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Architectural History Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in history, Historic Preservation, Heritage Preservation, Public History, Architectural History, or a related field and 6 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree in history ...

Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) for historic architectural surveys and cultural resource compliance projects. * Lead the planning, coordination, implementation, and completion of historic ...

Architectural Historian

Riverside, CA ยท Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Perform archival, informant, background, and digital historic research and prepare detailed analysis of all data. * Successfully complete field surveys and architectural study reviews * Evaluate ...

Perform archival, informant, background, and digital historic research and prepare detailed analysis of all data. * Successfully complete field surveys and architectural study reviews * Evaluate ...

Architectural Historian

Reno, NV ยท Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Perform archival, informant, background, and digital historic research and prepare detailed analysis of all data. * Successfully complete field surveys and architectural study reviews * Evaluate ...

Architectural Historian

Seattle, WA ยท Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Perform archival, informant, background, and digital historic research and prepare detailed analysis of all data. * Successfully complete field surveys and architectural study reviews * Evaluate ...

Perform archival, informant, background, and digital historic research and prepare detailed analysis of all data. * Successfully complete field surveys and architectural study reviews * Evaluate ...

Architectural Historian

Sacramento, CA ยท Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Perform archival, informant, background, and digital historic research and prepare detailed analysis of all data. * Successfully complete field surveys and architectural study reviews * Evaluate ...

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Architectural History information

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$49.5K

$63.2K

$74.5K

How much do architectural history jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for architectural history in the United States is $63,171.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is architectural history?

Architectural history is the study of buildings, structures, and the built environment as they have developed over time. It examines the social, cultural, technological, and artistic contexts that have influenced architectural styles and construction methods throughout history. Architectural historians analyze structures to understand their significance, origins, and impact on society. This field combines aspects of history, art history, archaeology, and architecture to document and interpret the evolution of the built environment.

What can you do with an architectural history degree?

An architectural history degree prepares individuals for careers in preservation, museum curation, historic site management, and research. Graduates often work as preservationists, architectural historians, or consultants, utilizing skills in research, analysis, and documentation, sometimes requiring knowledge of tools like CAD or GIS. These roles typically involve analyzing historical buildings, advocating for preservation, and contributing to educational or policy initiatives.

How much do architectural historians make?

Architectural historians typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with advanced degrees, specialized skills, and work in government agencies, museums, or private consulting firms.

What is the difference between Architectural History vs Preservation Specialist?

AspectArchitectural HistoryPreservation Specialist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in history, architecture, or related fieldDegree in architecture, historic preservation, or related field; certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research, museums, cultural institutionsRestoration sites, historic buildings, preservation agencies
Industry UsageResearch, education, cultural heritageRestoration, conservation, project management

Architectural History focuses on studying and analyzing historic buildings and architectural styles, often in academic or research settings. Preservation Specialists actively work on conserving and restoring historic structures, applying practical skills in the field. While both roles involve historic architecture, Architectural History emphasizes research and education, whereas Preservation Specialists focus on hands-on conservation work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an architectural historian, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Architectural Historian, you need a strong background in architectural history, research methods, and preservation, typically supported by a degree in architectural history, art history, or a related field. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), archival research tools, and historic preservation standards or certifications (such as those from the National Council for Preservation Education) is often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical thinking, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for interpreting and conveying historical information. These skills ensure accurate documentation, effective advocacy for preservation, and meaningful contributions to both academic and public understanding of built heritage.

What are some typical daily tasks for professionals working in architectural history?

Architectural historians usually spend their days conducting research on historic structures, analyzing architectural styles, and preparing detailed reports or documentation for preservation projects. They often visit sites to assess the historical significance and integrity of buildings, contribute to heritage surveys, or consult on restoration efforts with architects and preservation teams. Collaboration with local governments, museums, and community groups is common, and tasks may also include public presentations or writing grant proposals. The work environment is a mix of office-based research and fieldwork, offering variety and the opportunity to directly influence the preservation of cultural heritage.

What does an architectural historian do?

