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Audio Archivist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Supervisory Archivist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

Apply professional archival principles and methods of archival collections development, arrangement ... Experience must include work with audio collections and at least two of the following: documents ...

Supervisory Archivist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

Apply professional archival principles and methods of archival collections development, arrangement ... Experience must include work with audio collections and at least two of the following: documents ...

The Production Archivist will be responsible for creating, maintaining, and scaling a digital library of assets from past, current, and future video and audio projects across the PragerU Production ...

Production Archivist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

The Production Archivist will be responsible for creating, maintaining, and scaling a digital library of assets from past, current, and future video and audio projects across the PragerU Production ...

Production Archivist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

The Production Archivist will be responsible for creating, maintaining, and scaling a digital library of assets from past, current, and future video and audio projects across the PragerU Production ...

Head Audio Engineer

MA · On-site

$23.58 - $26/hr

Head Audio Engineer STATUS: Seasonal LOCATION: Becket, MA REPORTS TO: Production Manager of ... Archives and Preservation; The School at Jacob's Pillow; Marketing and Patron Services; Finance and ...

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Audio Archivist information

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$28.5K

$72.8K

$119K

How much do audio archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for audio archivist in the United States is $72,781.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will AI replace archivist?

AI can assist archivists by automating tasks such as transcription, metadata tagging, and digital preservation, but it is unlikely to fully replace the role. Archivists' expertise in context, interpretation, and decision-making remains essential for managing and preserving audio collections effectively.

What does an audio archivist do?

An audio archivist is responsible for preserving, cataloging, and maintaining audio recordings and related materials. They often use specialized software and equipment to digitize, restore, and organize audio assets, ensuring long-term accessibility and integrity of the collections. This role may require knowledge of audio formats, metadata standards, and archival best practices.

What qualifications do I need to be an archivist?

To become an audio archivist, a bachelor's degree in library science, archival studies, or a related field is typically required. Relevant skills include knowledge of audio formats, preservation techniques, and experience with archival software; some positions may prefer or require a master's degree or certification in archival management.

What does an Audio Archivist do?

An Audio Archivist is responsible for preserving, organizing, and maintaining audio recordings in various formats, such as tapes, vinyl, or digital files. They catalog recordings, ensure proper storage conditions, and digitize older media to prevent deterioration. Additionally, they may research and provide access to historical audio collections for researchers, broadcasters, or the public. Their work helps protect and maintain important audio heritage for future generations.

What are some typical challenges faced by Audio Archivists, and how can they be managed?

Audio Archivists often face challenges such as preserving aging or deteriorating audio formats, ensuring accurate metadata entry, and keeping up with evolving digital technologies. Managing large volumes of materials while maintaining meticulous attention to detail can be demanding, especially when working with historical or rare recordings. Collaborating with librarians, IT specialists, and researchers is common, and strong communication is crucial for solving preservation and access issues. Staying updated on best practices through professional development can help archivists overcome these challenges and provide long-term value to their institutions.

Is there a high demand for archivists?

The demand for archivists, including audio archivists, is expected to grow steadily as organizations seek to preserve digital and analog collections. Skills in digital preservation, metadata management, and archival tools are increasingly valuable in this field. Employment growth varies by sector and region but generally remains stable due to ongoing needs for preservation and access to historical records.

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

To thrive as an Audio Archivist, individuals need a solid background in audio engineering, archival science, and metadata management, often supported by a degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with digital asset management systems, audio editing software, and preservation standards is essential, and some positions may require certifications in archival practices. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are important soft skills that enable success in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring the accurate preservation, cataloging, and accessibility of valuable audio materials for future reference.

What cities are hiring for Audio Archivist jobs? Cities with the most Audio Archivist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Audio Archivist jobs? The most popular types of Audio Archivist jobs are:
What states have the most Audio Archivist jobs? States with the most job openings for Audio Archivist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Audio Archivist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,781 per year, or $35 per hour.
Supervisory Archivist

Supervisory Archivist

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$121K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 27 rated museums


Job description

Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in with the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, Under Secretary for Museums and Culture.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
The Supervisory Archivist applies professional archival principles and methods of archival collections development, arrangement, preservation, documentation, and description to the organization and management of CFCH's archival collections.
In this position, you will:
  • Define, schedule, and manage documentation projects involving archival materials, following accepted archival standards, e.g., Society of American Archivists.
  • Direct registration and cataloging procedures for archival material.
  • Apply professional archival principles and methods of archival collections development, arrangement, preservation, documentation, and description to the organization and management of CFCH's archival collections.
  • Collaborate with CFCH Advancement to identify funding sources to support archival work and collections, assists in grant and other forms of writing to secure financial support.
  • Maintain reference research of national and international traditional music and cultures and scholarship in folklore and ethnomusicology. This includes specialized scholars, music producers, tradition bearers; staff of other federal archives and libraries; staff of university and research archives and libraries.
  • Plan and carry out the full range of supervisory and managerial authority.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
  • May need to complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on OPM website.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
  1. Bachelor's degree in archival science or bachelor's degree with a major that includes 18 semester hours in archival science, history and/or in political science or government, and 12 semester hours in one or any combination of the following: archival science, history, American civilization, economics, political science, public administration, or government.
    or
  2. Combination of education and experience - at least 30 semester hours that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Professional experience must have been in archival science, or in a directly related field of work such as history that involved the collection, appraisal, analysis, or synthesis of information having historical or archival values. The following are illustrative of kinds of experience that may be accepted as meeting the professional experience requirements: (1) experience as an archivist in Federal, state, religious institution, business, or other archives, or in manuscript depositories, and (2) experience of an archival nature that involved research in archival science, or in a directly related field such as history, government, economics, political science, international relations, or international law.
In addition to the basic qualification requirement above:
Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as serving as a senior archivist in a cultural, educational, historical, or museum setting, performing archival treatment such as condition assessment, preservation, arrangement, and description for research use. Experience must include work with audio collections and at least two of the following: documents, photos, film, video, or digital materials.
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Education
Please refer to qualification above.
Additional information
This position is not included in the bargaining unit.
Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options.
Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/
Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp
Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp
Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

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