3.10 Careers

Emergency Management Directors

Emergency management directors plan the response of governments and organizations to emergencies, such as natural disasters (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025c). Most of these jobs are in the government, although other large organizations, such as hospitals and universities, also hire emergency management directors. A bachelor’s degree is usually required for entry-level positions. Some sociology programs include courses on the sociology of disaster or risk that are helpful for this career. The median annual pay for emergency management directors is $86,000, or approximately $41 per hour. The occupation is expected to experience average growth (4%) through 2035.

Anthropologists and Archaeologists

“Anthropologists and archaeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans” (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025a). Anthropologists and archaeologists conduct scientific research and may work for government research organizations, as well as for various other institutions. Most work in offices, though some do fieldwork. A master’s degree is usually required for this occupation. The median annual pay for anthropologists and archaeologists is $65,000, or approximately $31 per hour. The occupation is expected to experience faster than average growth (8%) through 2035.

Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers

Archivists, curators, and museum workers oversee an organization’s collection of historical artifacts and artwork (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025b). They work in museums, governments, foundations, universities, and large corporations, and their tasks include managing collections, preparing items for display, restoring them, and protecting them. A master’s degree is required for some of these occupations, but a bachelor’s degree can lead to entry-level positions. Depending on the career path, specific degree requirements vary. Still, they typically include coursework in history, fine arts, and other social sciences. The median annual pay for archivists, curators, and museum workers is $57,000, or approximately $27 per hour. The occupation is expected to experience faster than average growth (11%) through 2035.