An architectural historian researches and analyzes the history, design, and significance of buildings and structures. They often work in academia, preservation, or consulting, using tools like archival research and field surveys to document architectural heritage and inform conservation efforts.
More about Architectural History jobs
What cities are hiring for Architectural History jobs? Cities with the most Architectural History job openings:
What states have the most Architectural History jobs? States with the most job openings for Architectural History jobs include:
Infographic showing various Architectural History job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,171 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Professor, Architectural History

SCAD - Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah, GA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

The ideal candidate will posses expertise in the global history of modern architecture and the history of architectural theory. They are an innovative, high-integrity academic leader with an established faculty career distinguished by high academic standards and pedagogical innovation.
As an architectural history professor, you will prepare talented students for creative careers that investigate the spaces we live, work, and play in. You will deliver professional, positive, and engaging courses in a hands-on curriculum that covers all major historical periods ,in classroom settings that include state-of-the-art equipment for 3D computer modeling, photographic documentation, applied preservation practices, research, and analysis. Responsibilities include the development of a strategic plan for the department consistent with the school and SCAD's overall strategic plan, in consultation with the school dean, associate chair, and other department members. The plan includes strategies for building the quality of the department so that it is highly ranked and has a strong reputation both within and beyond higher education. You will also work with the associate chair and faculty to create a shared vision and commitment to meet department goals.
In this role, you will insist on mutual respect among department members through collegiality and build a strong team through frequent communications and effective meetings. You will ensure that faculty review the curriculum for quality and currency, refine educational outcomes statements and assessment activities through a coordinated approach with the office of institutional effectiveness, and understand and adhere to all academic policies and procedures. You will also request input from the associate chair on proposed curriculum changes. Among other duties, you will provide faculty with appropriate course scheduling and building and technology use.
In this position, you will evaluate department faculty through class observations, student evaluations, service and professional development, and their contributions to department goals. During performance management sessions, you will individually meet with each faculty member, followed by a written summary, including any pertinent recommendations to the school dean. You will assist the dean with the hiring process, mentor new faculty, and provide professional development opportunities. As needed, you will consult with the associate department chair on faculty hiring for other SCAD locations. Responsibilities include decision making on student matters within defined academic support processes (e.g., course substitutions and exemptions, independent studies or internships, and waivers) and assistance with career placements for students in the department.
You will manage partnerships with professional, academic, and industry organizations. You will also anticipate trends to recommend strategies for implementation into existing academic programs and services. Responsibilities include oversight and implementation of the departmental budget, the preparation of required reports, and the resolution of faculty or student issues when appropriate. With the latter, you will employ good judgment and consult relevant parties. Among other duties, you will work with the admission department to recruit talented undergraduate and graduate students. You will then review graduate student applications to ensure the quality of the applicants and consistency and timeliness in the review process.
The ideal candidate demonstrates outstanding interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills. They pay close attention to detail and deadlines for course and classroom scheduling, budgetary development and oversight, and preparation of required reports. The candidate is innovative, energetic, and of the highest personal and professional integrity. They have a background as a successful faculty member, including a reputation for high academic standards and innovation in curriculum and pedagogy.
The candidate can conduct thorough, thoughtful, and fair faculty evaluations and can provide written evaluations that reinforce the faculty member's strength and outlines areas of needed improvement with suggested strategies and support. They can also make personnel judgments to make recommendations to the dean for hiring and reappointment.
Minimum qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in architectural history or a relevant field
  • Expertise in the global history of modern architecture and the history of architectural theory.
  • Academic and professional credentials to architectural history
  • Minimum of three years of work experience in a related profession or post-secondary teaching experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Leadership and supervisory experience as an academic leader through service in academic groups or special assignments
  • Experience with curriculum development and the utilization of assessment to improve student learning and academic programs.

Travel required:
  • Less than 10%

Required application documents:
  • Current rรฉsumรฉ and/or CV
  • Cover letter
  • Portfolio or its equivalent
  • Unofficial academic transcripts

Work hours: As noted in the Employment Agreement.
ADA tag: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and minimum qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and/or meet the minimum qualifications.