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Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Santa Barbara, CA · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call with project managers, archaeologists, and other environmental staff to successfully complete ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Riverside, CA · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call with project managers, archaeologists, and other environmental staff to successfully complete ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Reno, NV · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call with project managers, archaeologists, and other environmental staff to successfully complete ...

Chloeta

Architectural Historian

Asheville, NC · On-site

Job Summary The Architectural Historian serves as the lead technical expert for historic architectural surveys and cultural resource compliance activities supporting disaster recovery efforts for a ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Sacramento, CA · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call with project managers, archaeologists, and other environmental staff to successfully complete ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Coeur D Alene, ID · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call with project managers, archaeologists, and other environmental staff to successfully complete ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Seattle, WA · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call with project managers, archaeologists, and other environmental staff to successfully complete ...

US Department of the Air Force

$49K/yr

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. This is a formal Air Force position, established under the PALACE ACQUIRE ...

US Legislative Branch

Historian

Washington, DC

$121K/yr

The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, audiovisual materials, and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We engage ...

WSP

Architectural Historian Director

Reno, NV · On-site

This Opportunity WSP is seeking an Architectural Historian Director to join our Reno, NV office. Provides leadership within a sector of organization to ensure historian practices, subject matter ...

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Historian information

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$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do historian jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for historian 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.

What are historians?

Historians are professionals who study and interpret past events by examining records, documents, artifacts, and other sources of historical information. They analyze and contextualize these materials to better understand societies, cultures, and significant events throughout history. Historians often work in academia, museums, research institutions, or as authors, helping to preserve and communicate knowledge of the past to the public.

What is the best career in history?

A career as a historian involves researching, analyzing, and interpreting past events, often working in academia, museums, or archives. Success in this field typically requires strong research skills, critical thinking, and relevant advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D. in history or related disciplines.

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.

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.

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 kind of jobs do historians do?

Historians research, analyze, and interpret past events, often working in academia, museums, archives, or government agencies. They may write reports, publish books, or give presentations, and often use tools like primary sources and historical databases. Many positions require strong research skills and a background in history or related fields.

What profession makes $300,000 a year?

In the field of history, most professionals earn significantly less than $300,000 annually. High salaries in related fields such as corporate historians or senior research roles may reach that level, but they are rare and often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and additional responsibilities. Generally, salaries of this magnitude are more common in executive, medical, legal, or technology professions.

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.
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Historian jobs near you
SUPERVISORY HISTORIAN

SUPERVISORY HISTORIAN

US Department of the Navy

Washington Navy Yard, DC • On-site

$121K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 378 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

You will serve as a SUPERVISORY HISTORIAN of NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE 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-12 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Applying knowledge of U.S. naval and/or maritime history to include naval, nautical, and maritime terminology as well as naval and military technology and weapons, tactics, operations, and strategy; 2) Developing written products on U.S. naval history of the highest quality that articulate, interpret, and explain complex materials; 3) Utilizing scholarly research techniques to complete archival research and edit historical documents for a government agency; and 4) Applying knowledge of operations and activities of the Department of Navy to ensure proper functioning of government historical office.
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
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: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.

Employment Type: OTHER

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Benefits

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About US Navy

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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