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History Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Professor of History Compensation: $62,000 - $70,000 Department: History Start Date: 08/16/2027 About this opportunity: The Department of History has a tenure-track position in Social ...

The University of Austin (UATX) invites applications for a Visiting Professor of American History to teach in the Center for Economics, Politics & History for the Winter 2026 and Spring 2026 terms. A ...

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History Professor information

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$50.5K

$117.3K

$133K

How much do history professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for history professor in the United States is $117,283.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,000.00 and $132,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a History Professor do?

A History Professor teaches courses in history at colleges or universities, conducts research in their area of expertise, and publishes scholarly articles or books. They also advise students, develop curriculum, and may participate in academic conferences. In addition, History Professors often mentor students, supervise research projects, and serve on departmental or university committees. Their work helps students gain a deeper understanding of historical events, cultures, and trends, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.

Are history professors in high demand?

History professors are employed primarily in higher education institutions, but overall demand for them is steady and depends on factors such as enrollment trends and funding. While some regions may experience limited growth, strong research, teaching skills, and advanced degrees can improve job prospects in academia. Competition for positions can be high, and many roles require a Ph.D. and experience in research and curriculum development.

How much do you get paid as a history professor?

The salary of a history professor varies depending on the institution, experience, and location, but the median annual salary in the United States is around $80,000. Salaries can range from approximately $50,000 for entry-level positions to over $150,000 for senior or tenured professors. Many also receive benefits such as health insurance and research funding.

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

To thrive as a History Professor, you need an advanced degree in history or a related field, deep subject matter expertise, and experience in academic research and teaching. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas or Blackboard and proficiency in research databases such as JSTOR are typically required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and mentorship abilities help foster student engagement and support scholarly collaboration. These skills ensure effective knowledge transfer, robust academic research, and a positive learning environment for students.

What Does a History Professor Do?

A history professor teaches history to students at a college or university and conducts research on the subject. As a history professor, you prepare lessons for each class you teach and provide engaging instruction on the subjects your students must learn. Grading student work and evaluating their progress is an essential aspect of your job as a history professor. Depending on your level of experience, you may teach undergraduate or graduate courses.

What to do to become a history professor?

To become a history professor, you typically need to earn a doctoral degree in history or a related field, such as a Ph.D., which involves completing coursework, research, and a dissertation. Academic positions also require teaching experience, a strong publication record, and expertise in a specific historical area.

Is it hard to get a job as a history professor?

Securing a position as a history professor can be competitive, often requiring a Ph.D. in history or a related field, a strong research record, and teaching experience. Job availability depends on academic institutions' funding and hiring needs, and candidates typically go through a rigorous application and interview process.

What is the difference between History Professor vs History Teacher?

AspectHistory ProfessorHistory Teacher
Required CredentialsDoctorate (Ph.D.) or Master’s degree in HistoryBachelor’s degree in Education or History
Work EnvironmentColleges and universities, academic settingsHigh schools, secondary education institutions
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, academiaPublic and private high schools
Common Search & Comparison IntentAcademic career, research, university teachingSecondary education, classroom teaching

In summary, a History Professor typically works in higher education institutions, requiring advanced degrees like a Ph.D., and focuses on research and university-level teaching. Conversely, a History Teacher works in high schools, usually holding a bachelor’s degree, and primarily teaches students at the secondary level. Both roles involve teaching history but differ significantly in credentials, work environment, and career focus.

How do History Professors typically balance teaching, research, and administrative duties?

History Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including developing and delivering lectures, conducting original research, publishing scholarly work, and participating in departmental meetings or committees. Achieving this balance requires strong time management and prioritization skills, as teaching loads and research expectations can vary by institution. Many professors set aside specific days or hours for research and writing, while using other times for student advising and administrative tasks. Collaboration with colleagues and mentorship of graduate students are also integral parts of the role.
What cities are hiring for History Professor jobs? Cities with the most History Professor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of History Professor jobs? The most popular types of History Professor jobs are:
What states have the most History Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for History Professor jobs include:
Infographic showing various History Professor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,283 per year, or $56.4 per hour.
Assistant Professor of History

Assistant Professor of History

Wesleyan University

Middletown, CT • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Wesleyan University's History Department invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professorship in the history of Japan, to begin July 1, 2027. Period and subfield of specialization are open, but the ability to teach surveys of premodern and modern Japan is expected. The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in hand by the time of appointment and will be fully housed in the History Department.
Teaching responsibilities (2-2 teaching load, on campus) will include survey courses of premodern and modern Japan, as well as surveys and first-year and advanced seminars in the successful applicant's areas of specialization. Additional duties include advising and mentoring students, carrying on a program of research, and participating in faculty governance at the departmental and university level.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in history or a closely related field in hand by the time of appointment to be hired as an Assistant Professor; a successful candidate may be hired as an Instructor if the candidate does not have a Ph.D. in hand at the time of appointment, but will complete the Ph.D in history or a closely related field within one year of hire.
Application Instructions:
You will be asked to upload electronic versions of the items we require, which are: (1) a cover letter of application, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a chapter-length writing sample, and may include (4) a separate statement of current research, and (5) a teaching statement. In the cover letter, applicants should describe how they will embrace the college's commitment to fostering an inclusive community, as well as their experience working with individuals from historically marginalized or underserved groups. You will also be asked to provide the email addresses of three referees from whom we may obtain confidential letters of recommendation (please double-check the accuracy of the email addresses of the referees you name to ensure that you have the most up-to-date email addresses for each one).
Applications completed by October 15, 2026 will receive full consideration. Please contact Ying Jia Tan at ytan@wesleyan.edu if you have questions about the application process.
Work Location: On Campus
All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate's completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.
Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.
Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University's Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html.
Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html
Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.
Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html.