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Historical Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quinn Evans

Historical Landscape Architect

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$62K - $92K/yr

From revitalization and interpretation of historic sites to the preservation of places significant to Indigenous peoples, we strive for enduring stewardship in our work. Our award-winning portfolio ...

EMCOR Group Inc

EFS Historical

Washington, DC

$80K - $95K/yr

EMCOR Mechanical Services, an EMCOR Company, has an opening for a full-time experienced Information Technology Administrator in the greater Washington DC / Lanham, MD area. The IT Administrator will ...

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$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do historical jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for historical 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 some common challenges historians face when conducting research for academic or professional projects?

Historians often encounter challenges such as limited access to primary sources, incomplete archival records, and the need to critically assess the reliability of historical documents. Navigating language barriers, deciphering old handwriting, and interpreting context are also frequent hurdles. Additionally, historians must consistently balance the need for thoroughness with project deadlines, all while collaborating with archivists, librarians, and sometimes interdisciplinary teams to piece together accurate narratives.

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, critical thinking, and a solid educational background in history or a related field, often with an advanced degree. Familiarity with archival databases, digital research tools, and citation management software is typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and analytical curiosity help historians interpret sources and present findings effectively. These skills ensure historians can accurately analyze the past, contribute valuable insights, and communicate their work to both academic and public audiences.

What kinds of jobs are there in history?

Jobs in history include roles such as historian, archivist, museum curator, archaeological researcher, and history teacher. These positions often require strong research, writing, and analytical skills, and may involve working in educational institutions, museums, or research organizations.

What are the 10 oldest professions?

The oldest professions include farming, hunting, fishing, tool-making, pottery, weaving, trading, caregiving, blacksmithing, and construction. These roles emerged in early human societies as essential for survival and community development, often requiring skills passed down through generations. Many of these professions laid the foundation for modern trades and industries.

What kind of jobs can a history major do?

A history major can pursue careers in education, research, museums, archives, journalism, public history, and government. These roles often require strong research, writing, and analytical skills, and may involve working with historical documents, public outreach, or policy analysis.

What are historians?

Historians are professionals who study, research, and interpret past events. They analyze historical records, documents, and artifacts to understand how past societies lived and how their actions shaped the present. Historians often work in academic institutions, museums, archives, or as authors and consultants. Their work helps preserve knowledge and provides valuable context for understanding modern issues. They play a crucial role in ensuring that historical facts are accurately recorded and communicated.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the historical field, high-paying roles such as senior archivist, museum director, or historical consultant can reach or exceed $10,000 per month, especially with extensive experience and specialized skills. These positions often require deep knowledge of history, project management, and sometimes certifications, but may not always require a formal degree if experience and expertise are demonstrated.

What is the difference between Historical vs Archivist?

AspectHistoricalArchivist
Required CredentialsHistory degree, research skillsArchival certification, records management
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, museumsArchives, libraries, museums
Industry UsageHistorical research, educationPreserving records, managing collections

While both roles involve working with historical materials, a Historical professional focuses on research, analysis, and interpretation of historical data, often in educational or research settings. An Archivist specializes in preserving, organizing, and maintaining records and collections for future access. The two roles overlap in their use of historical materials but differ in their primary functions and certifications.

More about Historical jobs
What cities are hiring for Historical jobs? Cities with the most Historical job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Historical jobs? The most popular types of Historical jobs are:
What states have the most Historical jobs? States with the most job openings for Historical jobs include:
Historical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Historical job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Historical Interpreter

Historical Interpreter

Colonial Williamsburg

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Colonial Williamsburg rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 26 rated museums

