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TS/SCI with ability to obtain poly RESPONSIBILITIES · Take direction from the NGA Historian and ... new materials and advise government customers on acquisition, preservation, and display ...

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Historian Government information

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$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do historian government jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 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.

How much do government historians get paid?

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, and advanced degrees or specialized skills can lead to higher pay levels.

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 profession makes $400,000 a year?

In the field of government history or related high-level government roles, salaries of $400,000 or more are typically associated with senior executive positions such as agency heads, senior advisors, or chief historians in federal agencies. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and security clearances, and they may include benefits and bonuses that contribute to total compensation.

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.

Can you work for the government with a history degree?

A history degree can qualify you for various government roles such as archivist, policy analyst, or historical researcher, often requiring strong research, writing, and analytical skills. Many government positions also require passing exams, obtaining security clearances, or completing additional training or certifications.

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:
Infographic showing various Historian Government job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Sr. History Program Specialist (Museum Curator) with Security Clearance

Sr. History Program Specialist (Museum Curator) with Security Clearance

Parsons

Springfield, VA • On-site

$112K - $196K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Parsons rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 356 rated engineering


Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next! At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible. Job Description: The History Program Specialist (Museum Curator)- Senior, takes direction from the customer 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 customer's history, to operate and maintain the archives and all associated material residing in the Historical Research Center, and to preserve and communicate customer's history to customer'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 Customer'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 Customer 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.
* Customer 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 Customer history program.
* Internal Collaboration & Oversight: Provide copy editing and quality assurance for all history program products. Support the Customer Historian on inventorying and accountability procedures for historical artifacts in Customer 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: 12+ years total 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. Desired Skills: * Current/Active TS/SCI clearance or higher. Security Clearance Requirement: An active Top Secret security clearance is required for this position. This position is part of our Federal Solutions team. The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now. Salary Range: $112,200.00 - $196,400.00 We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle! Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY! Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/ .

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