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Historic Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Historic Interpreter information

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$24K

$64K

$104.5K

How much do historic interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for historic interpreter in the United States is $64,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job as a historical interpreter?

To become a historical interpreter, candidates typically need strong communication skills, a background in history or related fields, and experience in public speaking or education. Relevant certifications or training in interpretive techniques and knowledge of local history can enhance prospects. Volunteering or internships at museums, historic sites, or cultural centers can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities.

What are historic interpreters?

Historic interpreters are professionals who bring history to life by educating the public about specific time periods, events, or cultures. They often work at museums, historic sites, and cultural parks, using storytelling, demonstrations, and period-appropriate clothing to create engaging experiences. Their goal is to make history accessible and interesting to visitors, sometimes by portraying historical figures or daily life in the past. Historic interpreters help foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of history by connecting people to the stories and artifacts of earlier times.

What is the difference between Historic Interpreter vs Museum Educator?

AspectHistoric InterpreterMuseum Educator
CredentialsTypically requires history or education degrees, certifications in historical interpretationRequires education degrees, often with specialization in museum studies or education
Work EnvironmentHistorical sites, outdoor settings, living history museumsMuseums, educational centers, indoor and outdoor exhibits
Employer & IndustryHistorical sites, living history museums, cultural heritage organizationsMuseums, science centers, cultural institutions

Both roles involve educating the public about history, but Historic Interpreters focus on immersive, on-site storytelling at historical locations, while Museum Educators typically work within museum settings to develop educational programs and tours. The choice depends on whether you prefer outdoor, experiential work or indoor, classroom-style education.

What are some common challenges faced by Historic Interpreters in engaging diverse audiences?

Historic Interpreters often encounter the challenge of making historical content accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and learning styles. They must balance accuracy with storytelling, adapting their presentations to suit school groups, families, and individuals with varying levels of prior knowledge. Additionally, interpreters may need to address sensitive or complex historical topics with care and professionalism, ensuring that discussions remain respectful and inclusive. Flexibility, creativity, and strong communication skills are essential in overcoming these challenges and fostering meaningful visitor experiences.

What Does a Historic Interpreter Do?

As a historic interpreter, your job is to help manage tours for visitors at a historic site and educate them about the history and details of the things they see. Unlike most jobs with interpreter in the name, this position does not involve translating between languages, though some historic interpreters are bilingual in order to serve visitors better. This job focuses on helping visitors understand the proper context of objects and information, such as how people in the past used specific tools or thought about particular events. Some details of this job vary based on the style and preferences of a specific tour site. This job could involve handling objects, managing videos, chaperoning children, or multitasking in a time-sensitive environment.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

For a Historic Interpreter, earning $3,000 a month typically requires full-time employment, which may involve seasonal or part-time work with additional hours or tips. Generally, jobs that pay around this amount without a degree include roles such as administrative assistants, sales representatives, or skilled trades like electricians or plumbers, often requiring relevant experience or certifications. These positions may also involve self-employment or freelance work, which can influence income levels.

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

To thrive as a Historic Interpreter, you need a solid background in history or museum studies, strong research skills, and often a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with interpretive planning software, audio-visual equipment, and educational resources is typically required. Exceptional communication, storytelling ability, and enthusiasm for engaging diverse audiences set outstanding interpreters apart. These skills are crucial for bringing history to life, educating the public, and creating memorable visitor experiences.
What cities are hiring for Historic Interpreter jobs? Cities with the most Historic Interpreter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Historic Interpreter jobs? The most popular types of Historic Interpreter jobs are:
What states have the most Historic Interpreter jobs? States with the most job openings for Historic Interpreter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Historic Interpreter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,020 per year, or $30.8 per hour.
Historical Interpreter I - HS65037755

Historical Interpreter I - HS65037755

State of North Carolina

Halifax, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


State Of North Carolina rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 50 rated states


