Anthropologists and Archeologists Salary in California
The median pay for a anthropologists and archeologists in California is $74,100/year ($35.62/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $52K at the entry level to $117K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $74K get you in California?
About anthropologists and archeologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level anthropologists and archeologists (10th percentile) start around $52K. Mid-career wages sit at $74K.Top earners bring in $117K or more - a $65K spread from bottom to top.
Anthropologists and Archeologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $107K | +64% | 30 |
| Alaska | $93K | +43% | 110 |
| Nebraska | $93K | +43% | 40 |
| Hawaii | $88K | +36% | 150 |
| Missouri | $87K | +34% | 40 |
| Oregon | $80K | +23% | 300 |
| Washington | $77K | +19% | 250 |
| Pennsylvania | $75K | +16% | 120 |
| California | $74K | +14% | 1,060 |
| North Carolina | $74K | +14% | N/A |
| Idaho | $73K | +13% | 200 |
| Nevada | $73K | +12% | 200 |
| Utah | $73K | +12% | 110 |
| Arkansas | $73K | +12% | 30 |
| Montana | $73K | +12% | 100 |
Track anthropologists and archeologists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do anthropologists and archeologists make in California?
The median is $74,100 a year - that works out to about $35.62 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $52,350, and experienced anthropologists and archeologists can clear $117,380. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $74K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,791/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 45.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a anthropologists and archeologists salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median anthropologists and archeologists salary is worth about $74,100 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do anthropologists and archeologists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.