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Film Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Program Specialist

Chico, CA · On-site

$18.25/hr

Fine Art, Theatre, Film, Dance, or Music or a knowledgeable historian in one or more * Experience working with diverse populations * Ability to make decisions for the good of the students, program ...

Film Historian information

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$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do film historian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for film 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.

What does a film historian do?

A Film Historian researches, analyzes, and interprets the history of cinema, focusing on films, filmmakers, genres, and cultural impact. They may work in academia, archives, museums, or media organizations, writing articles, books, or documentaries about film history. Their work often involves studying old films, reviewing historical documents, and preserving significant cinematic works. Film Historians also teach courses, give lectures, and contribute to discussions on film preservation and theory.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a film historian?

Film Historians spend their days conducting in-depth research on films, filmmakers, and cinematic movements, often utilizing archives and historical records. They may write articles, curate exhibits, deliver lectures, and collaborate on preservation projects with museums, libraries, or academic departments. The role often involves documenting findings, maintaining or expanding film collections, and sometimes engaging with the public through educational programs or screenings. Collaboration with archivists, curators, and other historians is common, especially when working on joint research or restoration initiatives. This mix of research, writing, and teamwork keeps the role both intellectually stimulating and dynamic.

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

To thrive as a Film Historian, you need a deep knowledge of film history and theory, strong research skills, and typically an advanced degree in film studies, history, or a related field. Familiarity with digital archives, library cataloguing systems, and research databases is often essential, and professional certifications in archival science can be beneficial. Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and the ability to synthesize complex information help distinguish top professionals in this role. These competencies are crucial for accurately preserving, analyzing, and sharing film history with academic, industry, or public audiences.

How do you become a film historian?

To become a film historian, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in film studies, history, or a related field, followed by advanced education such as a master's or doctorate. Gaining expertise through research, writing, and curatorial work, along with developing strong analytical and communication skills, is essential for a career in this field.

How much do film historians make?

Film historians' salaries vary based on experience, education, and employment setting. According to industry data, entry-level film historians typically earn around $40,000 to $60,000 annually, while experienced professionals or those in academic or museum roles can earn upwards of $70,000 or more. Many work as freelancers or adjuncts, which can affect income stability.

What can you do with a film historian degree?

A film historian degree prepares individuals for careers in academia, curation, archiving, and research related to film history and criticism. Graduates can work in museums, film archives, educational institutions, or media organizations, often utilizing research, writing, and analytical skills. Additional certifications or experience with film preservation tools can enhance employment opportunities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Film Historian jobs?

The most popular types of Film Historian jobs are:

Infographic showing various Film Historian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Corporate Archivist & Historian

Los Angeles, CA • On-site


American Automobile Association (AAA)
Non-Profits • 10K+ employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 283 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

235th of 315 rated insurance

Good employer

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents


$74K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Corporate Archivist & Historian

The Corporate Archivist & Historian position maintains, preserves, and catalogs the Club's archives. The position performs original research and aids Club personnel and outside researchers in all phases of archival research projects. This position curates and executes Club exhibitions. The incumbent serves as a primary resource for internal and external reference inquiries and as a knowledgeable resource on Auto Club/ACE history.
Job Duties

  • Assures physical and intellectual access to Club collections through a thorough understanding of accepted professional cataloging and conservation practices. Applies conservation practices to Club archives, with emphasis on art, image, and film collections; creates and maintains catalog databases and collection finding aids; and processes backlog of uncatalogued records. Serves as a knowledgeable resource on Auto Club/ACE history.

  • Develops exhibits and other community programs, including research, writing, and collection assessments for assigned projects. Conducts presentations in public and professional forums to publicize the Club's collections and history.

  • Provides research and reference services to internal and external clients based on a thorough understanding of Club collections. Furnishes the Office of General Counsel with background research on issues requiring historical context for legal purposes. Supports other business units through historical research, including photo and film collections. Provides content and historical guidance to Club publications and Creative Services as needed.

  • Handles external license requests for visual archival materials, manages artifact loans, cultivates external relationships, acquires outside collections in keeping with archival collecting policies, digitizes visual collections, and maintains current valuations on high-value archival holdings (e.g., art collections).


Qualifications

  • Bachelors Equivalent combination of education and experience Required

  • Masters Library Science Required

  • Masters Public History Preferred

  • 4-6 years Experience in archives or historical research Preferred

  • Knowledge of archival cataloging and descriptive standards, metadata creation, digital asset management systems

  • Knowledge of California history and transportation history

  • Ability to create and maintain detailed inventories and finding aids

  • Demonstrated written and verbal communications skills

#LI-LG1

The starting pay range for this position is:

$74,500.00 - $99,500.00

Additionally, for full time positions, you will be eligible to participate in our incentive program based upon the achievement of organization, team and personal performance.

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Remarkable benefits:
Health coverage for medical, dental, vision

401(K) saving plans with company match AND Pension

Tuition assistance

Floating holidays and PTO for community volunteer programs

Paid parental leave

Wellness programs

Employee discounts (membership, insurance,

travel, entertainment, services and more!)

Auto Club Enterprises is the largest club within the national AAA federation. We have nearly 17,000 employees in 24 states helping more than 18 million members. The strength of our organization is our employees. Bringing together and supporting different cultures, backgrounds, personalities, and strengths creates a team capable of delivering legendary, lifetime service to our members. When we embrace our diversity - we win. All of Us! With our national brand recognition, long-standing reputation since 1900, and constantly growing membership, we are seeking career-minded, service-driven professionals to join our team.

"Through dedicated employees we proudly deliver legendary service and beneficial products that provide members peace of mind and value."

AAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our organization participates in E-Verify

The Automobile Club of Southern California will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), the Unincorporated Los Angeles County (ULAC) regulation, and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA).


American Automobile Association logo

About American Automobile Association

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The American Automobile Association (AAA), headquartered in Heathrow, Florida, USA, is a reputable force in the automotive and insurance industry. Originating in 1902, it began as a coalition of motor clubs with the common goal of providing better roads and travel conditions for motorists. Today, AAA is a comprehensive, multifaceted organization that offers a range of services, including roadside assistance, auto repair services, travel agency services, and diverse insurance products - Auto, Home, Life and more. A significant principle for AAA is to continuously deliver value to their 61 million members through safety, security and peace of mind. The company's mission and core values focus on championing its members' rights and interests, advocating innovation, integrity, teamwork and respect.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Heathrow, FL, US

Year founded

1902

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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