Job description

Who We Are
Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is "that the future may learn from the past" through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia's colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.
Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.
Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today's evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.
About the Position
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Essential Functions:
  • Models excellent guest service. This includes orienting guests to the town and preparing them for a variety of experiences; checking admission tickets; arranging orderly entry to sites; assisting with the use digital resources; and recommending opportunities that excite and inspire guests.
  • Utilizes 18th century resources and skills along with modern interpretive techniques to bring our community to life for our guests through formal interpretation, tours, and informal dialogue.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of operational procedures, tour mechanics, security of buildings, and the preservation of collections, artifacts, buildings, and objects.
  • Participates in content training and professional development to cultivate a deeper understanding of the past to share with our audience.
  • Utilize credible research and resources to develop interpretations that represent the diverse historical narrative of 18th century Virginia.
  • Employ digital resources to maintain personal time sheets, track schedule changes, and stay informed with work related email and policy/procedure updates.
  • Fosters a positive workplace culture through good stewardship of resources, observing safety procedures, and meeting standards of professional behavior for the Department of Historic Interpretation and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by members of the DHI leadership team.
  • All interpretive staff members are expected to work a flexible schedule including holidays and weekends.
  • Maintain all safety and security procedures to ensure the safety of colleagues and guests.
  • Meet all standards of the Department of Historic Interpretation.

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.
This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.
Qualifications
Required and Education and Experience:
  • Required: High School Diploma or G.E.D.
  • Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in History, Communication, Education, or area of relevant study; or 12 months of work experience in areas of museums/living history, interpretation, education, customer service, or other areas of related work employing comparable skills.
  • Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's criteria.
    • Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
    • Must be at least 21 years of age
    • May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months
    • May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months
    • May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred:
  • Demonstrate aptitude for learning and sharing the history of the 18th century world relevant to Williamsburg, Colonial Virginia, British-American colonies, Eastern Woodlands Indigenous cultures, West African cultures, and the Trans-Atlantic world, with the ability to distill information for our audience.
  • Absorb and incorporate information, organize and present meaningful and relevant interpretations to diverse groups of all ages, backgrounds, and genders that cater to multiple learning styles.
  • Model exceptional guest service and demonstrate the ability to initiate conversations and maintain a welcoming and enthusiastic demeanor with guests and colleagues.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues, contractors, and other stakeholders to foster a professional and positive work environment.
  • Wear 18th century reproduction clothing as instructed and provided by Colonial Williamsburg's Department of Historical Clothing and Dress.
  • Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and flexibility.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules including weekends, holidays, and special events.
  • Demonstrate ability to work in all job-related environments, including inclement and varying weather conditions, extreme heat and cold; and to potentially come in contact with allergens and insects.
  • Able to meet physical requirements of the position including standing, walking, or talking for up to seven hours in a day.
  • Able to perform effectively and professionally under atypical conditions.
  • Must demonstrate ability to use digital resources, computers, and other electronic devices
  • Embraces an inclusive environment. Able and willing to collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Key Skills / Competencies:
  • Knowledge of 18th-century American history, particularly Colonial Virginia and Williamsburg
  • Ability to engage diverse audiences through dynamic historical interpretation and storytelling
  • Strong public speaking and interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to research, learn, retain, and accurately present historical content
  • Commitment to providing exceptional guest service and educational experiences
  • Ability to adapt interpretive approaches for varied audiences, learning styles, and group sizes
  • Ability to discuss complex or sensitive historical topics with professionalism and inclusivity
  • Strong teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced public environment, both indoors and outdoors
  • Ability to wear historical clothing and perform duties in a living history setting
  • Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and special events as needed

Physical and Environmental Demands:
Stand: Frequently
Walk: Frequently
Sit: Occasionally
Use hands/fingers: Frequently
Climb or balance: Occasionally
Stoop / kneel / crouch / crawl: Occasionally
Reach with hands/arms: Frequently
Talk or hear: Constantly
Lifting up to 10 lbs: Frequently
Lifting up to 25 lbs: Occasionally
Lifting up to 50 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
Lifting up to 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
More than 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
Wet/humid conditions: Frequently
Work near moving mechanical parts: Rarely
Fumes / airborne particles (dust, pollen, smoke): Occasionally
Extreme cold: Occasionally
Extreme heat: Occasionally
Typical Work Schedule:
Full-Time, 40 hours per week. Standard shift schedule is 8:45-5:15, occasionally required to work later into the evening.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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