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Local Historian Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Local Historian information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.4K

$88.9K

$141.6K

How much do local historian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for local historian in Chicago, IL is $88,938.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $108,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by local historians in verifying historical information?

Local historians often encounter challenges such as limited access to primary sources, incomplete or conflicting records, and oral histories that may lack documentation. Verifying historical information frequently requires cross-referencing multiple sources, consulting archives, and engaging with local communities to piece together accurate narratives. Developing strong research skills and building relationships with libraries, museums, and longtime residents can help local historians overcome these obstacles and enhance the reliability of their work.

What is a local historian?

Local historians are individuals who research, document, and interpret the history of a specific geographic area, such as a town, city, or region. They collect and analyze historical records, oral histories, photographs, and artifacts to preserve the unique heritage of their community. Local historians often work with museums, archives, schools, or historical societies, and may write articles or books, create exhibitions, or give public talks. Their work helps foster a sense of identity and continuity by connecting present-day residents with their community's past.

What is the difference between Local Historian vs Museum Curator?

AspectLocal HistorianMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsHistory degree, research skillsHistory, museum studies, or related field
Work EnvironmentCommunity events, archives, local sitesMuseums, galleries, exhibit planning
Employer & IndustryHistorical societies, local governmentMuseums, cultural institutions
Search & Comparison IntentHistorical research, local historyExhibit curation, collection management

While both roles involve history and research, a Local Historian focuses on researching and sharing local history within communities, often engaging with the public and archives. A Museum Curator manages collections, designs exhibits, and works within museum settings. The roles overlap in historical knowledge but differ in work environment and specific responsibilities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a local historian?

To thrive as a Local Historian, you need a strong background in history, research methods, and archival management, often supported by a degree in history or related fields. Familiarity with digital archives, genealogical databases, and historical mapping tools is commonly required. Exceptional analytical thinking, curiosity, and strong written and verbal communication skills help set outstanding local historians apart. These competencies ensure accurate preservation, interpretation, and sharing of local heritage with both the community and wider audiences.

What are the most commonly searched types of Historian jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Historian jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Local Historian jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Local Historian jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Local Historian jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Local Historian job openings:

Infographic showing various Local Historian job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,938 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Project Leader Application Support

Packaging Corporation of America

Lake Forest, IL • On-site

$108K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Packaging Corporation Of America rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers - large and small - package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.
People • Customers • Trust
Responsibilities:
Position is primarily focused on support for applications, data historian (PI/PARCView) and setup/interfaces between OT and business networks for ten Paper Mills located throughout the United States. Environments include SQL Server, MS Windows/AD, OSI/PI and PARCView. Successful candidates will need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and have the ability to work well with others in a fast-paced industrial environment. Some travel is involved on a project by project basis.
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor degree in Computer Science or equivalent field of study.
• Experience with the following:
  • Supporting/communicating/Interfacing to control networks/PLC's (PI-OPCDA, PI-OPCHA, PI-OPCUA)
  • Software/application development using various development kits/tools (PI-OLE, PI-SDK or PIAFSDK)
  • Data Historian Software (OSI/PI)
    • Create/manage points
    • Configure/support Interfaces
    • User access
    • System management/installation/support
  • SQL Server database 2017+
    • Writing SQL queries.
    • Creating stored procedures / functions / views
  • Pluses for the following experience
    1. VB.Net / C#, .NET framework 4+
    2. Source control, preferably Git
    3. Web Development Experience
      • ASP.NET MVC, Web API, Blazor
      • JavaScript, JavaScript frameworks such as AngularJS
      • HTML5, CSS, Bootstrap
      • Mobile web development

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 4-8 years of experience using data historians, interfacing/communicating with control networks, software development

Knowledge-Skills-Abilities:
  • Must be able to work well under pressure and within time constraints, multi-task, and build sound relationships with both internal and external customers.
  • Must exhibit excellent communication, analytical, organizational and computer skills.
  • Must be capable of independently making sound decisions through creative problem-solving and detailed requirements-gathering.
  • Must be capable of working with ambiguity and change.

#LI-VP1
#LI-Remote
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
  • Salary range: $108,000-$135,000.
  • Within the first 30 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision - and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
  • Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions
  • Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA's good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.

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