree

2. Choose a specialism

As an anthropologist, it's important to specialise throughout your undergraduate studies. Each of the four primary fields of anthropology has several sub-categories. Your undergraduate field of interest informs your graduate studies and career as a professional anthropologist, so be sure to look into all of your choices. Consider the ways in which various specialities intersect.

3. Research vacancies

Research vacancies in your field of specialisation and your target location throughout and after your anthropological study. If you're able to relocate, consider looking at positions in different parts of the country. When you're looking for a job, take note of the criteria necessary for the open positions you discover, and make a list of any additional certifications or years of experience that your ideal job requires. Many vacancies allow candidates to offer numerous qualification options, so do not hesitate to apply for positions where you satisfy as much of the criteria possible. Related: How much does a forensic anthropologist make? (A guide)

4. Apply for roles

Adapt your CV and cover letter to the specific anthropology jobs that you're looking for. Include best practices and current information in your field of expertise in your application forms. Check for keywords in the job postings that you're applying for, and make sure that you include them in your CV and cover letter.

Anthropologists' job description

Depending on the anthropologist's area of expertise, responsibilities can differ substantially. Human development and behaviour make up the most prevalent areas of research. Some anthropologists examine human remains to learn about their roots, while others study contemporary languages in society and how language transforms over time. The majority of anthropologists work full-time, often for more than 40 hours a week. They frequently work in the field and in adverse weather conditions. They often go overseas and collaborate with archaeologists. Related: 4 types of communication (with examples)

Salary expectations and career outlook as an anthropologist

The national average salary of an anthropologist is £22,460 per year. Anthropological study remains an excellent way for businesses to better understand customer demand within certain cultures or groups in society. Anthropologists are also good at evaluating markets, allowing corporations to better engage their consumers or target new groups of the population. The most common career for an anthropology graduate is to be a welfare and residential associate professional. Police jobs, care professions (including home caregivers) and administration also make up some of the other fields that they might pursue. Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at the time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.

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