Forensic Anthropologist

Forensic Anthropologists are specialist scientists who analyse bones, skeletal remains, and the physical features of the human body to solve crimes. They assess the reach and shape of wounds and bodily trauma and are often required to process unidentified remains and determine the victim’s age, gender, and time of death. Forensic Anthropologists are also involved with Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) after natural disasters and terrorist activities.

As a Forensic Anthropologist you could be called to a suspected murder scene and supervising the excavation of buried remains, attending an autopsy to assess knife wounds and assist with the identification of the murder weapon, analysing decomposed remains to determine how long the victim has been deceased, carrying out facial reconstruction on skeletal remains, writing a report from your laboratory findings to submit to the state police department, appearing in court as an expert witness, or attending an international conference for forensic professionals.

Forensic Anthropologists create reports that are used in court as evidence to convict the perpetrators of murders and serious crimes, so attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy is essential to success.

Future demand Low
Average yearly income $79,300
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a forensic anthropologist?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $22,032
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Crime Scene Investigator Forensic Scientist Forensic Science Technician
Forensic Anthropologist
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Crime Scene Investigator Forensic Scientist Forensic Science Technician Forensic Anthropologist + 1 more
MSL40122

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
On Campus
7 months
$5,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Attendant Laboratory Technician Forensic Science Technician
Medical Laboratory Technician Pathology Assistant Pathology Collector Alcohol and Drug Tester (AOD) Laboratory Supervisor Senior Technical Officer Analytical Chemist Forensic Anthropologist Medical Chemist
+ 9 more

Bachelor of Science (Human Biology)
On Campus
3 years
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Scientist Genetic Counsellor Hospital Scientist
Forensic Anthropologist
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Scientist Genetic Counsellor Hospital Scientist Forensic Anthropologist + 1 more

Master of Forensic Science
On Campus, Online
18 - 24 months
$0 - $61,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Toxicologist Forensic Scientist Crime Scene Investigator
Forensic Chemist Forensic Psychologist Forensic Engineer Forensic Anthropologist
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Toxicologist Forensic Scientist Crime Scene Investigator Forensic Chemist Forensic Psychologist Forensic Engineer Forensic Anthropologist + 4 more

Bachelor of Forensic Science
On Campus
3 years
$0 - $78,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Chemist Forensic Toxicologist Crime Scene Investigator
Forensic Analyst Forensic Science Technician Biometric Assessor Forensic Specialist Forensic Anthropologist
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Chemist Forensic Toxicologist Crime Scene Investigator Forensic Analyst Forensic Science Technician Biometric Assessor Forensic Specialist Forensic Anthropologist + 5 more
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Common questions

How much do Forensic Anthropologists earn?

The average weekly salary for a Forensic Anthropologist in Australia is approximately $1,525​. Increase your earning capacity by joining a professional organisation such as the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) and pursuing a Master’s degree in a specialist field: genetics and DNA analysis, archaeology, pharmacology, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, biomedicine, or similar.

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What are the job opportunities for Forensic Anthropologists?

There are no clear employment figures for Forensic Anthropologists working in Australia right now. They are employed by government health departments and police forces, though most Forensic Anthropologists aspire to work for the renowned Forensic Services Division of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Canberra.

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How do I become a Forensic Anthropologist?

You can launch your career as a Forensic Anthropologist in Australia with a Bachelor of Human Sciences (Anatomy and Physiology) or Bachelor of Science (Anatomy and Human Biology) followed by a Master of Forensic Anthropology.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Further reading

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023)

What do social workers do?

11th December 2019)

What can you do with a Certificate III in Pathology Collection?

4th November 2021)

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