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Archival Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Library Systems & Services LLC

Archivist

Washington, DC · On-site

$73K - $85K/yr

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional research environment. * Ability to lift and move archival materials weighing up to 35 pounds. Preferred Qualifications * Four (4) ...

California State University

Archivist

Northridge, OH · On-site

$4.2K - $6.2K/mo

Accessions archival collections across the unit, including creating accession records and other ... Assists researchers with ready reference, information, and directional questions; refers more ...

Library Systems & Services LLC

Archivist

Washington, DC

$73K - $85K/yr

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional research environment. * Ability to lift and move archival materials weighing up to 35 pounds. Preferred Qualifications * Four (4) ...

NY History

Fellowship Research Assistant

New York, NY · On-site

$28/hr

Revson Foundation Fellow and Curator of Manuscripts & Archival Collections ABOUT THE NEW YORK ... Some research related to the biographical subject's childhood will also focus on rural South ...

CSU Northridge

Archivist

Northridge, OH · On-site

$4.2K - $6.2K/mo

Accessions archival collections across the unit, including creating accession records and other ... Assists researchers with ready reference, information, and directional questions; refers more ...

Richemont

Digital Archivist

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Independently research areas within the U.S. archives which may be of interest to the general history of the Maison * Assist in tracking research requests for internal statistics * Give internal ...

Studio Museum in Harlem

Archivist

New York, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Facilitate research access to assets with mediated supervision. * Facilitate internal research ... Manage Archives fellows. * Monitor Archives email and respond to external reference requests ...

New York University

Archivist (Part-Time)

New York, NY · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Co-manage archival initiatives related to Marking Time. * Co-supervise graduate researcher. * Be a resource to those creating research-based writing, art, and curriculum related to criminalization ...

UNC-Chapel Hill

Digital Archivist

Chapel Hill, NC · Hybrid

... in the research, education, clinical care, and public service missions of UNC-Chapel Hill. The library system includes 10 on-campus Libraries, with nearly 10 million volumes, rich archival ...

Abacus Technology

Digital Archivist

Houston, TX

Respond to queries from internal and external sources for access to archival material and answering questions from both academic researchers and the general public related to archival holdings.

Abacus Technology

Digital Archivist

Merritt Island, FL · On-site

Respond to queries from internal and external sources for access to archival material and answering questions from both academic researchers and the general public related to archival holdings. 10+ ...

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Archival Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do archival researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for archival researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Archival Researcher?

An Archival Researcher typically spends their days identifying, locating, and reviewing historical documents, photographs, and records relevant to specific research projects. They may catalog and digitize materials, maintain detailed records of their findings, and assess the authenticity and relevance of sources. Collaboration with archivists, historians, and project managers is common to ensure research aligns with organizational needs. Daily tasks often require a mix of independent investigation and teamwork, making the role dynamic and intellectually rewarding.

Is there a demand for archivists?

The demand for archivists is expected to grow steadily due to increasing needs for preserving digital and physical records across various sectors such as government, education, and healthcare. Strong organizational skills and familiarity with archival management software can enhance job prospects in this field.

Will AI replace archivist?

AI can assist archivists by automating tasks such as cataloging, data organization, and digitization, but it is unlikely to fully replace the role. Archivists' expertise in context, interpretation, and decision-making remains essential for managing and preserving historical records effectively.

What is an archival researcher?

An archival researcher is a professional who locates, examines, and organizes historical records and documents for research purposes. They often work with archives, libraries, or museums, using research skills and tools like databases to gather information for projects such as historical studies, legal cases, or media productions.

What is the average salary of an archivist?

The average salary of an archivist in the United States is approximately $50,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Archivists with specialized skills or working in larger institutions may earn higher salaries, and certifications can also impact earning potential.

What does an Archival Researcher do?

An Archival Researcher examines historical documents, records, and other archival materials to gather information for various purposes, such as academic research, media productions, or legal investigations. They analyze and verify sources, often working in libraries, museums, or government archives. Their work involves meticulous attention to detail, strong research skills, and familiarity with preservation methods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Archival Researcher position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Archival Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in history, library science, or archival studies. Familiarity with digital archiving platforms, cataloging systems like MARC or EAD, and sometimes certifications such as Certified Archivist are highly valuable. Excellent organizational skills, curiosity, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart. These abilities ensure accurate retrieval, organization, and interpretation of archival materials, supporting research goals and information preservation.

More about Archival Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Archival Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Archival Researcher job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Archival Researcher jobs? The most popular types of Archival Researcher jobs are:
What states have the most Archival Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Archival Researcher jobs include:
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Archival Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Archival Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Archivist

Archivist

Library Systems & Services LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

$73K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Archivist / Project Manager to oversee a 12-month project to provide processing, arrangement, description, preservation, and management of significant archival collections documenting prominent figures in American music history. The Archivist / Project Manager will serve as both the technical lead and day-to-day project manager responsible for collection assessment, processing plan development, archival arrangement and description, finding aid creation, metadata management, quality assurance, and coordination with agency personnel. This position offers an opportunity to contribute directly to preserving and expanding public access to nationally significant cultural heritage collections.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Serve as project lead and primary point of contact for contract performance and technical execution.
  • Conduct collection surveys and assessments to evaluate physical condition, intellectual organization, preservation concerns, restrictions, and processing requirements.
  • Research collection provenance, acquisition history, and processing history to support processing decisions.
  • Develop and maintain collection processing plans, schedules, workflows, and project documentation.
  • Arrange and describe archival materials in accordance with approved processing plans and established archival standards.
  • Establish and maintain series, subseries, and folder-level organization of archival collections.
  • Process correspondence, subject files, music manuscripts, photographs, audiovisual materials, scrapbooks, biographical materials, and related archival formats.
  • Rehouse materials into archival-quality folders, boxes, sleeves, and protective enclosures.
  • Create and maintain collection metadata, inventories, and finding aids.
  • Enter and update archival description information in designated systems and templates.
  • Review deliverables to ensure compliance with project requirements, processing standards, and quality assurance procedures.
  • Prepare reports, track project progress, and coordinate project activities with Library of Congress staff.

Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications
  • Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution.
  • Minimum three (3) years of professional archival experience performing archival processing, arrangement, and description.
  • Experience conducting collection assessments and developing processing plans.
  • Experience organizing and processing manuscript, archival, or special collections materials.
  • Experience creating archival descriptions, inventories, and finding aids.
  • Knowledge of archival principles, methods, and best practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional research environment.
  • Ability to lift and move archival materials weighing up to 35 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Four (4) or more years of professional archival processing experience.
  • Experience processing music collections, performing arts collections, or manuscript collections.
  • Knowledge of American music history.
  • Ability to read and interpret music notation.
  • Experience processing photographs, audiovisual materials, scrapbooks, oversized materials, and mixed-format collections.
  • Experience developing archival finding aids using established archival description standards.
  • Experience performing preservation assessment and archival rehousing activities.
  • Experience serving as a project lead, team lead, or supervisor on archival projects.
  • Experience supporting federal libraries, archives, museums, or cultural heritage institutions.
  • Familiarity with Library of Congress archival processing practices and standards.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and move archival materials, records, and storage boxes weighing up to 30 pounds, and transport materials throughout archival storage and work areas.
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and climb step stools or ladders as needed to access collections stored on shelving and perform collection assessments and processing activities.
  • Ability to perform repetitive tasks requiring fine motor skills, visual acuity, and sustained attention to detail, including handling fragile archival materials, preparing finding aids, entering metadata, and working at a computer for extended periods.

Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Training & Development

EEO Statement
The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.
Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.
Salary Description
$73,000 - $85,000

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