Careers in Forensic Anthropology

Without setting foot in a laboratory, people can preview forensic anthropology careers by watching television crime dramas. For example, the television show Bones features forensic anthropologist Dr. Brennan whose job duties are exemplified through storylines. While it’s true that the real world can be different from Hollywood, becoming a forensic anthropologist can be a rewarding and intellectually stimulating career.

The duties of a forensic anthropologist overlap with other disciplines, such as disaster recovery, forensic science, and criminal justice. For example, forensic anthropologists typically work closely with law enforcement to identify human remains in the aftermath of a catastrophic weather event such as a hurricane or tornado. This work is essential after natural disasters when the number of human casualties is high, and the need for proper and fast identification is paramount. At other times, a forensic anthropologist can help collect evidence at crime scenes, identify victims, and help determine the cause of death in criminal cases where skeletal remains are present.

Forensic anthropologists can help piece together whether someone died at the hands of homicide or suicide or perished due to accidental death or natural causes in cases where extensive time has elapsed between the time of death and the discovery of remains. Forensic anthropology work can bring closure to grieving families and protect the public by prosecuting criminals.

Forensic anthropologists can determine details about a deceased person by examining bones and teeth, such as their sex, height, age, and race. While many choose to work in public or private sector positions, some forensic anthropologists decide to work in academia. An example is the “body farm” at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where scholars study the decomposition of human remains to accurately identify victims and the cause and time of their deaths.

If solving crimes and mysteries with science sounds like an ideal career, read on for a step-by-step guide to becoming a forensic anthropologist, including career outlook, salary, and certification requirements.

Career Outlook for Forensic Anthropologists

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2022), the career outlook for anthropologists and archaeologists is expected to grow by 6 percent between 2021 and 2031, as fast as the national rate for all professions.

However, forensic anthropology is a specialty in anthropology, so the demand for this specific profession could be highly competitive. According to the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA), many forensic anthropologists work in academia in teaching and research roles, while others work as coroners or medical examiners. To improve job prospects, earning a master’s or doctoral degree is one recommendation, although finding work as a forensic anthropologist with a bachelor’s degree is also possible.

Individuals who want to expand their professional networks should consider joining a professional organization like the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA) or the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). These organizations offer professional development, networking opportunities, and certification.

Forensic Anthropology Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 6,650 anthropologists and archeologists were employed in the United States (BLS May 2021). Earning an average annual salary of $66,800, the median wage was $61,910. Professionals in the lowest 10 percent earned $37,870 (or less) annually, while those in the top 10 percent earned $99,830 (or more) yearly.

Many different factors can determine pay. For example, the type of work that the anthropologist is doing can make a difference. Following are the top-paying industries for anthropologists and archeologists, according to the BLS:

• Federal government: $83,830
• Architectural, engineering, and related services: $74,250
• State government: $65,320
• Local government: $64,190
• Management, scientific, and technical consulting services: $63,200

This data shows that forensic anthropologists are more likely to be employed in government-related positions, meaning that the salary potential for this specialty field of anthropology could be higher.

In March 2023, Payscale.com, a site that shares self-reported salary data, reported the average forensic anthropologist’s salary is slightly higher at $67,340 based on 25 individuals reporting.

Location is a significant factor affecting salary, and living costs are essential when negotiating wages. According to the BLS (May 2021), the top-paying states for anthropologists and archeologists were:

• Alaska: $82,450
• Hawaii: $81,180
• Idaho: $79,610
• Nebraska: $78,020
• Washington: $76,770

The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2023) offers a cost of living data series that ranks states from most and least expensive. Comparing MERIC cost of living series to top-paying states from the BLS, it is essential to note that two of the BLS’s top five paying states for anthropologists and archeologists are also in MERIC’s top five most expensive states to live in.

Looking at both of these data sets, it is clear that anthropologists living and working in Nebraska (#13), Idaho (#28), and Washington (#40) can make their money go further in these areas, which have more affordable living costs compared with Hawaii and Alaska. For example, in March 2023, MERIC data ranked Hawaii (#52) and Alaska (#47) in the top 10 most expensive states.

How to Become a Forensic Anthropologist

Pursuing a career in forensic anthropology requires a considerable investment of time and resources. As previously mentioned, finding employment in this specialized field is difficult without a minimum of a master’s degree. The following is a list of common steps to becoming a forensic anthropologist.

Step 1: Graduate from high school or earn GED (four years) – Those interested in this career should dedicate themselves to their studies as early as possible, including high school. Excelling in biology and other sciences courses will be a solid foundation for further academic studies.

