1

Government Archivist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Archivist

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Archivist Location: 100% On-Site, Washington, DC, 20590 Pay Range: $70,000 - $90,000 KMRG, LLC (KMRG) is a federal services company that hires talented professionals to support Government agencies ...

Research Archivist - Hybrid

Denver, CO · On-site

$46K - $46K/yr

We provide services to other government agencies and all Coloradans by taking bold initiative ... Description of Job Colorado State Archives exists to ensure the preservation of the State ...

Research Archivist - Hybrid

Denver, CO · On-site

$46K - $46K/yr

We provide services to other government agencies and all Coloradans by taking bold initiative ... Description of Job Colorado State Archives exists to ensure the preservation of the State ...

ARCHIVIST TECHNICIAN

Boise, ID · On-site

$21.55/hr

Archivist Technician The Idaho State Historical Society is recruiting for (2) two Archivist ... government and our people. Created in 1881 and established as a state agency in 1907, the Idaho ...

New

$70 - $90/hr

... Government agencies and the communities they serve. We are hiring a Federal Archivist to support ... the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) onsite at its headquarters in Washington, DC. In this role ...

New

Federal Archivist

Washington, DC · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

... Government agencies and the communities they serve. We are hiring a Federal Archivist to support ... the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) onsite at its headquarters in Washington, DC. In this role ...

New

DOS - ARCHIVIST I - 45000204 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 45000204 Salary: $34,760.00 ... At least one year of experience working in Florida government. Special Note: Responses to ...

DOS - ARCHIVIST I - 45000204 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 45000204 Salary: $34,760.00 ... At least one year of experience working in Florida government. Special Note: Responses to ...

$70 - $90/hr

... support Government agencies and the communities they serve. We are hiring a Historical Collections Archivist to support the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) onsite at its headquarters in ...

New

DOS - ARCHIVIST I - 45000204 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 45000204 Salary: $34,760.00 ... At least one year of experience working in Florida government. Special Note: Responses to ...

DOS - ARCHIVIST I - 45000204 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 45000204 Salary: $34,760.00 ... At least one year of experience working in Florida government. Special Note: Responses to ...

DOS - ARCHIVIST I - 45000204 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 45000204 Salary: $34,760.00 ... At least one year of experience working in Florida government. Special Note: Responses to ...

Federal Archivist

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... Government agencies and the communities they serve. We are hiring a Federal Archivist to support ... the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) onsite at its headquarters in Washington, DC. In this role ...

DOS - ARCHIVIST I - 45000204 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 45000204 Salary: $34,760.00 ... At least one year of experience working in Florida government. Special Note: Responses to ...

DOS - ARCHIVIST I - 45000204 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 45000204 Salary: $34,760.00 ... At least one year of experience working in Florida government. Special Note: Responses to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Government Archivist information

See salary details

$28.5K

$72.8K

$119K

How much do government archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for government 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.

What is a government archivist?

Government Archivists are professionals responsible for collecting, preserving, organizing, and managing records and historical documents created by government agencies. They ensure that important public records are maintained for legal, administrative, and historical purposes. Government Archivists also facilitate access to these records for researchers, officials, and the public, while ensuring sensitive information is protected according to law. Their work helps preserve the transparency, accountability, and heritage of government actions.

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

To thrive as a Government Archivist, you need expertise in archival science, information management, and historical research, typically supported by a degree in library science, history, or a related field. Familiarity with digital asset management systems, metadata standards, and records management software is essential. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate clearly are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring the proper preservation, accessibility, and legal compliance of government records.

What are some common challenges faced by government archivists and how are they addressed in daily work?

Government archivists often encounter challenges such as managing large volumes of records, ensuring proper digital preservation, and maintaining strict compliance with legal and confidentiality requirements. They address these issues by implementing standardized cataloging systems, utilizing specialized archival software, and regularly participating in training on regulatory updates. Collaboration with IT specialists, legal teams, and departmental staff is essential to ensure records are preserved, accessible, and protected according to government standards.

