ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Historian Government Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHistorian Government Jobs

Historian Government information

See salary details

$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do historian government jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for historian government 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.

Can I get a government job with a history degree?

A history degree can qualify you for various government positions such as archivist, researcher, or policy analyst, often requiring strong research, writing, and analytical skills. Additional certifications or security clearances may be necessary depending on the role and agency.

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

To thrive as a Historian in a government position, you need expertise in historical research, analysis, and writing, typically supported by an advanced degree in history or a related field. Familiarity with archival databases, digital cataloging systems, and government documentation standards is often required. Strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set exceptional candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for preserving accurate records, informing policy decisions, and ensuring the integrity of governmental historical documentation.

What are historian government jobs?

Historian government jobs involve researching, analyzing, and interpreting historical information for government agencies and public institutions. These professionals may work on preserving historical records, advising on archival policies, curating exhibits, or providing expertise for policy decisions and public programs. They often prepare reports, conduct oral histories, and ensure that important documents and artifacts are maintained for future generations. Positions may be found in national archives, museums, historical societies, or various government departments.

What are some common challenges historians face when working within government agencies?

Historians in government agencies often encounter challenges such as navigating bureaucratic processes, ensuring historical accuracy while meeting tight deadlines, and balancing the need for impartial research with policy objectives. They may also have to communicate complex historical findings to non-specialist audiences and collaborate with professionals from diverse fields such as archivists, policy analysts, and legal experts. Adapting to evolving project priorities and maintaining confidentiality with sensitive information are additional aspects that can make the role both demanding and rewarding.

What jobs can you get as a historian?

Historians can work in various roles such as research analysts, archivists, museum curators, historical consultants, and educators. These positions often require strong research, writing, and analytical skills, and may involve working in academic, government, or cultural institutions.

How much do government historians make?

Government historians typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Federal positions may offer higher salaries and benefits, especially for those with advanced degrees or specialized skills in archival research or historical analysis.

Can historians work for the government?

Yes, historians can work for government agencies such as archives, museums, cultural preservation offices, and policy research organizations. They often conduct research, manage historical records, and provide expertise on historical context, sometimes requiring security clearances or specialized knowledge in archival tools and historical methods.

What is the difference between Historian Government vs Archivist?

AspectHistorian GovernmentArchivist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History, Public Policy, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Library Science, Archival Studies, or History
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, historical departments, research institutionsArchives, museums, government record offices
Employer & Industry UsagePublic sector, government agencies, historical preservationLibraries, archives, museums, government record-keeping

Historian Government professionals analyze and interpret historical data within government contexts, often focusing on policy or public history. Archivists manage and preserve records and documents, ensuring their accessibility for future use. While both roles require knowledge of history and related credentials, historians tend to focus on research and interpretation, whereas archivists concentrate on preservation and organization of records.

More about Historian Government jobs
What cities are hiring for Historian Government jobs? Cities with the most Historian Government job openings:
What states have the most Historian Government jobs? States with the most job openings for Historian Government jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Historian Government jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Historian Government jobs are:
Historian Government jobs near you
Infographic showing various Historian Government job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
GEOINT History Program Specialist - Senior #793

GEOINT History Program Specialist - Senior #793

Allen Integrated Solutions

Washington, DC

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

GEOINT History Program Specialist – Senior

Clearance Required: TS/SCI

Location: Springfield, VA - 100% onsite

The GEOINT History Program Specialist – Senior, takes direction form the NGA Historian and is responsible for the management and execution of the historical program, from research and writing to curation and operations. This individual leads the support to operate and maintain the material culture aspects of NGA's history, to operate and maintain the archives and all associated material residing in the Historical Research Center, and to preserve and communicate NGA's history to NGA's employees and public affairs mission both internally externally. Duties include content development and execution, Historical Research Center management, museum management, and archiving and curation. As the senior level historian, provide oversight of history services within the contract to include AP Style copy editing.

Duties Include:

  • Content Development & Execution: Research, develop, and, execute a high volume of historical content illustrating NGA's history for both internal and external audiences. Products include articles, brochures, social media posts, podcast production, website content, museum exhibits, and museum tour guides.
  • Historical Research Center Management: Focus on artifact section, storage, and curation requirements while assisting the NGA Historian in refining internal charge out and external loan procedures for artifacts. This also includes archival management, artifact curation, and preservation. Key duties include processing, inventorying, and organizing all archival records and historical artifacts, ensuring their proper care and accessibility. Locate new materials and advise government customers on acquisition, preservation, and display possibilities. Help identify items for deaccession and work the process for proper removal.
  • NGA Museum Management: Work with other museums on loans, exhibits, artifact solicitation, and advise in acquisition decisions. This also includes researching, developing, and producing historical displays, posters, exhibits, museum experiences, conducting guided museum tours and any museum specific communications about NGA history program.
  • Internal Collaboration & Oversight: Provide copy editing and quality assurance for all history program products. Support the NGA Historian on inventorying and accountability procedures for historical artifacts in NGA custody to include measurement metrics and assisting in history program audits.

Required Skills:

  • Education: A minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in History, Geography, Library Science, Museum Studies, Museum Science, or a related field.
  • Experience: A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in the career field of history, geography, library science, museum studies, or museum science role. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, the candidate must have 8+ years of direct museum practice, artifact preservation, curation, or history-related positions.
  • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities with an eagerness to draft, edit, and proofread materials.
  • Attention to Detail: A high degree of accuracy and thoroughness when completing tasks such as inventorying and entering records metadata, or recording the origins and significance of archival materials.
  • Organizational Skills: The ability to assist with multiple tasks and prioritize assignments effectively in a fast-paced support role. Organize archival records and apply the proper classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
  • Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build effective working relationships with internal colleagues and community partners.
  • Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while also functioning as a collaborative and reliable team member.
  • Written and Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible language.

Project Coordination: Experience managing smaller projects from start to finish, including coordinating with multiple stakeholders to meet deadlines.