Anthropologists and archeologists
SOC Code: 19-3091
Anthropologists and archeologists carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $64,910 and +3.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 8,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 36% AI exposure, Anthropologists and archeologists sits 1 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 56% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Anthropologists and archeologists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Anthropologists and archeologists has ai exposure of 36%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Anthropologists and archeologists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Anthropologists and archeologists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Anthropologists and archeologists (SOC 19-3091) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 8,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.7% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $64,910, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Anthropologists and archeologists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Collect information and make judgments through observation, interviews, and review of documents.
- 2. Teach or mentor undergraduate and graduate students in anthropology or archeology.
- 3. Write about and present research findings for a variety of specialized and general audiences.
- 4. Plan and direct research to characterize and compare the economic, demographic, health care, social, political, linguistic, and religious institutions of distinct cultural groups, communities, and organizations.
- 5. Record the exact locations and conditions of artifacts uncovered in diggings or surveys, using drawings and photographs as necessary.
- 6. Create data records for use in describing and analyzing social patterns and processes, using photography, videography, and audio recordings.
- 7. Assess archeological sites for resource management, development, or conservation purposes and recommend methods for site protection.
- 8. Train others in the application of ethnographic research methods to solve problems in organizational effectiveness, communications, technology development, policy making, and program planning.
- 9. Gather and analyze artifacts and skeletal remains to increase knowledge of ancient cultures.
- 10. Identify culturally specific beliefs and practices affecting health status and access to services for distinct populations and communities, in collaboration with medical and public health officials.
Key Skills Required
- Writing
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
- Monitoring
- Learning Strategies
- Instructing
Knowledge Areas
- Sociology and Anthropology
- English Language
- History and Archeology
- Foreign Language
- Education and Training
- Geography
- Communications and Media
- Philosophy and Theology
- Computers and Electronics
- Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Anthropologists and archeologists?
Anthropologists and archeologists has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Anthropologists and archeologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Anthropologists and archeologists is projected to grow by 3.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 8,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Anthropologists and archeologists?
Key skills for Anthropologists and archeologists include Writing, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Master's degree.
How much do Anthropologists and archeologists earn?
The median annual wage for Anthropologists and archeologists is $64,910, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Anthropologists and archeologists?
The typical entry-level education for Anthropologists and archeologists is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Anthropologists and archeologists?
Anthropologists and archeologists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).