Step 2: Earn an undergraduate degree (four years) – An undergraduate degree in natural science or a related field such as anthropology, biology, or forensic science are ideal pathways to pursue this career. To gain admission to a competitive master’s program, students should maintain strong GPAs and pursue extracurricular opportunities. For example, while few programs offer specific degrees in forensic anthropology, some bachelor’s degree programs include forensics courses in their anthropology programs.

Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) offers a bachelor’s of science in forensic science, emphasizing forensic anthropology. Upper-division courses include analysis of human skeletal remains. In addition, students can join the Forensic Science Society to network and gain early experience in forensic science, which can be valuable to highlight when applying to graduate programs.

The curriculum in this program is based on the core requirements set forth by the Forensic Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), an organization that accredits degree programs in forensic science.

• Location: Portales, NM
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Tuition: $280.75 per credit (residents); $363.27 per credit (non-residents)

Oregon State University (OSU) offers an online 180-credit undergraduate degree in anthropology. Students can complete this program on-campus or online and earn a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science. Specializations are available in archaeology, biocultural, cultural/linguistic, and general anthropology. Courses related to forensic anthropology include human osteology lab and archaeological laboratory methods, and students can enroll in a 12-credit field school.

• Location: Corvallis, OR
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Tuition: $346 per quarter credit

Step 3: Pursue a master’s or doctoral degree (two years) – Most forensic anthropologists have a minimum of a master of science degree. In a graduate program, students can focus their education on forensic anthropology and gain hands-on experience through internships. In some cases, masters-level coursework transfers directly into a doctoral program, leading to highly-coveted academic and research-based careers in forensic anthropology.

The University of California Davis (UC Davis) offers a master of arts (MA) and a PhD degree program in anthropology in two specialty areas: evolutionary and socio-cultural. Students in this program are encouraged to pursue doctoral studies to promote scholarship in anthropology. Students study various cultures through human skeletal remains and population genetics in the evolutionary specialty area. To graduate, students in this program must complete 36 units of courses, a qualifying examination, and a dissertation which can take approximately 4-6 years to complete.

• Location: Davis, CA
• Duration: 2-6 years
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Tuition: $13,906 per year (residents); $29,008 per year (non-residents)

Please visit our accredited forensic anthropology programs page for a complete list of schools, which includes on-campus, hybrid, and online options.

Step 4: Obtain entry-level work as a forensic anthropologist (timeline varies) – With a master’s degree completed, graduates can look for entry-level work as forensic anthropologists, working with law enforcement or in the private sector.

Step 5: Consider a PhD program (two to four years) – While a PhD is not necessarily required to obtain employment in this field, those who take the time to earn one will likely have more career opportunities. Those who want to research and teach advanced degree courses in academia will earn a PhD.

Step 6: Become board-certified (timeline varies) – Forensic anthropologists with a PhD in physical or biological anthropology will have the opportunity to become board certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropologists (ABFA). While not required for all positions, having a certification indicates an individual’s experience, expertise, and commitment to the field of anthropology. The certification section below features more detailed information about the ABFA exam.

In short: because at least a master’s degree is often required for this career, a high school graduate can expect to spend at least six and perhaps up to 10 more years in school before they can expect to find reliable employment.

Forensic Anthropologist Tasks and Responsibilities

Forensic anthropology work can be emotionally taxing due to interacting with human remains, so it is vital to develop practical coping skills. In addition, having a professional focus and a good work ethic is essential for forensic anthropologists to perform their work well over time.

With these skills, forensic anthropologists will be better able to accomplish their regular tasks and responsibilities, which include:

• Collecting and examining skeletal remains
• Determining the demographic details of a potential victim
• Assessing remains for trauma
• Determining possible time and cause of death based on remains
• Working with forensic odontologists to perform dental record matches
• Relocating human remains when necessary
• Providing expert testimony in court
• Writing and presenting thorough reports to law enforcement and prosecutors

Certification as a Forensic Anthropologist

As mentioned above, forensic anthropologists who have earned a PhD are eligible to become board certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropologists (ABFA). To achieve this certification, candidates must pass an exam that covers the theory and practice of forensic anthropology.

The ABFA exam is offered annually and includes a written and practical exam. Candidates can complete the exam virtually through a test proctor for the written exam. As for the practical exam, candidates must make their travel arrangements to the Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. To pass, candidates must earn 80 percent or higher in each area, become certified, and hold diplomate status through the ABFA.

ABFA diplomates must earn and document continuing education credits to maintain the certification. Certification through ABFA demonstrates that a forensic anthropologist has reached a milestone in expertise in the field. Certification is good for three years so long as an applicant reapplies, pays their annual dues on time, and adheres to an ethical and professional standards statement.