1

Genealogical Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conduct expert genealogical research primarily in the United States, 19th through 21st centuries, including probate and other legal research and people finding. * Quickly assess resource ...

Conduct expert genealogical research primarily in the United States, 19th through 21st centuries, including probate and other legal research and people finding. * Quickly assess resource ...

Genealogist Research, Heir Research

Draper, UT ยท On-site +1

$51K - $65K/yr

Conduct expert genealogical research primarily in the United States, 19th through 21st centuries, including probate and other legal research and people finding. * Quickly assess resource ...

Minimum 5 years of professional genealogical research experience, backed by a Bachelor's or Master's degree in History, English, or comparable practical experience. * Subject Matter Specialty:

Minimum 5 years of professional genealogical research experience, backed by a Bachelor's or Master's degree in History, English, or comparable practical experience. * Subject Matter Specialty:

Archives Aide

Columbia, TN

$13.25 - $17/hr

Additional activities include answering inquiries from the public and local officials about the availability of historical records and documents, assisting individuals with genealogical research and ...

Archives Aide

Columbia, TN ยท On-site

$13.46/hr

Additional activities include answering inquiries from the public and local officials about the availability of historical records and documents, assisting individuals with genealogical research and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Genealogical Researcher information

See salary details

$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do genealogical researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for genealogical 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.

How much do genealogical researchers make?

Genealogical researchers typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work independently or for organizations. Skilled researchers with certifications and proficiency in research tools may earn higher salaries or freelance fees.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a genealogical researcher?

To thrive as a Genealogical Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of historical records and genealogical methodologies, often supported by relevant coursework or certifications. Familiarity with genealogy software (such as Ancestry, FamilySearch, or Legacy), digital archives, and database search techniques is typically required. Excellent communication, persistence, and critical thinking skills help researchers interpret complex information and share findings clearly with clients or family members. These skills are vital for accurately tracing family histories and overcoming challenges in record gathering and analysis.

How do I become a genealogical researcher?

To become a genealogical researcher, you typically need a strong interest in history and family research, along with skills in research methods and data analysis. Many professionals pursue a degree or certification in genealogy or related fields, and proficiency with research tools like census records, archives, and genealogy software is important. Gaining experience through internships or volunteering can also help build expertise in this specialized field.

What challenges do genealogical researchers face when verifying historical records?

Genealogical Researchers often encounter challenges such as incomplete, damaged, or inconsistent historical records, which can make verification difficult. They must cross-reference multiple sources, interpret old handwriting, and account for changes in naming conventions or geographic boundaries over time. Collaboration with archivists, historians, and sometimes family members is essential to resolve discrepancies and build accurate family trees. Patience and attention to detail are crucial, as the process can be time-consuming and sometimes requires creative problem-solving.

What is a genealogical researcher?

Genealogical researchers are professionals who specialize in tracing and documenting family histories and ancestries. They use historical records, archives, DNA analysis, and other resources to build family trees and uncover information about ancestors. Their work often helps individuals connect with their heritage, solve family mysteries, or establish legal proof of lineage. Genealogical researchers may work independently, for genealogy companies, or as consultants for legal and historical cases.

What is the difference between Genealogical Researcher vs Archivist?

AspectGenealogical ResearcherArchivist
CredentialsOften requires genealogy certifications or degrees in history or genealogyTypically requires a degree in library science, archival studies, or history
Work EnvironmentResearching family histories, working with individuals or genealogical organizationsManaging and preserving historical records in archives or museums
Employer & IndustryGenealogical firms, historical societies, librariesArchives, museums, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking family history research or personal genealogy helpOrganizations needing record preservation and management

The main difference is that genealogical researchers focus on tracing family histories and assisting individuals with personal genealogy projects, while archivists manage and preserve historical records for institutions. Both roles require research skills, but their work environments and goals differ significantly.

