If you are an archaeologist or anthropologist looking for a new state to call home, then check out our list of 25 best states for archaeologists and anthropologists. If you’re looking to make an educated decision about relocating based on your career, then look no further.
Archaeology and anthropology are extremely interesting fields of work. As one of the world’s biggest Indiana Jones fans, I can say that I’ve personally always found the idea of these careers to be very exciting and alluring. Though I doubt that any actual modern archaeological or anthropological professionals would consider poison darts, giant boulders, or snake-infested temples to be high on their list of concerns for workplace safety and overall enjoyment (unlike Mr. Jones), there are many elements to be weighed when it comes to digging for the perfect place to settle down.

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There are multiple factors to consider when deciding on the perfect place to call home as it relates to your career: employment rates, cost of living, and annual median pay. When asking which state would be ideal to live in as a massage therapist, these three factors must be carefully considered in relation to each other. It would not be advantageous to only consider the potential for the largest paycheck, as cost of living can detract from gross income, and the employment rate is crucial to how much time you may need to spend looking for a job.
If you are interested, you may want to also check our article on 15 Best States for Animal Scientists.
The information on each state’s cost of living index was derived from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, while the data on each state’s employment rates and annual median pay for anthropologists and archaeologists were sourced from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Continue reading to learn more about the best states for archaeologists and anthropologists.
25. Illinois
Annual median pay: $62,570
Cost of living: 95.5
Employment: 80

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24. Nevada
Annual median pay: $63,290
Cost of living: 104.5
Employment: 180
23. Alaska
Annual median pay: $77,390
Cost of living: 131.6
Employment: 100
22. Mississippi
Annual median pay: $58,130
Cost of living: 86
Employment: 30
21. Pennsylvania
Annual median pay: $71,610
Cost of living: 102.8
Employment: 80
20. Florida
Annual median pay: $59,360
Cost of living: 99
Employment: 160

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19. Indiana
Annual median pay: $47,950
Cost of living: 87.9
Employment: 80
18. Colorado
Annual median pay: $62,490
Cost of living: 102.1
Employment: 220
17. Georgia
Annual median pay: $63,600
Cost of living: 91.4
Employment: 40
16. New York
Annual median pay: $82,580
Cost of living: 135.2
Employment: 130
15. California
Annual median pay: $66,030
Cost of living: 134.8
Employment: 1,760
14. Ohio
Annual median pay: $63,310
Cost of living: 93
Employment: 90
13. Kentucky
Annual median pay: $63,500
Cost of living: 90.8
Employment: 70
12. Tennessee
Annual median pay: $58,900
Cost of living: 89.8
Employment: 90
We’re halfway through our list of best states for archaeologists and anthropologists, so let’s see the other half! Shall we?
11. New Mexico
Annual median pay: $58,500
Cost of living: 95.7
Employment: 330
10. Wisconsin
Annual median pay: $66,300
Cost of living: 96.9
Employment: 90

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9. Wyoming
Annual median pay: $64,430
Cost of living: 91.7
Employment: 90
8. Washington
Annual median pay: $68,710
Cost of living: 107.1
Employment: 210
7. Nebraska
Annual median pay: $72,860
Cost of living: 91.3
Employment: 30
6. Virginia
Annual median pay: $67,030
Cost of living: 100.2
Employment: 150
5. Oregon
Annual median pay: $69,550
Cost of living: 115.4
Employment: 470
4. Utah
Annual median pay: $64,720
Cost of living: 92.8
Employment: 120
And now, let’s see the top three entries in our list of best states for archaeologists and anthropologists.

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3. Arizona
Annual median pay: $67,010
Cost of living: 98.1
Employment: 280
2. Texas
Annual median pay: $63,920
Cost of living: 90.7
Employment: 330
1. Idaho
Annual median pay: $68,650
Cost of living: 89.6
Employment: 110

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If you’re searching for a new home state, be sure to use our list of the best states for archaeologists and anthropologists as your guide. Now that you’ve gotten a better idea of how each state ranks on our list, you’re all set to make the most educated choice possible about which state you should make your new home.