Job description

Agency
Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources
Division
Historic Sites
Job Classification Title
Historical Interpreter I (S)
Position Number
65037755
Grade
NC03
About Us
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department's vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team!
Description of Work
The Historic Interpreter I is responsible for conducting interpretive programs, demonstrations and special events, conduct tours and programs as part of visitor services, give general on-site and off-site presentations, provide living history demonstrations, conduct appropriate artifact management and care techniques, coordinate a docent program, research topics, perform clerical and financial duties, operate gift shop, greet visitors and help with site maintenance.
Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Conducts tours and programs
• Greets and orients visitors
• Assists with event planning, logistics, and promotion
• Conducts living history interpretation and historic trades
• Provides historical information for exhibits, publications, tours, and programming
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.
Recruitment Range: $31,200.00 - $39,488.00
To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.
Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:
  • Experience with giving tours in a museum or historic site setting
  • Experience with event planning, promotion, and logistics
  • Experience with living history interpretation and historic trades

Position/Physical Requirements
  • Must be available to work the schedule of Tuesday - Saturday, 8:30am - 5:00pm, with occasional night and weekends work required as needed.
  • Must have a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
  • Must be able to do light physical activity level- lifting up to 20lbs, use of arms, legs, exertion of force, ability to climb a ladder with or without reasonable accommodation.

***SIGN-ON BONUS BEING OFFERED***
A sign-on bonus of $1500 is being offered for eligible candidates. See eligibility at https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy
*Payout contingent on funding availability*
This position is located at:
25 Saint David St.
Halifax, N.C. 27839
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma
AND
two years of experience in giving museum tours;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Section/Unit Description
Historic Halifax State Historic Site is part of the NC Division of Historic Sites. The purpose of this Division is to preserve and share the economic, cultural and political heritage of the state with citizens and visitors. Historic Halifax State Historic Site offers restored houses and museums depicting the 1760-1840 period. Halifax was an early riverport town that developed into a commercial and political center at the time of the American Revolution. Visitors can take guided tours on a scheduled basis and self-guided tours with some wayside exhibits erected. The visitor center has an orientation film and museum. Other buildings on site include the merchant's home (1760), two taverns (1790), the clerk's office (1832), the Jail (1838), the law office (1808), the plantation house (1808) and the archaeology museum.
Division Description
The mission of the N.C. Division of Historic Sites and Properties is to preserve, maintain, operate, interpret, and develop the historic properties and attendant historic resources significant to the state's overall history. A state historic site is a property of cultural and educational significance to the residents and visitors of North Carolina. Historic Sites are organized into geographic localities, which serve as a medium for communicating the economic, cultural, and political development of the state. https://historicsites.nc.gov/
Click here to learn about employee perks and benefits.
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Supplemental and Contact Information
The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence.
We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.
Application Process
Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.
  • Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.

  • Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application. The hiring process may take several weeks.

  • Be sure to complete the application in full. Applicants are unable to submit more than one application to an individual posting. Only one application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM on the night prior to the closing date

Degree/College Credit Verification
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.
Veteran's and National Guard Preference
Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.
ADA Accommodations
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.
Employment Eligibility
It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).
Sign On Bonus Eligibility
To be eligible for a sign-on bonus, the candidate must not have worked as a probationary, permanent, or time-limited employee in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including without limitation the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system, subject to the State Human Resources Act. Employee eligible for a sign-on must work at least 20 hours per week.
All Sign-on Bonuses are contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. Additional information regarding the Sign-on Policy can be found here.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Division of Human Resources
109 E. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-814-6670
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Mary McClintock
Email:
employment@dncr.nc.gov

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About State of North Carolina

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The State of North Carolina is not a traditional company, but rather the governmental body serving the state. From its base in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, this body provides a broad variety of public services, ranging from education and healthcare to taxation and conservation. Originally established when the region first became a state in 1789, the government of North Carolina has been dedicated to the service of its residents ever since. Its website, nc.gov, provides a portal through which the public can access information and services. The core mission of the body is to ensure the welfare, safety, and prosperity of North Carolina's citizens.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1789