How much does a forensic anthropologist make? (a guide)

Written by

Updated 5 June 2025

Law enforcement agencies use all the help they can get in solving cases. Forensic anthropologists work with the police and other agencies to investigate cases, depict what could have happened at crime scenes, identify body remains and sometimes, identify culprits of a crime. Being a forensic anthropologist can be highly rewarding, depending on your experiences and certification. In this article, we talk about what forensic anthropologists do, where they can work, their average pay, how they carry out their duties and the core skills required for the job.

How much does a forensic anthropologist make on average?

If you've ever thought about going into anthropology, you may wonder, 'how much does a forensic anthropologist make?' A forensic anthropologist's regular pay differs depending on a number of factors, such as location and experience. The national average salary of a forensic anthropologist is £37,769 per year. Since it is a specialist profession, the employment market is quite competitive. Skilled forensic anthropologists also prefer to stay in their positions longer, so job turnover is relatively low for individuals.Related: High-paying jobs in the UK

What is forensic anthropology?

In contrast to linguistic, social or cultural anthropology, forensic anthropology falls within the domain of physical and biological anthropology. Historically, physical anthropologists developed methods of examining bones to understand who lived in the past. Forensic anthropology employs the same methods to figure out contemporary cases of unidentified human remains. Forensic anthropologists help recover and analyse human remains from historical locations, murder scenes and other circumstances. This field applies anatomical sciences to law.

What do forensic anthropologists do?

A forensic anthropologist examines a person's remains to identify their traits. This may lead to identifying the person. A forensic anthropologists' primary function is to figure out how a person died, under what conditions they died and other details surrounding their deaths. The forensic sciences team also collaborates to estimate how long an individual has been deceased and what circumstances caused it. The parliamentary or local military leadership can also call for forensic anthropologists to examine the features of ancient skeletal remains to learn more about history.They carry out the bulk of their work in a laboratory setting and spend most of their time in office environments to document their reports. The contents of a forensic anthropological job role vary depending on the job title, level of competence and other factors. Here are some common tasks of a forensic anthropologist:

determining the gender and age of the skeletons
polishing bones to prepare for an examination
using dental data to determine the identity of human remains
figuring out when a person died
studying bones to see what type of injuries caused the death
conducting lab analysis and fieldwork participation
giving testimony in courts of competent jurisdictions to certain cases
presenting and writing comprehensive reports to prosecutors and law enforcement

Certification, training and education requirements

Board certification, which might take years of education, is necessary to work as a forensic anthropologist. You need at least a bachelor's degree to take up entry-level roles in forensic anthropology and a postgraduate degree to take up senior positions. Here are comprehensive details on the requirements for forensic anthropologists based on the different educational levels and training:

Undergraduate degree

People seeking a career in anthropology usually aim to get a undergraduate degree in anthropology. As a substitute, other courses like chemistry, biology, forensic science, physical anthropology, bioarchaeology or archaeology are acceptable in some cases. Aside from the general courses in their curriculum, they may also take up courses that directly relate to forensic anthropology, like forensic archaeology, criminology and human variation.

Graduate degree

Most practising anthropologists have higher degrees, including a PhD degree in chemical or physical anthropology. They might also have a Master's degree in forensic biology. The coursework for these degrees may encompass taphonomy, forensic pathology, osteology, skeletal analysis and human anatomy.Related: Guide: pursuing an anthropology degree

Experience

It's a prerequisite for forensic anthropologists to have practical and laboratory experiences in the field. This expectation is relevant even for a new entry in the field. Employers expect those with a Master's degree to have experience working at different field works and internships.

Certification

If you want to get the Royal Anthropological Institute certification, it's necessary to have earned a PhD. Beyond that, they might ask you to show practical experience, based on the case reports available, after which you may submit your CV for review. Upon approval, you are required to pass an eight-hour certification exam.

Strengths and skills of a forensic anthropologist

Forensic anthropologists are critical thinkers with a firm grasp of scientific methods. They are also familiar with the legal process and criminal justice system of the country. The work of a forensic anthropologist requires a high level of technical understanding and problem-solving abilities. Some other significant qualities of forensic anthropologists are:

Ability to work alone and as a team player

Since forensic anthropologists do a lot of work independently, they are self-driven and willing to stick to deadlines. Forensic anthropologists also frequently work with homicide detectives, forensic odontologists and their colleagues by sharing information and forming collaborations. To cooperate well and deliver on investigative goals and achievements, a forensic anthropologist has to be a team player.

Communication skills

A forensic anthropologist's verbal and oratory abilities might be helpful whenever they are to present their discoveries in a court of competent jurisdiction. They are knowledgeable enough to defend and explain the results of their investigations. Anthropologists also translate technical material into terms that people outside their field, such as police investigators, jurors, attorneys and others, can understand.Related: 4 types of communication (with examples)

Composure

Some natural disasters, accidents and crime scenes can be highly distressing. Forensic anthropologists remain focused and self-controllable to do their work. It's critical to gain coping skills since the job may be emotionally draining. A forensic anthropologist's ability to carry out their operation successfully depends on being composed and having a solid concentration, a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills are key for a forensic anthropologist. They frequently think of the right methods and measures to apply in solving a case. An anthropologist ensures results based on an objective assessment of the scene.Related: How to improve soft skills in the workplace

How to become a forensic anthropologist

A profession in forensic anthropology needs a high level of commitment to the discipline. The same goes for finding work in this sector. Individuals with at least a Master's degree are much more likely to get picked. Here are some of the standard career steps in becoming a forensic anthropologist:

1. Complete your secondary school education

If you're interested in pursuing this professional path, start with this basic step. It's beneficial to perform well in courses like biology, chemistry and other sciences. Passing science courses with high marks may give you a better opportunity to pursue your future academic studies.

2. Complete your four-year bachelor's degree

A bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology or anthropology is a good starting point for this profession. Maintaining a good average grade is also essential in getting admitted into the rigorous master's programme. Work experience during your bachelor's programme.

3. Get a master's degree

Most agencies require a master's degree from forensic anthropologist applicants. You can concentrate on just their forensic anthropology study in a graduate degree. After that, you can gain practical experience via internships.Related: 5 Anthropology Degree Jobs to Pursue (With Salary Info)

4. Find entry-level forensic anthropology employment

Graduates with a master's degree can start looking for entry-level jobs as forensic anthropologists, either in the private sector or law enforcement agencies. Most companies want someone who already has some work experience, no matter how little. Previous employments on your CV may give you a competitive edge.

5. Get a doctoral degree

Although a doctorate is not an official requirement to work in this role, individuals who get one can have more and better job options. If you have a PhD, you're also likely to see better earnings than a fellow with a graduate degree. Those who choose to pursue a career in academia can eventually doctorate.

6. Get board certification from the Royal Anthropological Institute

Forensic anthropologists who get a doctorate have a likely chance of becoming board certified by the Royal Anthropological Institute. This serves as another sign of their experience and competence. Consider this one of the highest levels of achievement in the field.

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.