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Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary

Anthropology and archeology teachers at the postsecondary level instruct students in courses covering human cultures, societies, and material remains across time and geography. They work in universities and colleges, balancing classroom instruction with research activities. Most hold graduate degrees and combine teaching with scholarly work in their field.

$99,650median pay, U.S., per year
$75,200–$128,750middle half earn
5,240employed in the U.S.
Docttypical education · 100% hold a bachelor’s or higher
ModerateAI exposure · AI tools can speed up some tasks; the core of the job stays human.
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A day in the work

A typical week includes preparing and delivering lectures on topics like cultural systems, excavation methods, or ethnographic fieldwork. Instructors grade papers and exams, hold office hours to advise students, and may supervise lab work or field projects. Many dedicate time to their own research—conducting literature reviews, analyzing data, writing for publication, or planning field expeditions. Committee work and departmental meetings also occupy part of the schedule.

Who this work suits

Social
96Investigative
83Artistic
43Realistic
41Conventional
38Enterprising
25

Holland code SIA. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You likely excel in this work if you enjoy investigating human behavior and social structures while remaining grounded in evidence and methodology. You're drawn to solving puzzles about how people live and lived, and you're comfortable with both independent research and teaching others what you discover.

What it takes

Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.

Skills that matter most

SpeakingReading ComprehensionWritingInstructingActive ListeningLearning StrategiesActive LearningCritical Thinking

Knowledge areas

Sociology and AnthropologyHistory and ArcheologyEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingGeographyPhilosophy and Theology

Pay by state

Certifications people in this field hold

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 25-1061.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.