Anthropology and archeology teachers at the postsecondary level instruct students in human cultures, societies, and ancient civilizations. You'll need a doctoral degree and extensive preparation. Here's what the work involves and how to get there.
Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.
You teach anthropology and archeology courses to college and university students, interpreting complex cultural and historical information for learners. Your days involve analyzing research data, documenting findings, and delivering lectures that help students understand human societies across time and geography. You stay current with scholarship in sociology, history, and archeology. You guide students through critical thinking about cultural practices, belief systems, and material evidence. You also contribute to your field through your own research and writing, sharing knowledge that advances understanding of human experience.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $99,650 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 500 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a doctoral degree in anthropology, archeology, or a closely related field. This typically follows a bachelor's degree and often a master's degree. Your doctoral studies involve extensive coursework in anthropology and archeology, research methods, and specialized topics. You'll conduct original research and write a dissertation. Many programs include teaching assistantships that let you gain classroom experience while you study. After completing your doctorate, you'll apply for faculty positions at colleges and universities.
The main path is earning a doctoral degree after your bachelor's degree, which typically takes several years of study and research. Talk with your counselor about doctoral programs in anthropology and archeology, then use Pathly can map the anthropology and archeology teacher, postsecondary path that fits you to map out the steps that fit your timeline.
You do not need a license to work as an anthropology and archeology teacher, postsecondary, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to understanding people and societies. You enjoy explaining complex ideas clearly, listening deeply to others, and helping students think critically about human culture and history.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).