A career in forensic anthropology is one of the most intriguing paths in forensic science. It combines the study of human history and biology with the rigors of criminal investigation, giving a name to the nameless and a voice to the voiceless. But for those considering the years of advanced education and training, a critical question arises: What is the earning potential?
While driven by a passion for science and justice, it's practical to understand the financial landscape of this highly specialized field. The average forensic anthropology salary offers a stable, professional income, with median salaries often ranging from $63,000 to $70,000 per year. However, top earners with advanced degrees and significant experience can command salaries well over $100,000.
This guide will break down the salary you can expect and explore the key factors that will shape your career earnings.
What Does a Forensic Anthropologist Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's essential to understand the role. A forensic anthropologist is a physical anthropologist who specializes in analyzing human skeletal remains for medicolegal (law-related) purposes. Their expertise is crucial when other methods of identification are not possible.
Key responsibilities include:
- Recovering human remains from crime scenes in a way that preserves evidence.
- Analyzing skeletal remains in a laboratory to create a biological profile, including estimating age at death, sex, stature, and ancestry.
- Identifying signs of trauma on the skeleton (e.g., gunshot wounds, sharp-force trauma) and distinguishing them from postmortem damage.
- Assisting in determining the time since death by analyzing taphonomic (decomposition) evidence.
- Testifying in court as an expert witness to present their findings.
They work at the intersection of science, medicine, and the legal system, providing objective data to help solve complex cases.
Average Forensic Anthropology Salary
Forensic anthropology is a niche subfield, so the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups it under the broader category of "Anthropologists and Archeologists."
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for anthropologists and archeologists was $63,800 as of May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,450, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $101,840.
Reputable salary aggregators, which collect user-reported data, provide a similar and often more specific view:
- Payscale.com reports an average salary for a Forensic Anthropologist of around $68,000 per year, with a typical range falling between $52,000 and $98,000.
- Salary.com places the average salary for a Forensic Anthropologist in the United States between $67,073 and $86,419.
These figures show that while the average provides a solid baseline, your actual earnings can vary significantly based on a number of crucial factors.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary as a forensic anthropologist isn't a single number—it's a range determined by your qualifications, experience, and work environment. Understanding these factors is key to maximizing your earning potential.
### Level of Education
Education is arguably the most significant determinant of both employment eligibility and salary in this field.
- Master's Degree: A Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) in Anthropology with a focus on physical/forensic anthropology is the standard minimum requirement for most entry-level positions, such as a lab technician or assistant at a medical examiner's office.
- Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.): A Ph.D. is the terminal degree in the field and is essential for achieving the highest levels of employment and salary. A Ph.D. is required for positions as a university professor, a museum curator, or a lead forensic anthropologist at a federal agency. It also qualifies you for board certification.
- Board Certification (D-ABFA): The highest credential a forensic anthropologist can achieve is becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (D-ABFA). This requires a Ph.D., extensive practical experience, and passing a rigorous examination. D-ABFA certified anthropologists are considered top-tier experts and can command the highest salaries as consultants and expert witnesses.
### Years of Experience
As with any profession, experience directly correlates with responsibility and pay.
- Entry-Level (0-5 years): Professionals with a Master's degree are likely to start in roles supporting senior anthropologists. Salaries typically fall in the $50,000 to $65,000 range.
- Mid-Career (5-15 years): With a Ph.D. and/or significant casework experience, forensic anthropologists take on more complex cases, supervise labs, or gain tenure in academic positions. Their salaries often move into the $65,000 to $85,000 range.
- Senior/Lead (15+ years): Highly experienced, board-certified anthropologists often run their own consulting firms, lead federal departments (like the DoD's DPAA), or become renowned expert witnesses. At this level, earnings can easily exceed $90,000 and reach well into the six figures.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters. Salaries are often adjusted to reflect the cost of living and the concentration of relevant jobs. States with major metropolitan areas, federal agencies, and large university systems tend to offer higher pay.
- Top-Paying States: Locations like California, Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., and Hawaii often offer higher salaries due to a high cost of living and the presence of federal government employers and major research institutions.
- Lower-Paying States: Rural states with lower costs of living and fewer medicolegal or academic institutions will generally offer salaries on the lower end of the national average.
### Company Type
The type of organization you work for has a profound impact on your salary and benefits.
- Federal Government: This is often the highest-paying sector. Agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) hire forensic anthropologists and pay according to the government's formal pay scale, which is often very competitive.
- Academia (Colleges & Universities): Many forensic anthropologists are university professors who also do consulting work. Their university salary depends on their rank (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor), while consulting for law enforcement provides significant additional income.
- State and Local Government: Working for a city or state Medical Examiner's or Coroner's Office is a common career path. These jobs offer stable, solid salaries and government benefits, though they may pay slightly less than federal positions.
- Museums: Institutions like the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History employ anthropologists in curatorial and research roles. Salaries can vary widely depending on the museum's size and endowment.
### Area of Specialization
While most forensic anthropologists are generalists in analyzing skeletal remains, developing a sub-specialty can increase your value and earning potential. This is particularly true for those who engage in private consulting. Specializations like forensic taphonomy (the study of decomposition), bioarchaeology, or expertise in specific types of trauma can make you a highly sought-after expert witness, a role that can be very lucrative.
Job Outlook
The BLS projects that employment for anthropologists and archeologists will grow by 4 percent from 2022 to 2032. This growth rate is slightly slower than the average for all occupations.
This highlights an important reality: forensic anthropology is a small and highly competitive field. There are far more graduates than there are full-time positions. However, the need for these highly skilled experts in the medicolegal system remains constant. Job prospects are best for candidates who hold a Ph.D., have extensive field and lab experience, and are flexible regarding geographic location.
Conclusion
A career in forensic anthropology is a demanding yet deeply fulfilling pursuit for those with a passion for science and a desire to serve justice. While it is not a path to immense wealth, it offers a solid, professional salary that grows with your education and experience.
Here are the key takeaways for your earning potential:
- Average Salary: Expect a median salary in the $63,000 to $70,000 range.
- Education is Paramount: A Master's degree is the minimum for entry, but a Ph.D. is the key to unlocking top-tier roles and six-figure salaries.
- Experience Builds Value: Your earnings will increase significantly as you move from entry-level support roles to becoming a lead investigator or consultant.
- Employer and Location Matter: Federal government and university positions in high-demand areas typically offer the highest pay.
For those dedicated enough to navigate the rigorous educational and professional requirements, forensic anthropology offers a unique and rewarding career with stable financial prospects.