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Historian Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Navy

LEAD HISTORIAN

Quantico, VA · On-site

$102K/yr

You will serve as a LEAD HISTORIAN in the Marine Corps University of TRAINING AND EDUCATION COMMAND.Qualifications:In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also ...

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Historian information

See Virginia salary details

$30.2K

$85.6K

$136.3K

How much do historian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for historian in Virginia is $85,595.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,900.00 and $104,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do historians do?

Historians research, study, interpret, and write about past events and how they shaped recent times. Historians typically work in academic institutions. The main goal of a historian is to understand history and educate others. Historians spend a great amount of time reading, analyzing, and poring over research of other historians to find new facts and form their own opinions about history.

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

To thrive as a Historian, you need strong research abilities, analytical thinking, and a relevant degree such as a master's or Ph.D. in history or a related field. Familiarity with archival research methods, digital databases, and citation management tools is typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical reasoning, and attention to detail help historians convey complex information clearly and persuasively. These skills and qualities are essential for producing accurate historical interpretations, contributing to academic discourse, and educating others.

How do historians typically collaborate with other professionals or departments in their work?

Historians often work closely with archivists, curators, librarians, and researchers from related disciplines to gather and interpret primary sources. Collaboration can also extend to educators when developing curriculum materials or to government agencies and private organizations on preservation projects. These partnerships are essential for cross-verifying historical data, sharing access to rare materials, and ensuring the accuracy and impact of historical narratives. Teamwork and effective communication are important skills for historians engaged in such multidisciplinary projects.

What is the difference between Historian vs Archivist?

AspectHistorianArchivist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Library Science, Archival Studies, or History
Work EnvironmentUniversities, museums, research institutionsArchives, libraries, museums, government agencies
Industry UsageResearch, education, publishingPreserving, organizing, and managing historical records
Common Search IntentUnderstanding historical context, researchManaging and preserving records, documentation

Historian and Archivist roles often overlap in historical research and record management. Historians focus on analyzing and interpreting historical events, often working in academia or research settings. Archivists specialize in preserving and organizing historical records and documents, typically working in archives or libraries. Both roles require a background in history or related fields, but their primary responsibilities and work environments differ.

Are historians paid well?

Historians' salaries vary based on experience, education, and employment sector. According to industry data, median annual wages for historians are around $63,000, with higher earnings possible in government or private research roles. Many historians work in academia, museums, or archives, where salaries can be lower than in other fields.

How do you get a job as a historian?

To become a historian, you typically need a bachelor's degree in history or a related field, with many positions requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Gaining research skills, proficiency with archival tools, and experience through internships or research projects can improve job prospects in academia, museums, or research institutions.

Is being a historian a good career?

A historian researches and interprets past events, often working in academia, museums, or archives. The career typically requires strong research, writing, and analytical skills, with job opportunities varying based on education level and specialization; salaries tend to be modest compared to other professions.
More about Historian jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Historian jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Historian jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Historian jobs in Virginia?

For Historian jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Historian jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Historian jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Historian jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Historian job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Historian jobs in VA?

For Historian jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Historian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Historian job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,595 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

LEAD HISTORIAN

Quantico, VA • On-site

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)external

$102K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

You will serve as a LEAD HISTORIAN in the Marine Corps University of TRAINING AND EDUCATION COMMAND.Qualifications:In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the (GS-11) grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Conducting complex historical information research and analysis using primary and secondary sources; preparing authoritative historical reports, studies, and interpretive products; providing expert historical guidance to leadership; and conducting oral history interviews.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
OR
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/history-series-0170/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:BASIC REQUIREMENT
Applicants must meet the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: Applicants must possess

  1. Degree: history; or related field that included at least 18 semester hours in history.

    OR

  2. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in history, or a major in a related field that included at least 18 semester hours in history, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education. See Required Documents for additional information.Employment Type: OTHER

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