Archaeologist, Research Scientist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
Interest in co-ordinating information to gather and analyze data on social and cultural behaviour, artifacts, language and human biology, and to undertake comparative studies of societies and cultures, or of selected aspects of cultures, of living people and of peoples no longer in existence
Interest in consulting to report on data; may teach anthropology at advanced educational levels
Interest in reconstructing records of extinct cultures by studying remains obtained from archaeological excavations
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Interest in co-ordinating information to interpret the significance of archaeological finds by determining the importance of the history conveyed by artifacts and the extent to which they reflect the lives of the peoples who produced them
Interest in consulting with authorities to provide advice concerning the search for the remains of buildings and the collection, identification and preservation of artifacts; and in selecting site locations and overseeing excavations
Interest in handling artifacts to examine and classify them, and to determine authenticity and identity
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Anthropologists study all aspects of human and non-human primate society and culture, past and present. They may do comparative studies of living or ancient people’s cultures. This can include studying material cultural remains, human traditions, beliefs, customs, and languages or patterns of subsistence and settlement. Their research may focus on cultural beliefs and symbols or kinship and social organization. Or it may look into religious, economic, political, or legal aspects of society.
Specialized types of research may involve interviewing, statistical data analysis and interpretation, or the use of scientific techniques. These may include chronometric dating, geographical information system (GIS), artifact analysis, or stratigraphic mapping. More and more, anthropologists use molecular techniques such as hormone, nutritional, and microbiome analyses to gather information from both human and non-human primate subjects. Anthropologists also use DNA sequencing in modern human populations and non-human primates. They use ancient DNA applications for extinct populations.
Anthropologists may specialize in particular geographic areas, time periods or populations within a specific region. They also may specialize in any one or more of the following subfields:
Anthropologists employed by universities are involved in teaching as well as field and laboratory research. For more information, see the University Professor occupational profile.
Some anthropologists work mainly in offices, classrooms, and laboratories. Others work outdoors in the field. When doing fieldwork, anthropologists may live in tents or in local housing, sometimes in remote locations. They often work long hours, sometimes alone, and for long periods of time. Fieldwork is usually seasonal and can be physically demanding.
Anthropologists work closely with researchers in other disciplines such as human anatomy, medicine, biology, geology, geography, chemistry, museum studies, history, and sociology. They also may supervise field and laboratory staff and volunteers.
Anthropologists need:
They should enjoy:
Anthropologists have a variety of educational backgrounds. Most begin with a bachelor’s degree (BA, B.Sc.) in anthropology or a related discipline. In addition to courses in anthropology, biological anthropologists require solid training in human anatomy and biology. Archaeologists should have a strong background in the earth sciences, including geology and geography. Depending on the specialization, anthropologists benefit from training in qualitative or quantitative statistics and analysis. A second language is an asset in doing fieldwork in other countries.
Specialization in particular areas of anthropology generally requires a master’s (MA or M.Sc.) or doctoral (PhD) degree in anthropology. Research and teaching positions at the post-secondary level generally require a doctoral degree.
Admission to graduate programs (MA, M.Sc., PhD) generally requires successful completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree program. This is preferably in the honour’s stream with completion of an honour’s thesis.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Anthropologists may work for:
Individuals who have a bachelor’s degree may be employed on a seasonal contract basis. Those who have a master’s degree may find employment as teachers in community colleges, or work in government or the public or private sectors. They may also work with museums, corporations, or consulting firms. To do independent research in anthropology or teach at the university level, a PhD is required.
To carry out archaeological research in Alberta, an archaeological research permit from the Government of Alberta is required. To qualify, applicants must have at least a master’s degree in anthropology (specifically archaeology), 24 weeks of supervised training in archaeological surveying and excavation techniques and 6 weeks of training in curation or laboratory analysis. They also need experience designing and executing a research project equal in scope to that described in the application.
Due to very low employment turnover and a small number of positions, employment and advancement opportunities are limited. Currently, there is a trend toward short-term contract work rather than long-term employment with a single employer.
Anthropologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4169: Other Professional Occupations in Social Science. In Alberta, 79% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for university positions vary with:
For more information, see the University professors and lecturers wage profile.
Anthropologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4169: Other professional occupations in social science, n.e.c.
According to the 2017 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Other professional occupations in social science, n.e.c. occupational group earned on average from $34.92 to $47.66 an hour. The overall average was $44.18 an hour. For more information, see the Other professional occupations in social science, n.e.c. wage profile.
Canadian Anthropology Society (CASCA) website: www.cas-sca.ca
Canadian Archaeological Association website: www.canadianarchaeology.com
The Canadian Association for Physical Anthropology (CAPA) website: capa-acap.net
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.