Anthropologists and Archeologist Salary in 2026
How Much Do Anthropologists and Archeologists Make?
Anthropologists and Archeologists earn a median annual salary of $64,910 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $44,510 at the 10th percentile to $104,510 at the 90th percentile — a range of $60,000. The highest-paying state is Massachusetts at $106,540.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,510 |
| 25th percentile | $51,240 |
| Median (50th) | $64,910 |
| 75th percentile | $83,080 |
| 90th percentile | $104,510 |
Anthropologists and Archeologist Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusettstop | $106,540 |
| Alaska | $92,870 |
| Nebraska | $92,750 |
| Hawaii | $88,390 |
| Missouri | $86,940 |
| Oregon | $79,790 |
| Washington | $77,480 |
| Pennsylvania | $75,180 |
| California | $74,100 |
| North Carolina | $73,840 |
| Idaho | $73,470 |
| Nevada | $72,820 |
| Montana | $72,550 |
| Utah | $72,550 |
| Arkansas | $72,550 |
| Kentucky | $70,140 |
| Alabama | $68,760 |
| Michigan | $68,160 |
| Virginia | $66,410 |
| New Mexico | $65,410 |
| Colorado | $64,910 |
| Maryland | $64,020 |
| South Carolina | $63,960 |
| Wyoming | $63,920 |
| Texas | $63,890 |
| Indiana | $62,860 |
| Minnesota | $62,220 |
| South Dakota | $61,960 |
| Florida | $61,900 |
| New Jersey | $60,630 |
| Arizona | $60,630 |
| Wisconsin | $59,950 |
| Oklahoma | $58,240 |
| Illinois | $57,770 |
| Iowa | $57,240 |
| New York | $52,810 |
| Tennessee | $51,460 |
| North Dakota | $49,000 |
| Georgia | $48,840 |
| Ohio | $47,310 |
| Connecticut | $45,820 |
| West Virginia | $45,650 |
| Louisiana | $44,180 |
| Kansas | $42,660 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Anthropologists and Archeologists
Anthropologists and Archeologist Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$44,510 – $51,240 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$64,910 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$83,080 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $104,510+ |
How to Earn More as an Anthropologists and Archeologist
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Anthropologists and Archeologists in Alaska earn $92,870 — $27,960 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($83,080) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Anthropologists and Archeologist Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Anthropologists and Archeologistthis career | $64,910 |
| Geoscientist | $99,240 |
| Survey Researcher | $63,380 |
| Sociologist | $101,690 |
| Geographer | $97,200 |
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SOC: 19-3091.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.