More about Genealogical Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Genealogical Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Genealogical Researcher job openings:
What states have the most Genealogical Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Genealogical Researcher jobs include:
Infographic showing various Genealogical Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 10% As Needed, 5% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 10% Temporary, and 70% Contract. Highlights an 5% Physical, 90% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Genealogist Research, Heir Research

Ancestry

Draper, UT โ€ข On-site

$51K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

About Ancestry:
When you join Ancestry, you join a human-centered company where every person's story is important. Ancestryยฎ, the global leader in family history, connects everyone with their past so they can discover, preserve, and share their unique family stories. With our unparalleled collection of more than 65 billion records, over 3.5 million subscribers, and over 27 million people in our growing DNA network, customers can discover their family story and gain a new level of understanding about their lives. Over the past 40 years, we've built trusted relationships with millions of people who have chosen us as the platform for discovering, preserving, and sharing the most important information about themselves and their families.
We are committed to our location flexible work approach, allowing you to choose to work in the nearest office, from your home, or a hybrid of both (subject to location restrictions and roles that are required to be in the office- see the full list of eligible US locations HERE). We will continue to hire and promote beyond the boundaries of our office locations, to enable broadened possibilities for employee diversity.
Together, we work every day to foster a work environment that's inclusive as well as diverse, and where our people can be themselves. Every idea and perspective is valued so that our products and services reflect the global and diverse clients we serve.
Ancestry encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants. Passionate about dedicating your work to enriching people's lives? Join the curious.
Ancestry is seeking an experienced genealogist researcher specializing in the United States and Heir Research, eager to contribute to the organization's long-term success. The candidate will contribute to research projects and affidavits, produce exemplary research, and must be proficient in project management. Successful genealogist researchers are flexible, detail-oriented, strong in technology, and meet industry standards for traditional genealogical research and legal genealogical research. They consistently meet performance metrics.
What you will do ...
  • Conduct expert genealogical research primarily in the United States, 19th through 21st centuries, including probate and other legal research and people finding.
  • Quickly assess resource accessibility by determining research feasibility, locating sources, and communicating promptly when research is not feasible.
  • Produce well-written research logs, reports, and regular client updates that align with company standards.
  • Exercise sound judgment to ensure deliverables meet company, industry, and client quality standards, satisfy session budgets, and maintain client satisfaction-even if project goals are not met.
  • Maintain an average of 6 billable hours per day and fulfill annual billable hour targets.
  • Provide and receive constructive feedback effectively.
  • Collaborate closely with Research Managers throughout each session to ensure project success.

Who you are ...
  • Minimum of 5 years' professional genealogical research experience, or a combination of 5 years' educational and professional experience.
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in History, Family History, English, or comparable experience.
  • Specialized expertise in U.S. genealogical research with a focus on heir research/ forensic genealogy and/or modern genealogical research and/or people finding/ skip tracing is required.
  • Advanced knowledge of brick wall research methodologies and evidence analysis.
  • Experienced in ordering and analyzing records from both physical and digital repositories.
  • Comfortable with genealogical interviews and other correspondence.
  • Skilled in managing multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Experienced in creating research logs/journals, citations, abstracts including analysis, writing narrative reports, drafting research plans, and conducting research within budget.
  • Comfortable working collaboratively and providing feedback and coaching to team members.

Helping people discover their story is at the heart of ours. Ancestry is the largest provider of family history and personal DNA testing, harnessing a powerful combination of information, science and technology to help people discover their family history and stories that were never possible before. Ancestry's suite of products includes: AncestryDNA, AncestryProGenealogists, Fold3, Newspapers.com, Find a Grave, Archives.com, and Rootsweb. We offer excellent benefits and a competitive compensation package. For additional information, regarding our benefits and career information, please visit our website at http://ancestry.com/careers
As a signatory of the ParityPledge in Support of Women and the ParityPledge in Support of People of Color, Ancestry values pay transparency and pay equity. We are pleased to share the base salary range for this position: $51,400 - $65,000 with eligibility for bonus, equity and comprehensive benefits including health, dental and vision. The actual salary will vary by geographic region and job experience. We will share detailed compensation data for a specific location during the recruiting process. Read more about our benefits HERE.
*Note: Disclosure as required by sb19-085(8-5-20) and sb1162(1-1-23).
Additional Information:
Ancestry is an Equal Opportunity Employer that makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizenship, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. In addition, Ancestry will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
All job offers are contingent on a background check screen that complies with applicable law. For candidates who live in San Francisco, CA, pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Ancestry will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Ancestry is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Ancestry via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Ancestry. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Ancestry as a result of the referral or through other means.