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A career in anthropology or archaeology conjures up images of Indiana Jones digging up the Ark in Egypt, or Jane Goodall living among chimps in Africa. But when it comes to cultural research careers, there's a lot more opportunity to unearth. The world of anthropology and archeology jobs extends into teaching, business and public service.

A look at archaeologist and anthropologist careers

Anthropologist and archaeologist schools train students to study human culture, from prehistoric times to the present. Archaeologists focus on material evidence of past cultures, interpreting ruins, art, tools, or other objects to derive a picture of earlier peoples or civilizations. Anthropologists study human behavior in the past or present, analyzing the life, language, or customs of a group of people.

In practice, anthropology and archaeology have broad applications in business and the public sector. Fascinating field work like archaeological digs and interviews in remote villages are still a staple of scholarly work. But anthropologists also find work outside of academia. Employers include non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as international health organizations and development banks, local government agencies, museums and corporate businesses. Job opportunities in business and government include:

• Physical anthropology lab researcher
• Museum curator and administrator
• Nonprofit program developer or administrator
• Think-tank researcher
• Cultural resource advocate or researcher
• Forensic anthropologist for a police department
• Market researcher, or "corporate anthropologist"

Anthropology and archaeology careers require critical thinking and communication skills as well as applied training in social science research methods. Both fields involve the application of scientific methods, including the proper collection and analysis of evidence and large data sets.

Archaeologist and anthropologist salary 2012

Anthropologist salaries in 2010-2011 varied widely by industry and education level. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported average annual earnings of $58,040 for anthropologists and archaeologists in 2010. The upper 10 percent approached six figures, earning $89,440 and above. Sample salaries in related public and private anthropologist jobs include:

1. Anthropology or archaeology professor, $80,040 (BLS 2010)
2. Market research analyst II, $57,442 (Salary.com) and $66,850 (BLS 2010)
3. Museum exhibit curator, $53,160 (BLS 2010)
4. Nonprofit anthropology program coordinator, $40,000 to $43,000 (GlassDoor.com)

Top-paying industries for anthropologists, according to the BLS, are federal, local and state government, which pay average salaries in the $53,970 (state) to $71,940 (federal) range. Washington, D.C., the center for federal jobs, pays the highest average wage at $92,570. Scenic San Diego, California and Honolulu, Hawai'i top the list of top-paying cities, at $94,020 and $72,150, respectively.

Anthropologists can find the best quality of life in regions that pay the most relative to the local cost of living. Advantageous cities for finding work in anthropology include:

• Phoenix, Ariz.: Cost of living, 98.6 (compared to 100 nationwide) and average 2010 earnings, $66,540.
• Pittsburgh, Pa.: Cost of living, 92.1 and average 2010 earnings, $61,630.
• Reno, Nev.: Cost of living, 106.2 (slightly above average) and average 2010 earnings, $61,450.

Anthropologist training online and on campus

Education is a major factor in anthropologist salary 2012 prospects. Though bachelor's degree graduates face many exciting prospects in government and business, most research jobs require a graduate degree. Academic scholarship and college professor roles generally require a Ph.D. Anthropologist training online offers the option of pursuing these advanced degrees while you work. Some archaeologist and anthropologist schools allow working students to develop graduate projects based on real-world problems they encounter on the job.

Career prospects for archaeologists and anthropologists

Anthropologists and archaeologists can expect rapid growth in federal government and corporate consulting jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 21 percent job growth in the 2010 to 2020 period, much faster than average for all occupations. The BLS mentions increased demand for cultural anthropologists in the U.S. Department of Defense, for archaeological assessment in civil infrastructure development, and for expert consulting in areas such as economic development and forensics.

Anthropologist and archaeologist schools prepare you for exciting careers studying human culture. You may not join a quest for the Holy Grail like Indiana Jones, but you'll discover a world of job opportunities.