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Federal Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chloeta

Architectural Historian

Asheville, NC · On-site

Job Summary The Architectural Historian serves as the lead technical expert for historic ... Knowledge of Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) requirements and federal cultural ...

New

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Santa Barbara, CA · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call ... of Federal Regulations, CFR Part 61) for architectural history ( * Minimum three years of ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Riverside, CA · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call ... of Federal Regulations, CFR Part 61) for architectural history ( * Minimum three years of ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Reno, NV · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call ... of Federal Regulations, CFR Part 61) for architectural history ( * Minimum three years of ...

WSP

Architectural Historian Director

Reno, NV · On-site

This Opportunity WSP is seeking an Architectural Historian Director to join our Reno, NV office ... Actively foster compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, preservation guidelines ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Sacramento, CA · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call ... of Federal Regulations, CFR Part 61) for architectural history ( * Minimum three years of ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Coeur D Alene, ID · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call ... of Federal Regulations, CFR Part 61) for architectural history ( * Minimum three years of ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Seattle, WA · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call ... of Federal Regulations, CFR Part 61) for architectural history ( * Minimum three years of ...

US Legislative Branch

Historian

Washington, DC

$121K/yr

S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. If your college/university is outside the U.S., your transcripts must be accompanied by a report from a credential evaluation service ...

WSP

Part Time Project Architectural Historian

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

Projects include a wide range of federal, state, and commercial clients with many new opportunities and interesting project locations. WSP Project Architectural Historians are survey field leaders ...

WSP

Project Architectural Historian

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $111K/yr

Projects include a wide range of federal, state, and commercial clients with many new opportunities and interesting project locations. WSP Project Architectural Historians are survey field leaders ...

WSP

Part Time Project Architectural Historian

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

Projects include a wide range of federal, state, and commercial clients with many new opportunities and interesting project locations. WSP Project Architectural Historians are survey field leaders ...

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Federal Historian information

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$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do federal historian jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal historian in the United States is $86,335.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Does the government hire historians?

Yes, the federal government hires historians, including roles such as Federal Historians, to work in agencies like the National Archives, Smithsonian, and Department of Defense. These positions often require strong research skills, knowledge of history, and sometimes security clearances or specialized certifications.

What kind of jobs can a historian get?

A federal historian can work in government agencies, archives, museums, or research institutions, focusing on preserving and interpreting historical records. They often conduct research, write reports, and may require skills in archival management, historical analysis, and familiarity with digital tools. These roles typically involve a combination of fieldwork, documentation, and public education.

Do historians pay well?

Federal historians typically earn salaries that align with government pay scales, such as the General Schedule (GS) system, with starting salaries around GS-7 to GS-9 and increasing with experience and education. Salaries can range from approximately $40,000 to over $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Additional benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.

How much do federal historians make?

Federal historians typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. They often work for government agencies such as the National Archives or Smithsonian institutions and may require security clearances and specialized knowledge of history and archival tools.

What is a Federal Historian job?

A Federal Historian researches, interprets, and preserves historical records related to government agencies and policies. They analyze archival materials, write reports, and provide historical context for decision-making. Their work supports public history initiatives, legislative processes, and agency missions.

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

Thriving as a Federal Historian requires an advanced degree in history or a related field, expertise in archival research, and familiarity with federal records management. Experience with digital archiving tools, government databases, and relevant certifications (such as archival certification) is often advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, written communication, and collaboration skills set top candidates apart. These competencies enable Federal Historians to accurately document, interpret, and preserve critical aspects of government history while effectively engaging with both colleagues and the public.

What does a typical day look like for a Federal Historian working in a government agency?

Federal Historians often split their time between conducting in-depth archival research, preparing interpretive reports or historical publications, and consulting with subject-matter experts within their agency. They may also review and organize federal records, develop museum exhibits or educational materials, and respond to information requests from the public or government officials. Collaboration with archivists, researchers, and policy staff is common. This variety allows Federal Historians to contribute to both the preservation and communication of the nation's historical record while supporting agency missions.

More about Federal Historian jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Historian jobs? Cities with the most Federal Historian job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Historian jobs? The most popular types of Federal Historian jobs are:
What states have the most Federal Historian jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Historian jobs include:
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Federal Historian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Historian job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
SUPERVISORY HISTORIAN

SUPERVISORY HISTORIAN

US Department of the Navy

Washington Navy Yard, DC • On-site

$121K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 378 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

You will serve as a SUPERVISORY HISTORIAN of NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND.Qualifications:

In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Applying knowledge of U.S. naval and/or maritime history to include naval, nautical, and maritime terminology as well as naval and military technology and weapons, tactics, operations, and strategy; 2) Developing written products on U.S. naval history of the highest quality that articulate, interpret, and explain complex materials; 3) Utilizing scholarly research techniques to complete archival research and edit historical documents for a government agency; and 4) Applying knowledge of operations and activities of the Department of Navy to ensure proper functioning of government historical office.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/history-series-0170/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (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.

Education:Applicants must meet the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: Applicants must possess

  1. Degree: history; or related field that included at least 18 semester hours in history.

    OR

  2. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in history, or a major in a related field that included at least 18 semester hours in history, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Employment Type: OTHER

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Hours and flexibility

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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