Guide 2 Research | Historian

History Careers: 2024 Guide to Career Paths, Options & Salary In the age of information, it is easy to be consumed by trivialities and think of different aspects of history only at the surface level. However, learning about the past should be a transformative experience. History teaches us about ourselves in ways we would not otherwise know. It helps us reflect on what's important, how our past actions shape our present, and how we can chart our path forward.
As such, careers in history are necessary now more than ever. With over a decade of experience as a career planning expert, I've observed how careers in history offer opportunities to delve deep into the rich tapestry of human experiences and contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the world.
In this guide, I will explore the various history careers you can explore, focusing on educational pathways, potential incomes, job outlooks, and required skills to help you gain data-backed insights that you can use to make informed career decisions.
What are the benefits of pursuing a history career? Becoming a historian ensures a lifelong journey of learning and a strong dedication to safeguarding knowledge. Many historians (22%) find employment in federal government offices (Zippia, 2024), but there are also robust opportunities in other fields. Historians earn as much as $76,120 yearly, which provides graduates a strong financial footing after they complete their studies (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2023). Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Their History Careers "Working as a historical consultant allows me to apply my passion for research to diverse projects and topics. Every assignment brings new challenges and opportunities to explore fascinating narratives. It's a career that continually fuels my curiosity and creativity. " - Lara "Being a history educator isn't just about teaching facts; it's about nurturing critical thinking and empathy in students. Witnessing their 'aha' moments as they connect the past to their present is incredibly fulfilling. I'm grateful for the chance to shape young minds and instill a lifelong love of learning. " - James "Choosing a career as a historical writer has allowed me to connect narratives that bridge the gap between past and present. Through storytelling, I've discovered the power to challenge perceptions and inspire action to better the future. It's a journey of creativity, exploration, and lifelong learning. " - Daniel Key Findings The government, be it federal, state, or local, is the highest-paying sector for historians. Professionals who secure roles in this sector typically earn an annual wage of $110,990. Only 8% of historians possess a master's degree, which is the minimum requirement to enter the profession. Meanwhile, 76% hold a bachelor's degree. The most popular master's in history program in the U.S. is general history, with 3,142 awarded degrees from 2020 to 2021. The job outlook for historians from 2022 to 2032 is 3%, providing 300 new jobs each year. Historians with a doctorate can pursue a career as a political scientist. This role usually yields an average salary of $132,020 per year. Why pursue a career in history? Completing a history degree and pursuing a career in this field satisfies intellectual curiosity and offers the chance to make meaningful contributions to society through research and information preservation. If you are still on the fence about this career choice, allow me to present further compelling reasons to consider this profession.
History allows us to retell the stories of our ancestors. We gain the privilege of bringing justice to cultures and communities erased by then-writers of history. Stories that were only at the peripheries before are making it to the center stage. Pursuing a career in history means sorting through conflicting narratives, finding the truth, and sharing it with the world and the next generations. History allows us to stand on the shoulders of giants. Today, with access to the internet and information and communication technologies, we can learn about the great thinkers of history and read their works. Moreover, you can contribute to growing this collection of books and other written texts in the digital world to help spread historical consciousness among digital citizens. History allows us to make predictions. Amid crises, history guides our assumptions and courses of action. Historians are constantly documenting recent global events to ensure future generations will learn from our experiences today. There were certainly other times when humanity faced similar circumstances as their predecessors. When things like this happen, it's best to consult historians on what to expect. History allows us to engage in normative discourse and gives us a chance to become better humans. The past is a treasure trove of stories that makes us understand the concepts of justice, freedom, equality, and other value judgments. It allows us to reflect on our shared humanity. Becoming a historian means examining our collective successes and failures and using collective memory to guide present and future actions. What are the educational requirements for a career in history? To begin your history career, completing an undergraduate degree is a good entry point. However, the minimum requirement to become a historian is to pursue master's level degrees or doctorates. Currently, 76% of historians in the U.S. possess a bachelor's degree while only 8% hold a master's degree (Zippia, 2024).
While a bachelor's degree can present entry-level jobs, graduate degrees instill historical thinking and consciousness. In addition, graduates with higher-level credentials generally earn higher compensation.
