Do most anthropologists work at colleges today?

Hi everyone, I've been exploring Anthropology and considering it as a major, but I'm not super excited about the idea of sticking around academia forever. Looking at the field, do most anthropologists work at colleges, or are there plenty of other places one can end up in this field? Let me know!

Sure, let's delve into this!

While it's true that many anthropologists do find employment in colleges and universities as professors or researchers, this isn't the only career path for anthropology graduates.

Just to offer a broader view, according to the American Anthropological Association, roughly 21% of anthropologists work in academic settings. Whereas, a significant portion - around 48% of anthropologists work in management and consulting, representing the largest field of employment outside of academia. In these roles, anthropologists offer insights on human behavior to inform strategies and policies.

Another avenue is government roles, including state and local agencies or federal bodies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where anthropologists can contribute their understanding of human behavior and cultures to public policy and health efforts. Non-profit organizations are also a noteworthy employer, where anthropologists can work on projects around community development, public health, education, and more.

The field of anthropology is versatile and the skills you'll gain can be employed in a variety of sectors, so don't feel constrained to academia, even though there are plenty of opportunities there. Anthropology is much broader than just the academic realm, and you can find work in areas that can impact communities, work on policy and public service, or even in the corporate world.

So go ahead, explore and embrace the diversity of options this fascinating field offers!