How to Become an Anthropology and Archeology Teacher in 2026

    Median salary: $95,770 · +2.7% projected growth (2024–2034)

    O*NET Code: 25-1061.00 · Data from O*NET & BLS · Updated March 2026
    Median Salary
    $95,770
    annual wage
    Job Growth
    +2.7%
    projected 2024–2034
    Education
    Doctoral or professional degree
    typical entry
    AI Exposure
    63/100
    exposure score
    Section 01

    What does an Anthropology and Archeology Teacher do?

    Teach courses in anthropology or archeology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

    Section 02

    Anthropology and Archeology Teacher Salary in 2026

    The median annual salary for Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary is $95,770. The bottom 10% earn around $51,380 while the top 10% earn over $169,090.

    Experience levelAnnual salary
    Entry-level (P10)$51,380
    Early career (P25)$67,410
    Median$95,770
    Experienced (P75)$122,870
    Top earners (P90)$169,090
    10th: $51,380Median: $95,77090th: $169,090

    Highest-paying metros

    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
    Highest paying
    $136,560
    top metro salary
    California
    $119,490
    $-17,070 vs highest
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA
    $118,130
    $-18,430 vs highest
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
    $110,120
    $-26,440 vs highest
    New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
    $104,420
    $-32,140 vs highest
    Massachusetts
    $103,050
    $-33,510 vs highest
    New York
    $103,030
    $-33,530 vs highest
    Michigan
    $100,650
    $-35,910 vs highest

    Anthropology and Archeology Teacher salary by state

    StateMedian salary
    Californiatop$119,490
    Connecticut$109,670
    Vermont$103,710
    Massachusetts$103,050
    New York$103,030
    Kentucky$102,400
    District of Columbia$102,030
    Michigan$100,650
    New Mexico$100,300
    Virginia$99,980
    Maryland$99,740
    Indiana$99,170
    Alaska$98,910
    Arizona$97,940
    Oregon$96,580
    Texas$95,060
    Pennsylvania$93,050
    Minnesota$93,040
    Iowa$83,830
    Washington$82,460
    Illinois$82,350
    Colorado$81,220
    Wisconsin$79,100
    Tennessee$77,810
    Alabama$77,770
    South Carolina$77,360
    North Carolina$76,710
    New Jersey$76,030
    Utah$75,520
    Ohio$74,680
    Arkansas$62,380

    How to earn more as an Anthropology and Archeology Teacher

    The salary range for Anthropology and Archeology Teachers spans $117,710 — from $51,380 at entry level to $169,090 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA at $136,560 — $40,790 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field.

    Section 03

    How to get there

    Typical education: Doctoral or professional degree

    Starting from high school

    1. Complete a doctoral or professional degree program (4–6 years undergrad + 2–4 years graduate)
    2. Pursue internships and co-op experiences during your studies
    3. Build 1–2 years of entry-level experience
    4. Continue professional development and earn certifications
    5. Advance into full professional role after meeting experience requirements

    Choose an accredited program with strong industry connections and internship placement rates. Look for schools that offer co-op programs where you alternate between study and paid work. Many employers recruit directly from university programs, so networking and career fairs are valuable. Consider the total return on investment — schools with lower tuition but strong placement rates often outperform expensive programs.

    6–10+ years (education + experience) $50K–$200K+

    Graduate assistantships, fellowships, and employer sponsorship can significantly reduce costs. Research public university options.

    With a related degree

    1. Complete additional coursework or a certificate program in the specialization
    2. Earn professional certifications (State teaching license, Praxis exams, subject-area endorsements)
    3. Build relevant experience through lateral transfers or project work
    4. Position yourself for the role using your combined education and experience

    Your existing degree covers many foundational requirements. Focus on the gap — often 3–6 specialized courses plus a certification or two. Many universities offer post-baccalaureate certificates that take 1–2 semesters. Online programs from accredited universities provide flexibility for working professionals.

    1–3 years $5K–$30K

    Certificate programs and individual courses are much cheaper than a second degree. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for career-relevant education.

    Career change from another field

    1. Enroll in a graduate program in the field
    2. Earn required professional certifications
    3. Complete supervised work experience or residency
    4. Leverage your previous career skills for a differentiated profile

    Career changers bring valuable perspective — employers increasingly value diverse backgrounds. Look for accelerated programs designed for career changers (many fields now offer 12–18 month intensive programs). Your prior professional experience in areas like project management, communication, and leadership transfer directly and can accelerate your advancement once you enter the field.

    4–8 years $30K–$150K

    Career change scholarship programs exist in many fields. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses or student loan repayment assistance for in-demand specializations.

    Already working in another career?

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    Section 06

    AI and automation outlook

    63/100

    The Anthropology and Archeology Teacher role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.

    See full AI risk breakdown
    Section 07

    Related careers to consider

    Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Anthropology and Archeology Teacher.

    Get your personalized Anthropology and Archeology Teacher transition plan

    Includes step-by-step roadmap, skill gap analysis, financial feasibility, and salary comparison by city. Takes 2 minutes.

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    Step-by-step roadmap Skill gap breakdown Financial feasibility Salary by city
    Section 08

    Frequently asked questions

    SOC: 25-1061.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034