According to the U.S. BLS (2023), professionals with a master's degree take home around $1,737 each week, and those who hold a doctorate make $2,109 weekly. Moreover, throughout their lifetime, a graduate with a master's degree can accumulate anywhere from $2.3 to $4.7 million (Carnevale et al., 2021).
What skills do I need for a history career? Similar to geology degree -educated professionals, historians must develop 21st-century skills to meet the demands of the job market in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. They need a combination of technical and soft skills to be qualified for the positions within and beyond their field.
Data collection and analysis. Historians must be acquainted with database management systems and search engines that can facilitate more efficient data collection. They must also know how to interpret quantitative and qualitative data. Foreign languages. Knowledge of languages other than English might help history scholars source materials for their research papers. Fluency in historical languages, such as Greek and Latin is also an invaluable asset in this field. Academic writing. Historians write research proposals , journals, articles, textbooks, and other written forms. Therefore, they must be skilled in professional writing, as it will help them advance their careers and gain recognition in the field. Administrative skills. Entry-level history major jobs would require professionals to know how to perform basic clerical duties. These include filing and managing documents, organizing schedules, setting appointments, responding to e-mails, and attending to phone calls, to name a few. Reading comprehension. History majors must know how to read at the analytical and syntopical levels. They need to learn how to handle heavy and dense materials. They must also be able to absorb these materials and make comparative analyses of texts. Communication and interpersonal skills. Historians must actively listen and ask the right questions when gathering information or conducting interviews. Since they often work with other professionals, they must have good interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and present their research findings to fellow scholars or the public. In this chart, I've gathered data from the U.S. BLS to indicate the highest-paying industries where historians can apply these skills.
What jobs can I get with an associate degree in history? An associate degree can lead you to entry-level positions across diverse industries. It provides you with a solid foundation in critical thinking and research skills. With that, you can apply for the following positions and gain the corresponding wages based on the latest U.S. BLS data:
Library Technicians ($42,570). They keep track of book loans, organize library materials, and manage databases. In addition, they help library visitors locate books and access services or attend to clerical duties in the library. Tour and Travel Guides ($40,280). Also considered among the geography careers and history careers that pay well, this path is a perfect match for historical sites and museums. Tour and travel guides must be knowledgeable about the places included in the tours and have excellent interpersonal skills since they deal with diverse clients. Legal Secretaries ($56,330). They help lawyers with administrative and clerical tasks, such as organizing schedules, setting appointments, preparing legal documents, and helping with legal research. What jobs can I get with a bachelor's degree in history? A bachelor's degree in history imparts foundational knowledge and skills and opens opportunities for specialization and expansive careers. From 2020 to 2021, a total of 22,919 students took up undergraduate history programs in the U.S. (National Center for Education Statistics, 2023). Among the jobs that they were able to take on include:
Museum Technicians and Conservators ($54,890). They handle collections from restoration to exhibition to maintenance. They also know how to identify, document, and preserve various artifacts. Museum Curators ($70,870). They conceptualize and materialize an exhibition. Furthermore, they digitize historical documents, arrange the purchase or loan of artifacts, and ensure that collections are authentic. History High School Teachers ($73,800). They create lesson plans that align with the curriculum, deliver lectures or facilitate classes, and assess students' understanding of the lesson using tests and examinations. What jobs can I get with a master's degree in history? Graduates with a master's degree in history possess advanced knowledge and skills that empower them to take on more diverse and challenging roles in various fields. During the 2020–2021 academic year, the most awarded master's in history programs were general history (3,142), art history (761), and history teacher education (193) (NCES, 2023). Among the jobs that these master's degree holders were able to secure are:
Archaeologists ($69,780). Archeologists specialize in collecting and interpreting data from past cultures. They study artifacts and remains in historical sites and analyze the historical implications of their research findings. Writers and Authors ($87,590). History graduates can become textbook writers, historical fiction writers, or biographers. They can also lend their expertise to those working on documentaries, period films, and other types of media. Historic Consultants ($84,742). Historians may work independently as consultants and offer their wide array of knowledge to individuals and organizations needing some investigation or research about historical topics, including personal histories, genealogy, and legal background checks. What jobs can I get with a doctorate in history? With a doctorate degree in history, graduates have access to prestigious and specialized career opportunities across academia, research, and other sectors. Many pursue leadership, management, or tenure-track positions.
