SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Anthropologists and Archeologists

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • American Indian Policy Specialist
  • Applied Anthropologist
  • Applied Cultural Anthropologist
  • Archaeologist
  • Communication and Folklore Specialist
  • Forensic Anthropologist
  • Historical Archaeologist
  • Research Archaeologist

What do Anthropologists and Archeologists do?

Anthropologists and archeologists are social scientists who study humanity, focusing on the intricacies of human behavior, culture, and development throughout history. Anthropologists explore contemporary and historical societies, examining social structures, languages, rituals, and beliefs to understand cultural variations and similarities among different human groups. They often conduct ethnographic research, immersing themselves in communities to gather qualitative data about social practices and interactions.

Archeologists, on the other hand, specialize in the study of past human societies through material remains and artifacts. They excavate sites to discover historical remnants, which can include tools, pottery, and structures. By analyzing these findings, archeologists reconstruct past lifestyles, economies, and social organizations. Their work often sheds light on human evolution, migration, and environmental changes over time, contributing to our understanding of how ancient societies functioned and adapted.

Both fields emphasize interdisciplinary methodologies, integrating insights from history, biology, linguistics, and even geography to form a holistic view of human existence. The work of anthropologists and archeologists is essential in helping create a narrative of human development, informing cultural heritage conservation, and addressing contemporary issues such as social inequality, cultural preservation, and the impacts of globalization.

What the work actually is

  • Collect information and make judgments through observation, interviews, and review of documents.
  • Teach or mentor undergraduate and graduate students in anthropology or archeology.
  • Write about and present research findings for a variety of specialized and general audiences.
  • Plan and direct research to characterize and compare the economic, demographic, health care, social, political, linguistic, and religious institutions of distinct cultural groups, communities, and organizations.
  • Create data records for use in describing and analyzing social patterns and processes, using photography, videography, and audio recordings.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Writing Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Abilities

  • Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Written Comprehension The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Written Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
  • Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Deductive Reasoning The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Knowledge

  • Sociology and Anthropology Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • History and Archeology Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
  • Foreign Language Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
  • Education and Training Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

Doctoral degree
Master's degree
Bachelor's degree

A normal week

  • Getting Information
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  • Documenting/Recording Information
  • Analyzing Data or Information
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Analytical or scientific software IBM SPSS Statistics · SAS · The MathWorks MATLAB · Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • Presentation software Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Geographic information system ESRI ArcGIS software · ESRI ArcInfo · Geographic information system GIS software · Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Graphics or photo imaging software Adobe Illustrator · Adobe Photoshop · GE Healthcare ImageQuant TL · Graphics software
  • Data base user interface and query software Archeological Sites Management Information System ASMIS · Genealogy software · Microsoft Access · Structured query language SQL

Tools

  • Calipers Digital calipers · Sliding calipers · Spreading calipers
  • Scanners Digitizers · Flatbed scanners · Laser scanners
  • X ray radiography examination equipment High resolution industrial computed tomography CT scanners · Industrial micro computed tomography CT scanners · Portable x ray machines
  • Laboratory sifting equipment Graded sieves · Mesh sifting screens · Shaker screens
  • Trowels Marshalltown trowels · Plains trowels

Who it suits

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

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Questions people ask

How much do Anthropologists and Archeologists earn in South Africa?

Anthropologists and Archeologists salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Anthropologists and Archeologists do?

Collect information and make judgments through observation, interviews, and review of documents, Teach or mentor undergraduate and graduate students in anthropology or archeology and Write about and present research findings for a variety of specialized and general audiences.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.