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Genealogy Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Longevity Holdings

Research Specialist

Fort Washington, PA · On-site

$20.50 - $25.50/hr

Previous experience in genealogy, public records research, or mortality verification is not required. We provide training and support to help you succeed. We are seeking candidates who possess strong ...

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Genealogy Research information

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How much do genealogy research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for genealogy research in the United States is $30.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $35.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to be a genealogist?

To become a genealogist, a strong background in history, research methods, and genealogy software is important. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in history, anthropology, or a related field, and professional certification from organizations like the Board for Certification of Genealogists can enhance credibility. Skills in data analysis, attention to detail, and familiarity with archives and records are also valuable.

What is genealogy research?

Genealogy research is the process of investigating and documenting family histories and ancestries. Genealogists use historical records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census data, and other documents to trace lineages and learn about ancestors. This work may involve both online databases and visits to archives or libraries. The goal is often to create a family tree, uncover unknown relatives, or gain insights into family origins and migration patterns. Genealogy research can be pursued as a personal hobby or professionally for others.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Genealogy Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Genealogy Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a solid understanding of historical records and research methodologies, often supported by coursework or certifications in genealogy. Familiarity with genealogy software (like Ancestry or FamilySearch), online databases, and archival systems is essential. Excellent communication, patience, and critical thinking are standout soft skills for interpreting complex information and collaborating with clients or family members. These skills ensure accurate, credible research results and effective communication of family histories.

What are the most common challenges faced by genealogy researchers, and how can they be addressed?

One of the most common challenges in genealogy research is encountering incomplete or inconsistent historical records, which can make verifying family connections difficult. Researchers often need to cross-reference multiple sources, such as census data, birth and marriage certificates, and immigration records, to build accurate family trees. Collaborating with other researchers and utilizing online databases can help overcome these hurdles. Being persistent, detail-oriented, and open to alternative spellings or name variations is essential for success in this role.

Can I get paid to do genealogy research?

Genealogy research can be a paid profession, with opportunities including working for genealogy firms, historical societies, or as a freelance researcher. Payment varies based on experience, complexity of research, and client needs, often involving project-based or hourly rates. Skills in research methods, record analysis, and familiarity with genealogy tools are essential for earning income in this field.

What is the difference between Genealogy Research vs Genealogical Technician?

AspectGenealogy ResearchGenealogical Technician
Required CredentialsOften requires genealogy certifications or degreesMay require similar certifications, often more technical or administrative
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, often in archives or onlineOffice or archival settings, assisting with data organization
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by private clients, genealogical firms, historical societiesEmployed by genealogical companies, archives, or research services
Search & Comparison IntentIndividuals seeking in-depth family history researchClients needing technical support or data management in genealogy

Genealogy Research involves in-depth investigation of family histories, often requiring specialized knowledge and certifications. In contrast, Genealogical Technicians support research efforts through data management and technical tasks. Both roles are essential in the genealogy industry but differ in focus and responsibilities.

How do I become a genealogy researcher?

To become a genealogy researcher, you should develop skills in historical research, data analysis, and use of genealogy software and online databases. Gaining relevant education, such as courses in history or genealogy, and obtaining certifications like those from the Board for Certification of Genealogists can enhance credibility. Experience through volunteering or internships can also help build expertise in the field.

What Are Genealogy Research Jobs?

Genealogy research jobs primarily refer to genealogy researchers. As a genealogy or genealogical researcher, you can work in libraries, for genealogical services companies, or in genomics. Your responsibilities include conducting research into a client’s family or individual background, searching social and public information records, constructing charts of family relationships and lines of descent, and preparing family history documents. Other duties include determining a client’s ancestral origins, performing an archives search, locating and compiling legal documents, conducting interviews to obtain genealogical information, exploring medical histories and census records, and helping to locate a client’s relatives.

How much money can you make as a genealogist?

Genealogists' earnings vary based on experience, specialization, and whether they work independently or for organizations. On average, genealogists earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, with experienced professionals or those offering specialized services potentially earning more. Many genealogists supplement income through freelance research, client projects, or certifications in genealogy research tools.
More about Genealogy Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Genealogy Research jobs? Cities with the most Genealogy Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Genealogy Research jobs? The most popular types of Genealogy Research jobs are:
What states have the most Genealogy Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Genealogy Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Genealogy Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Genealogy Research jobs are:
Genealogy Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Genealogy Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 51% Internship, 5% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 38% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,273 per year, or $30.4 per hour.
Canada Researcher - Professional Genealogist (Remote)

Canada Researcher - Professional Genealogist (Remote)