Education Administrators ($122,010). They are responsible for overseeing all education concerns of students and faculty. They also direct or supervise the research and academic projects of their department. History Postsecondary Educators ($93,120). They educate and train the next generation of historians. They work in universities and colleges and contribute to their department's research. Political Scientists ($132,020). These professionals study and develop political theories and examine or design government policies and laws. A political scientist with a history degree can easily recognize historical patterns and make accurate forecasts of political trends. How can I gain relevant experience and skills to prepare for a history career? As part of your career goals , you should seek out practical experiences during your education to equip yourself for future employment. Engage deeply with the coursework in your studies to formulate research questions , hone analytical skills, and explore extensive topics to broaden your understanding. Participate in internships, excursions, field trips, or study-abroad programs to immerse yourself in both local and foreign historical landmarks.
In addition, actively volunteering or looking for part-time jobs in libraries, museums, archives, and other historical organizations can provide valuable hands-on experiences and exposure to different aspects of the field.
You can also attend conferences, workshops, or seminars to stay abreast of current trends and methodologies in historical research and scholarship. Consider participating in research projects or pursue opportunities for public engagement to enhance your skills in communication and presentation.
Lastly, remember to build relationships with your peers, teachers, and other professionals in the field. Networking can play a vital role as you prepare for your career since it can help you find mentors, job postings, research funding, or professional development programs.
What is the job market for graduates with a history degree? Once you have completed the right college degrees and professional experiences, you are met with a bright future in the field of history. As of 2022, there were only 3,500 historians in the U.S. By 2032, that number is projected to grow by 3%, with 300 new open positions yearly (BLS, 2024a).
However, history careers are not limited to the historian role. In fact, the skills and knowledge of history graduates will be useful in a number of occupations, some of which will increase by 10% or more than twice as fast as the average rate of all occupations.
In the chart below, I've compiled data from the U.S. BLS to indicate the employment demand in sectors suitable for individuals with backgrounds in history.
What are some alternative history career options? With your talents and knowledge, you need not limit yourself to your field. Instead, you can look into interdisciplinary roles that expand your expertise. To summarize my research, here's a short list of alternative career options and their corresponding incomes based on various U.S. BLS and industry data:
Heritage Consultants ($103,425). Historians who become heritage consultants can exercise their passion for preserving cultures. They work with organizations to develop sustainable heritage management plans and initiatives that promote cultural conservation. Data Analysts ($119,040). History graduates switching to data analytics can highlight their strong attention to detail and ability to evaluate sources and discern patterns. This enables them to analyze and communicate insights derived from complex data. Digital Marketing Specialists ($83,190). Those who are familiar with what is a communications major know that they can also become marketing specialists. Historians may also enter this field, drawing upon their research, analytical, and storytelling skills to develop compelling campaigns and narratives that resonate with consumers. Other Things You Should Know About Pursuing History Careers Which certification is best for history? The best certification for you would depend largely on your career goals. For instance, if you want to become an archivist, the Academy of Certified Archivists offers a certification program for that position. If you are aiming for a management or leadership position, it might be a good idea to get certifications related to project management and business. Moreover, those aiming to become teachers or librarians need to obtain licensure in their respective states.
What is the best career in history? The "best" career for history graduates depends on personal interests, skills, and career goals. Some may find fulfillment as historians conducting research and writing scholarly works while others may excel in roles such as museum curators, educators, or historical consultants.
Alternatively, careers in government, law, journalism, or public policy offer opportunities for history graduates to apply their analytical and communication skills in diverse settings.
How can history help you in your future profession? History equips you with valuable and transferable skills and perspectives. Through the study of past events, you develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, essential for problem-solving and decision-making in any field.
In addition, history fosters an understanding of human behavior, societal dynamics, and cultural diversity, guiding you in understanding complex issues. Lastly, historical knowledge provides context and insight into contemporary issues, allowing you to make informed decisions and anticipate future trends.
How can I be successful in history? To succeed in the field of history, you should cultivate strong research, analytical, and writing skills through rigorous academic training and practical experiences. Developing a deep understanding of historical methods and theories is essential, as is staying abreast of news and trends in the discipline. Networking with peers and professionals, seeking mentorship, and actively engaging in professional development opportunities can also enhance success. Furthermore, demonstrating passion, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning are key to advancing in the field of history.
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