What is the difference between Government Archivist vs Government Records Manager?

AspectGovernment ArchivistGovernment Records Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a Master’s in Archival Science, Library Science, or related fieldOften requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Records Management, Library Science, or Public Administration
Work EnvironmentArchives, government agencies, historical repositoriesGovernment offices, records departments, administrative units
Primary FocusPreserving and maintaining historical and official recordsManaging active records, ensuring compliance, and records retention
Common UsageUsed in contexts emphasizing preservation and historical significanceUsed when focusing on records management and administrative functions

The main difference between a Government Archivist and a Government Records Manager lies in their focus: archivists preserve historical records, while records managers oversee active records and compliance. Both roles require related credentials and work within government settings, but their primary responsibilities and environments differ.

How much do government archivists make?

Government archivists typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and years of service, especially in federal or state agencies with larger budgets.

How to become a government archivist?

To become a government archivist, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in history, library science, or a related field, with many positions preferring a master's degree or certification in archival studies. Relevant skills include knowledge of records management, cataloging, and archival software, along with attention to detail and organizational abilities. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can also improve job prospects in this field.

Is there a high demand for government archivists?

Government archivists are in steady demand due to the need for maintaining and preserving public records, historical documents, and legal materials. Employment opportunities often depend on government funding, agency size, and the level of digitization efforts, with positions typically requiring strong organizational skills and knowledge of archival software.
More about Government Archivist jobs

What cities are hiring for Government Archivist jobs?

Cities with the most Government Archivist job openings:

What states have the most Government Archivist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Government Archivist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Government Archivist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,781 per year, or $35 per hour.

Digital Archivist

Abacus Technology Corporation

Merritt Island, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Abacus Technology Corporation is a Federal government contractor and provider of enterprise information technology (IT) services and solutions.  For nearly 40 years, we've developed effective partnerships with government and industry to tackle business challenges and pressures for Federal Defense, Civilian, and Intelligence customers.  Abacus maintains core competencies in: IT Infrastructure Support, Network Operations and Maintenance, Communication Solutions, Systems Engineering and Integration, Cyber Security / Information Assurance, Application Development, Program Management, and Business Transformation.

Job Description
  • Perform analog preservation functions including holdings maintenance, fastener removal, rehousing, etc.
  • Support digital preservation functions including processing and transformation of digital objects, capture of metadata, and utilization of the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) model as a standard for digital preservation.
  • Enable search and discovery through the creation of archival descriptions using standards-based archival description systems, metadata capture and normalization, and digitization.
  • Maintain a thorough and up-to-date understanding of digital file formats, digital preservation, and digital persistence practice and theory.
  • Create, document, and follow archival processes, workflows and best practices.
  • Contribute to online outreach content in the form of blogs and social media.
  • Generate routine and/or ad-hoc reports for NASA Office of Communication (OCOMM) management/customers.
  • Directly interface with OCOMM management and/or customers as needed.
  • Respond to queries from internal and external sources for access to archival material and answering questions from both academic researchers and the general public related to archival holdings.
Qualifications

10+ years experience in research and analysis and preservation of documents and materials.  Master's degree in library science or library and information science from an ALA-accredited institution with a focus in archival studies.  A membership in the Academy of Certified Archivists may be substituted for degree requirements.  Digital Archives Specialist (DAS) certification desired.  Demonstrated knowledge of and/or experience with digital archives tools, standards, and/or best practices.  Familiar with metadata and technical standards relevant to archival collections (e.g., DACS, DublinCore, ISAD(G), etc.).  Experience with archival technologies and tools related to appraising, accessioning, processing, preserving, describing, and enabling access to born-digital archives (e.g., Access to Memory (AtoM), Webrecorder, BitCurator, ePADD, Archivematica, ArchivesSpace, command-line tools, spreadsheets, etc.).  Must have strong communications and be able to work collaboratively.  Must be a US citizen.

Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.