1

Historical Archivist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Archivist

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$29.48 - $38.32/hr

MBEL is a trusted and authoritative resource on Eddy and the history of the Christian Science ... Follows archival standards and department policies and procedures to ensure the long-term care and ...

Archivist

Campus, IL ยท On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

Bachelor's degree in history, related field and five years archival experience may be required for some assignments. An advanced degree in a related field or certification as a Registered Archivist ...

Master's degree in History/Public History with coursework in archival administration, or a Master's Degree in a related field, may substitute for the required Master's degree in Library or ...

Knowledge of history and culture of the African Diaspora * Experience working with digital content ... archives or manuscript repository Experience working with born digital and digitized archival ...

Archivist

Salt Lake City, UT ยท On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

Bachelor's degree in history, related field and five years archival experience may be required for some assignments. An advanced degree in a related field or certification as a Registered Archivist ...

Archivist

Campus, IL ยท On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

Bachelor's degree in history, related field and five years archival experience may be required for some assignments. An advanced degree in a related field or certification as a Registered Archivist ...

Bachelor's degree in history, related field and five years archival experience may be required for some assignments. An advanced degree in a related field or certification as a Registered Archivist ...

Processing Archivist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$60K/yr

Subject familiarity with one or more of the collecting foci of the Archives & Special Collections is preferred, particularly the history of evangelical Christianity in the United States. Faith ...

Digital Archivist

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$100 - $110/hr

Interest and experience in art history a plus, and French language skills strongly preferred. The ability to travel locally as needed. Responsibilities * Manage and enhance the digital archives

New

Processing Archivist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$60K/yr

Subject familiarity with one or more of the collecting foci of the Archives & Special Collections is preferred, particularly the history of evangelical Christianity in the United States. Faith ...

Promotes an understanding of the university's archives, including Fisk's history, through discussions with visiting scholars upon request and instructional sessions with Fisk faculty and students ...

Digital Archivist

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$50.40 - $56/hr

... rich history of impactful contributions, offering an exciting environment for top talent. Are you ... Appraise, organize, and catalog archival materials in accordance with established best practices.

Promotes an understanding of the university's archives, including Fisk's history, through discussions with visiting scholars upon request and instructional sessions with Fisk faculty and students ...

University Archivist

Hamilton, NY ยท On-site

$65K/yr

These collections document the history of the university from the 1810s to the present. The university archivist also participates in records management activities for university records, and ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Historical Archivist information

See salary details

$28.5K

$72.8K

$119K

How much do historical archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for historical archivist in the United States is $72,781.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a historical archivist?

A Historical Archivist needs expertise in archival science, records management, and historical research, typically supported by a degree in history, library science, or a related field. Familiarity with digital archiving systems, cataloging software (such as Archivists' Toolkit or ArchivesSpace), and preservation techniques is essential. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication help archivists manage collections and assist researchers. These skills are vital for preserving historical records, ensuring accessibility, and safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations.

What are some common challenges faced by historical archivists when managing large or fragile collections?

Historical archivists often encounter challenges related to preserving and organizing vast collections, especially when dealing with delicate or deteriorating materials. Ensuring proper environmental controls, such as temperature and humidity, is crucial to prevent further damage to fragile items. Additionally, digitizing records for broader access and managing metadata can be time-consuming but essential for both preservation and research purposes. Collaborating with other archivists, librarians, and researchers is common, and clear communication is key to maintaining collection integrity and accessibility.

What is the difference between Historical Archivist vs Museum Archivist?

AspectHistorical ArchivistMuseum Archivist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History, Archival Science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Museum Studies, History, or Archival Science
Work EnvironmentArchives, historical institutions, government agenciesMuseums, cultural institutions, historical societies
Industry UsagePrimarily in archives and historical researchPrimarily in museums and exhibit management
Job FocusPreserving and organizing historical records and documentsManaging museum collections and supporting exhibits

While both roles involve managing historical materials, a Historical Archivist focuses on preserving and organizing records for research and historical reference, often working in archives or government agencies. A Museum Archivist, on the other hand, manages collections specifically for display and educational purposes within museums. Both roles require similar credentials but serve different institutional needs.

How much does a historical archivist make?