Legacy Tree Genealogists

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site, Remote

$25 - $28/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

**This position is for you if you have experience with Canadian genealogy research and can provide at least two client reports demonstrating your genealogy expertise. If you can't, subscribe here for notifications of future positions that may fit you better. Thanks!**
**This job opening closes at 8:00am MT on Monday, August 3, 2026. The position is expected to start on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.**
We at Legacy Tree Genealogists love helping people all over the world (in over 50 countries!) discover their heritage. We get up in the morning and do things like tell a client her birth father's name, connect cousins in China, and share documentation that an ancestor used an alias and actually fathered two families - at the same time, in two different countries. For 20 years, we've been changing people's lives forever by answering some of their deepest questions.
Legacy Tree needs additional support to keep providing the highest-rated genealogy research in the world to our clients. This is where you come in!
About You
It's not easy to make each client's experience the very best it can possibly be, and it means we can only hire an exceptional genealogist for this position. You will be a great fit if:
  • You are fluent in English and can explain your genealogy discoveries in a way that clients connect with and understand
  • You have at least 3 years of genealogy experience working with clients (pro-bono or paid)
  • You have taken genealogy training courses
  • You have experience with one or more of the following geographic genealogy research specialties:
    • Canada
    • French Canada
  • You are familiar with the repositories of the areas for which you claim expertise, and have worked with them to obtain documents
  • You have experience managing multiple research projects simultaneously
  • You are passionate about genealogy and are a creative problem solver
  • You are great at working independently, managing your time, and hitting deadlines (please don't overlook this line about deadlines)
  • You are comfortable with Microsoft Office suite, particularly Word and PowerPoint (even better if that includes OneDrive)
  • You're familiar with genealogical technology such as pedigree software (we use RootsMagic)
  • You have a quiet place to work without distractions, a computer, and great internet

Even better if:
  • In addition to the above, you have at least 5 years of genealogy experience working with clients (pro-bono or paid)
  • You have a genealogy certificate, related degree, or credentials
  • You have experience with one or more of the following genealogy research special interests:
    • Canadian dual citizenship
    • United States Mid-Atlantic, New England, and/or Midwest
    • England, Scotland, and/or Wales
    • Ireland, including both Irish immigration and within Ireland
    • Former British Empire countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, or the English-speaking Caribbean
    • Early British genealogy, from the 1700s and earlier

If you really don't match this list, please wait to apply. We play a long game and will still be around when you're ready. Sign up for notifications on future job opportunities with Legacy Tree and check out other open positions here.
What you'll be doing at Legacy Tree:
  • You'll be solving complex research problems by performing in-depth genealogical analysis - we're serious, this will be complex and in-depth.
  • You'll be conducting genealogical research online, but you'll also be using records in archives, libraries, and anywhere else you can get your hands on them (or a team member's hands - our team is in over 100 countries).
  • You'll be composing 15+ page narrative reports in English, with citations and research logs (we'll provide templates to help you, but the genius will be all you).
  • You'll have opportunities to help the company grow by sharing your expertise through writing occasional blog articles and creating Q&A videos.
  • With your input, you'll do other things as opportunities and needs arise.

If this all fits you, please submit an application and writing samples. We can't wait to learn more about you.
What Working at Legacy Tree Will be Like
We work hard to make working at Legacy Tree a great part of our team members' lives. Here's a little about what life here will be like:
Live Where You Want
Legacy Tree has always been a remote-based company, which allows us to hire the best talent anywhere, and which allows our team members to be where they love. As long as you have a quiet place to work and fast internet in your location, that's all that matters. While most of your work will be at home, occasionally you may choose to commute to a local archive or repository to conduct research there.
Work When You Want
This job is part-time and will require 25-29 hours a week but there is potential to transition to full-time in the future depending on performance and available workload. We're serious about providing the highest quality genealogy research, and we're also serious about work-life balance. We'll expect you to take paid holidays and vacation time. When you join us, we'll be asking to learn about your bucket list, and expecting to celebrate with you when you check something off.
Work with Great People
We may be a remote company, but when you're solving some of the toughest genealogy mysteries in the world, there's a lot of cooperation that takes place. You'll get to know your team members pretty darn well, and you'll be grateful for their support when you have questions. Some of your co-workers will be Kim and Laura and there are lots of others who you'll get to know, especially in our company chat Break Room and at our annual retreats. You'll find out first-hand why Legacy Tree won the award Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation multiple times.
Get Great Benefits and Take Time to Ramp Up
Research is an art, and it takes a special person (part detective, part trivia nerd, and part writer) to do it at the level our clients expect. For the first 90 days, you will focus on your research and writing, working with a Senior Researcher and/or your manager to show us what you can do. You can keep your own private clients while you make this transition, and your first official title will be Provisional Researcher. You'll get pointed feedback from our world-class Quality Assurance team, and if all goes well, we'll offer you a long-term position to join our team!
Our part-time employees get great benefits like paid time off and holidays, parental and bereavement leave, and a 401k that we match up to 3%. We'll make sure you have time for training so you can be even better at your craft, we'll pay you to research your own family history, and we'll give you a bonus for becoming accredited or certified. Full-time employees also get comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
Thank you
Thank you for taking the time to read through this position and consider joining our team! We hope to hear from you if you think we'll make a good fit.
Legacy Tree Genealogists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We appreciate diversity, hire based solely on merit, and strive to create a working environment of inclusivity for all our team members.

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