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Archival Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tennessee Secretary of State

Archivist 1

Nashville, TN · On-site

$47K/yr

Assistant Director of Collection Services Summary: Process and catalog complex archival collections and work with members of the Description & Access team to create and encode finding aids to make ...

Uasys

Research Associate -12 MONTH

Little Rock, AR · On-site

The archival assistant reports to the head archivist and assists with essential duties, including arranging, describing, and digitizing archival materials. Qualifications: -Master's degree in Public ...

Anadarko

Purchasing Administration Assistant

Houston, TX · On-site

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

Archiving. Assist Senior Materials Administrator with tasks as required. Assist Purchasing Co-ordinator with invoice anomalies. General The list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the ...

State of Washington

Lead Research Archivist

Olympia, WA · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

... assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state ... Duties Archival Research Services Tasks include: * Directs and oversees and manages day-to-day ...

Richemont

Digital Archivist

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

S. archives which may be of interest to the general history of the Maison * Assist in tracking research requests for internal statistics * Give internal presentations on the archive collections and ...

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Archival Assistant information

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$26.5K

$66.6K

$117.5K

How much do archival assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for archival assistant in the United States is $66,561.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Archival Assistants when handling historical materials?

Archival Assistants often work with delicate, rare, or deteriorating materials that require special care and handling procedures. Ensuring proper preservation while maintaining organizational efficiency can be challenging, especially when processing large volumes of collections. Additionally, accurately cataloging and digitizing records demands strong attention to detail and familiarity with archival standards. Collaboration with archivists and researchers also requires clear communication to balance accessibility with preservation needs.

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

To thrive as an Archival Assistant, you need a background in library science, history, or a related field, along with knowledge of archival principles and organizational systems. Familiarity with archival management software, digital cataloging tools, and preservation techniques is often required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure accurate record-keeping and collaboration with colleagues. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining the integrity, accessibility, and preservation of valuable records and historical materials.

What are Archival Assistants?

Archival Assistants are professionals who help manage, organize, and preserve historical documents, records, and other archival materials. They support archivists by cataloging items, assisting with research requests, and ensuring materials are safely stored and accessible. Their work is essential in libraries, museums, government agencies, and other organizations that maintain valuable records. Archival Assistants also help digitize physical records to improve access and preservation. This role requires attention to detail, organizational skills, and a passion for history and preservation.

What is the difference between Archival Assistant vs Library Assistant?

AspectArchival AssistantLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles prefer archival or records management certificationsHigh school diploma; library science coursework or certification optional
Work EnvironmentArchives, museums, historical societiesPublic, academic, or community libraries
Employer & IndustryArchives and historical institutionsLibraries and educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Archival Assistant and a Library Assistant lies in their work environment and focus. Archival Assistants work primarily with historical records and archives, while Library Assistants support library operations and customer service. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but serve different institutional needs.

More about Archival Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Archival Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Archival Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Archival jobs? The most popular types of Archival jobs are:
What states have the most Archival Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Archival Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Archival Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Archival Assistant jobs are:
Archival Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Archival Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,561 per year, or $32 per hour.
Intern - Undergraduate Archival Processing

Intern - Undergraduate Archival Processing

Minnesota Historical Society

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$16.50/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

TITLE: Intern - Undergraduate Archival Posting Intern


LOCATION: History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102


COMPENSATION: Typical starting salary $16.50 hourly


HOURS: This is a part-time, temporary position from approximately September 14, 2026 to December 20, 2026. A part-time intern must be available to work 15 hours per week. This position offers a flexible work schedule, coordinated with the intern’s school schedule and operational needs. Preferred working hours are 5 hour shifts scheduled between 9-5.


POSTING DATE: June 26, 2026


DEADLINE DATE: July 14, 2026


SEMINAR EVENTS: Interns are required to participate in three, in-person seminars focused on professional development, learning how cultural organizations operate, and building a network of industry professionals. At the end of the semester, interns complete a final presentation to share their work.


Please ensure you are available for these dates when applying:

  • Thursday, September 24 from 11:30am-1:00pm

  • Thursday, October 15

  • Thursday, November 12 from 2:00pm-4:00pm

  • Final Presentations: Thursday, December 17 from 11:00am-1:00pm


TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a cover letter, resume, and any required additional materials by the application deadline date.


APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE:

  • PDF copy of unofficial transcript



DESCRIPTION: This intern will assist the ingestion of paper-based, PDF and Word legacy finding aids into the ASpace database. These interns may also assist the ASpace Migration Team with QC checking finding aids on an as-needed basis.


RESPONSIBILITIES: Introduction to Data Entry & Description (50%): 1) ArchivesSpace Data Input: Learn to use the ArchivesSpace interface to type up and organize collection inventories (box and folder lists); 2) Finding Aid Creation: Under supervision, assist in drafting basic descriptions and historical summaries for specific archival folders or small collections; 3) Data Cleanup: Help update older, typed paper inventories or spreadsheet data and move them into the modern ArchivesSpace system.

Collection Handling & Preservation (40%): 4) Assist with the physical processing of collections, which includes sorting historical materials chronologically or topically; 5) Re-house old, fragile materials into acid-free folders and specialized archival boxes to ensure their long-term survival; 6) Identify and remove damaging physical fasteners such as rusted paperclips, staples, and degrading rubber bands.

Mentorship & Professional Development (10%): 7) Shadow archive staff to learn about different aspects of the profession (e.g., digitization, reference services, and public exhibits); 8) Complete a short, final reflection or presentation about the collection worked on during the semester.


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student, or have graduated within the past 12 months at the time of application.

  • Ideal candidates might be currently pursuing, or a graduate with a degree in the following areas: History, English, Art History, Anthropology, Computer Science, or Digital Humanities are highly encouraged to apply, though all majors are welcome.

  • Prior archival or library experience is not required; comprehensive, step-by-step training will be provided.

  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy when typing and entering data.

  • Curiosity about history and a desire to learn about cultural preservation.

  • Comfortable working on a computer and learning new software interfaces.

  • Ability to follow detailed, written instructions and ask questions when clarification is needed.


Should you have questions with the application process, email internships@mnhs.org or call 651-259-3191.


At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, interns, volunteers, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.