The average salary for a historical archivist in the United States is around $50,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Archivists with specialized skills or working in larger institutions may earn higher salaries, and certifications can also influence compensation.

What degree do you need to be a historical archivist?

A historical archivist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in history, library science, archival studies, or a related field. Many positions prefer or require a master's degree in library and information science or archival studies, along with skills in cataloging, preservation, and the use of archival management software.
More about Historical Archivist jobs

What cities are hiring for Historical Archivist jobs?

Cities with the most Historical Archivist job openings:

What states have the most Historical Archivist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Historical Archivist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Historical Archivist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,781 per year, or $35 per hour.

Assistant Archivist

Christian Science

Boston, MA โ€ข On-site

$29.48 - $38.32/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Department: Mary Baker Eddy Library
SUMMARY
The Assistant Archivist is a full-time position that supports preservation, cataloging, registration, and research in collections of The Mary Baker Eddy Library (MBEL).
MBEL is a trusted and authoritative resource on Eddy and the history of the Christian Science movement, providing public access to original materials and educational experiences about Eddy, the ideas she advanced, her writings, and the institutions she founded and their healing mission.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Archival Management Assistance (100%)
  • Follows archival standards and department policies and procedures to ensure the long-term care and preservation of the field and special collections
  • Practices proper handling of all collections materials
  • Catalogs collections items, creating records in collection management systems or editing existing records
  • Assists with responding to research queries about materials in the special collections
  • Develops and implements processing plans independently
  • Arranges and describes archival collections
  • Prepares finding aids and indexes to collections
  • Completes first reviews of previously unreviewed archival materials to determine whether they may be opened for research
  • Participates in large-scale collection processing, scanning, and deaccessioning projects
  • Digitizes documents, manuscripts, and rare books using archival standards and advanced scanning technology for internal and external requests and projects
  • Participates in MBEL-wide projects, such as exhibit development and publishing projects
  • Assists in handling of art and objects for storage and exhibit preparation
  • Assists in research, review, and assessment of art and artifact collections
  • Assists in reviewing donation offers and recommends accepting or declining them based on research and MBEL's established collecting policies
  • Prepares reports and documentation for legal review
  • Writes content for MBEL website, including collection summaries and articles
  • Serves as a super user for MBEL's collections management system, supporting other users and assisting the Archivist in providing training
  • Verifies transcriptions of oral histories
  • Attends conferences and workshops as a representative of MBEL
  • Participates in routine management and housekeeping of the collections spaces

Performs other duties as assigned
STAFF MANAGEMENT AND JOB CONTACTS
Reporting Relationships
Supervisor: Manager of Records Management and Special Collections
Supervises: N/A
Regular Contacts
The Assistant Archivist will primarily support the work of Special Collections colleagues under supervision and guidance from the Manager of Records Management and Special Collections and in consultation with the Archivist. This position will also work closely with all members of MBEL's Research and Collections division and other MBEL staff and may work with other departments in the church organization.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience
Master's Degree in Library and Information Science or two to three years direct experience in archival processing required. One to two years experience in general archival work preferred.
Knowledge/Skills
Knowledge of archival practices of appraisal, arranging, and description required, as well as the ability to quickly learn about and recognize significant people, places, and events related to Mary Baker Eddy, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and its affiliates, and the history of the Christian Science movement. Clear written and oral communication skills also required. Knowledge of or experience with strategies for historical research preferred.
Technology Skills
Aptitude for learning digital asset management systems, collection management systems, archive collection management systems, and/or records management systems, including knowledge of metadata standards and controlled vocabularies for archives, museums, and news organizations. Practical experience with collections management systems and records management systems a plus.
Work Environment
This position regularly works in an office environment with the opportunity for a hybrid schedule.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to safely lift and move heavy materials (of up to 30-40 pounds), shelve and reshelve materials within repository areas, and maneuver heavily loaded carts.
Christian Science Information
Mother Church membership is required. The ideal candidate values Mary Baker Eddy's life and work, and recognizes the Library's role in furthering the mission of her church.
Pay range: $29.48 - $38.32 hourly
The pay ranges disclosed in our job postings are the compensation ranges the Church reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for a given position at the time of posting.
The offered salary will be determined by factors such as the applicant's relevant education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities; and benchmarking, work location, and internal equity.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
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.