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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human societies through fieldwork and research, applying their findings to address real-world issues or pursuing academic careers.

How do I become a anthropologist

Get qualified to work as a anthropologist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Related career opportunities

Browse occupations related to Anthropologist.

Common questions

Salaries for Anthropologists begin at $85,000 per annum and increase according to your academic profile and published research. Many anthropologists earn good salaries through private consulting jobs to industry groups and government advisory services.

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There are currently around 2,700 social professionals in Australia, including Anthropologists. They are employed by universities, government agencies, museums and galleries, communication organisations, and private enterprise. There is an increasing opportunity for anthropologists to act as advisors to a range of organisations on issues relating to minority groups including regional planning, public health, education, and cultural heritage management.

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Anthropologists are degree-qualified professionals. To get started in this career you should complete an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts, Social Science, or International Studies. Some universities offer a one year Honours course in anthropology to students who complete their BA with high rankings. Once you have finished your undergraduate courses you can pursue your Masters and PhD. To be recognised in Australia and internationally, the Australian Anthropological Society recommend obtaining honours and post-graduate qualifications.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023, Australian Anthropological Society.

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Anthropologist careers

Anthropologists are social scientists who study the development and connections in human society. Their research and studies involve a lot of fieldwork (ie, interviewing people) and may include the analysis and comparative study of religions, family structures, community values, art and music, sports and social activities, language, political systems, cultural traditions, economic structures, and regional development.

As an anthropologist, you could pursue an academic career carrying out research and publishing your findings in books and international journals. Alternately, you may prefer consulting and advisory roles, where you apply anthropological research to real-world problems such as social housing, poverty, regional planning, public health education, and inter-cultural communication.