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Assistant Archivist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Archivist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.4K

$75K

$122.6K

How much do assistant archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant archivist in Chicago, IL is $74,975.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,100.00 and $86,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant archivist?

Assistant archivists are professionals who support archivists in managing, preserving, and providing access to historical records and documents. Their duties often include organizing archival materials, cataloging collections, assisting researchers, and helping with the digitization of records. They play a crucial role in ensuring that valuable information is preserved for future generations and is accessible to the public or specific organizations.

What kinds of materials and formats does an assistant archivist typically handle, and how are they prioritized?

As an Assistant Archivist, you'll encounter a wide variety of materials, including paper documents, photographs, audiovisual recordings, digital files, and sometimes artifacts. Prioritizing their processing often depends on factors like the physical condition of items, their research value, and institutional priorities set by senior archivists. You'll collaborate with colleagues to assess new acquisitions, respond to researcher requests, and follow best practices for organizing and preserving collections. Staying organized and adaptable is key, as you may need to shift focus quickly based on project deadlines or urgent preservation needs.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Archivist, you need a background in archival science, library science, or a related field, along with experience in organizing and preserving records. Familiarity with archival management software, digitization tools, and metadata standards like DACS is typically required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication help in maintaining accurate records and supporting research requests. These skills ensure that historical materials are preserved, accessible, and properly managed for institutional and public use.

What is the difference between Assistant Archivist vs Archivist?

AspectAssistant ArchivistArchivist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in history, library science, or related field; some certifications preferredBachelor's or master's degree; professional certification often required
Work EnvironmentSupporting roles in archives, museums, or libraries; supervised settingManaging collections, making decisions, overseeing staff
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with cataloging, organizing, and digitizing collectionsAppraising, acquiring, and managing archival materials independently

The Assistant Archivist typically supports archival operations under supervision, focusing on organization and digitization. The Archivist holds more responsibility, managing collections and making independent decisions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Archivist position demands more experience and certification.

What are the most commonly searched types of Archivist jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Archivist jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Archivist jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Assistant Archivist jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Archivist jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Archivist jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Assistant Archivist jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Assistant Archivist job openings:

Assistant Archivist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Archivist job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,975 per year, or $36 per hour.

AY 2026/27 - Student - Archival Clerk

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Wheaton Archives & Special Collections invites undergraduate and graduate students to apply for the Archival Clerk position. Archival Clerks support the mission of the Archives & Special Collections by contributing to processing, preservation, and digitization projects, and providing prompt access to archival materials requested by users. Qualified candidates should be flexible, enthusiastic, detail-orientated, and able work independently. Archival Clerks will be required to maintain the confidentiality of restricted archival materials and be able to lift boxes of up to 40 pounds. 

The position is 10 hours/week for the 2026/2027 academic year and reports to a designated Archives & Special Collections staff member. This position is not eligible for Federal Work Study. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Paging and refiling archival materials for researcher use in the Manuscripts Reading Room. 
  • Assisting with archival processing projects, including sorting, arranging, and describing archival materials. 
  • Transcribing oral history interviews.
  • Contributing to digitization efforts, including photographs, sound and moving image recordings. 
  • Perform light office duties, including dusting and cleaning storage spaces, running campus errands to Bookstore, CPO, Student Services, etc. 
  • Assist with accessioning new collections, including unloading and inventorying shipments of archival materials. 
  • Other duties and special projects as assigned.  

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