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Medical Anthropologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This posting applies to the following areas: --Sociocultural Anthropology --Archaeology --Biological/Physical Anthropology --Linguistic Anthropology --Medical Anthropology. Please visit the following ...

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$28K

$45K

$58.5K

How much do medical anthropologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical anthropologist in the United States is $45,043.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $48,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical settings in which medical anthropologists work, and how does this impact their daily responsibilities?

Medical anthropologists work in a variety of settings, including academic institutions, public health organizations, non-governmental organizations, and healthcare facilities. This diversity means that daily responsibilities can range from conducting field research and interviews in communities, to collaborating with healthcare professionals on culturally-informed interventions, to analyzing health policies or teaching students. The work often involves both independent research and teamwork, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills. Those considering this career should be comfortable moving between fieldwork and academic or organizational environments, and be prepared for both quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

What is the full meaning of medical?

In the context of a Medical Anthropologist, 'medical' relates to health, medicine, and healthcare practices. It often involves studying how cultural, social, and environmental factors influence health and medical systems. The term emphasizes the interdisciplinary approach to understanding health-related behaviors and practices.

What are medical anthropologists?

Medical anthropologists are professionals who study how cultural, social, and biological factors influence health, illness, and healthcare systems. They examine the ways in which health practices, beliefs, and outcomes vary across different societies and communities. Medical anthropologists often work in academic research, public health, policy-making, and international development to better understand and address health disparities. Their work can involve field research, interviews, and collaboration with healthcare providers to improve health interventions.

Is medical the same as medi-cal?

Medical anthropologists study health, illness, and healthcare systems from cultural perspectives, and the role often involves understanding various health policies. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program providing health coverage for low-income individuals. The two are unrelated: one is a profession, and the other is a specific health insurance program.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Medical Anthropologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Anthropologist, you need a solid background in anthropology or a related field, often with a master's or doctoral degree, and expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Familiarity with data analysis software, ethnographic tools, and academic publishing platforms is typically required. Exceptional cultural sensitivity, critical thinking, and communication skills are essential for effective fieldwork and interdisciplinary collaboration. These skills enable Medical Anthropologists to bridge cultural gaps in healthcare, inform public health strategies, and drive meaningful policy change.

What's the maximum income to qualify for Medi-Cal?

For a Medical Anthropologist or similar roles, Medi-Cal eligibility is based on income and household size, with the maximum income limit generally set at 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. This translates to approximately $20,120 annually for an individual in 2023, but limits vary by household and specific circumstances. It's important to check current thresholds through state resources or the California Department of Health Care Services.

What is the difference between Medical Anthropologist vs Public Health Researcher?

AspectMedical AnthropologistPublic Health Researcher
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Anthropology, Public Health, or related fieldMaster's or PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research institutions, fieldwork in communitiesGovernment agencies, NGOs, research institutions
Industry UsageHealth, anthropology, academiaPublic health, epidemiology, policy

Medical Anthropologists focus on understanding cultural and social factors affecting health, often conducting fieldwork and ethnographic research. Public Health Researchers analyze health data and develop policies to improve community health. While both roles work within health-related fields and require advanced degrees, Medical Anthropologists emphasize cultural insights, whereas Public Health Researchers focus on data analysis and policy development.

What's the difference between Medicare and Medi-Cal?

A medical anthropologist researching healthcare systems should understand that Medicare is a federal program providing health coverage mainly for people aged 65 and older or with certain disabilities, while Medi-Cal is a state Medicaid program offering free or low-cost health coverage to low-income individuals and families. Both programs involve understanding healthcare policies, eligibility criteria, and service delivery environments. Knowledge of these programs can aid in analyzing healthcare access and disparities across populations.
More about Medical Anthropologist jobs
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What states have the most Medical Anthropologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Medical Anthropologist jobs include:
Part-time Lecturer in Medical Anthropology

Part-time Lecturer in Medical Anthropology

Tufts University

Medford, MA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 25 days ago


Tufts University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Department of Anthropology at Tufts University is seeking a part-time lecturer in medical anthropology to teach two courses in the 2026-2027 academic year:
  • Fall 2026, ANTH 148 Medical Anthropology, a mid-level lecture on the central topics and methodological approaches in medical anthropology. For Fall 2026, this course is scheduled to meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30-2:45pm.
  • Spring 2027, a mid-level course or advanced seminar on a related topic of the candidate's choice. Possible courses include Advanced Topics in Medical Anthropology; Culture, Psychiatry, and Madness; Biopolitics and the Body; and Death, Mourning, and Afterlives.

Qualifications
We are seeking candidates with college-level teaching experience; a Ph.D. in Anthropology is preferred, but ABD candidates and those with PhDs in related fields are also encouraged to apply.
Application Instructions
All materials are submitted via Interfolio at: https://apply.interfolio.com/183735. Applicants must submit a letter of application including a statement of teaching interests & experience, a CV, and at least one sample syllabus for a class or classes that could be taught at Tufts. Please also send us the contact information for two people who might provide letters of reference.
Questions about the position may be directed to Department Administrator Jamie Gorman at Jamie.Gorman@tufts.edu. Questions about Interfolio should be directed to help@interfolio.com or (877) 997-8807. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a background check.

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