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Oral History Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Samford University

Research Assistant

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

Conduct and transcribe oral history interviews related to the university historian's current research projects. * Organize archival materials, digital files, oral histories, and bibliographic ...

Lakewood

Museum Curator

Lakewood, CO

$74K - $82K/yr

Conducts oral history interviews or directs staff and/or volunteers to follow best practices in the process of attaining oral histories. Maintains historic structures and other macro artifacts ...

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How much do oral history jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for oral history in the United States is $58,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals working in Oral History roles?

A common challenge in Oral History roles is establishing rapport with interview subjects to elicit meaningful and candid insights, which can take time and patience. Oral historians often work with sensitive topics or vulnerable populations, requiring careful handling of both ethical and emotional issues. Additionally, managing large volumes of recordings, ensuring accurate transcriptions, and maintaining well-organized archives can present logistical difficulties. Being detail-oriented and adaptable are key to overcoming these hurdles and ensuring the collected histories are preserved accurately and respectfully.

What is an Oral History job?

An Oral History job involves collecting, preserving, and interpreting historical narratives through recorded interviews. Professionals in this field conduct interviews with individuals to document personal experiences, memories, and historical events. They may work in museums, archives, universities, or research institutions to transcribe, archive, and analyze oral histories for educational or preservation purposes. This role requires strong research, interviewing, and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Oral History position, and why are they important?

To excel in Oral History, you need strong interviewing, recording, and research skills, generally supported by a background in history, anthropology, or related fields. Familiarity with audio and video recording equipment, transcription software, and digital archiving platforms is highly beneficial. Outstanding listening skills, empathy, and cultural sensitivity help build trust with interview subjects and capture authentic narratives. These competencies are essential to accurately preserve and interpret personal histories for academic, cultural, or community purposes.

More about Oral History jobs
What cities are hiring for Oral History jobs? Cities with the most Oral History job openings:
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What states have the most Oral History jobs? States with the most job openings for Oral History jobs include:
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Oral History jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oral History job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,099 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Oral History Manager

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

Warm Springs, OR

$74K - $88K/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

The Oral History Manager oversees transcription, digitization, and archival processes for oral history projects, ensuring cultural integrity, accuracy, and accessibility of records. This role supervises Oral History Technicians, manages transcription and media transfer procedures, and ensures data supports organizational and cultural goals. The position requires a balance of technical proficiency, cultural sensitivity, and leadership skills, working closely with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Research Office (CTWSRO). The Oral History Manager also participates in interviews, supports archaeological fieldwork during active field seasons, and collaborates with Tribal Anthropologists, Principal Investigators, and GeoVisions’ Operations team.

Administrative Functions
● Maintain accurate and organized oral history records.
● Oversee digitization of physical media (VHS, cassette tapes, MiniDV, MiniDisk) into digital formats.
● Create and update operational guidelines for transcription.
● Coordinate with CTWSRO to ensure cultural and historical accuracy.

Supervision & Leadership
● Supervise Oral History Technicians to ensure consistent transcription and digitization practices.
● Monitor transcription quality and progress; provide coaching and feedback.
● Mentor staff in oral history methodology and cultural sensitivity.
● Develop and deliver training for Oral History Technicians on transcription, digitization, and oral history methods.
● Stay current on best practices in oral history and archival technology. Fieldwork & Interviews
● Conduct oral history interviews in office and field settings.
● Participate in archaeological fieldwork during active field seasons when required.
● Plan and coordinate travel for field interviews and site visits.

Requirements
Education Required:
● Bachelor of Arts/Science (BA/BS) in Anthropology or related field (emphasis in Archaeology preferred).
● Combined experience, primarily qualitative, may substitute for degree.

Preferred:
● Master of Arts/Science (MA/MS) in Anthropology with emphasis in Archaeology.
● Certification/completion of an accredited Field School.

Experience Required:
● CTWSRO Tribal Member with familiarity with the Warm Springs community, or comparable cultural knowledge.
● Experience conducting oral history interviews using camcorders, cameras, and audio equipment.
● 1+ years of educational or employment experience in CRM, ethnography, or cultural research.

Preferred:
● 2+ years conducting oral history interviews with proven training in methodology.
● 3+ years of experience in anthropological archaeology, ethnography, or related fields.
● Experience preparing interview questions, transcriptions, and data management for site forms.

Physical Demands:
● Regular use of computers, phones, and digital/audio equipment for transcription, interviews, and coordination.
● Conduct oral history interviews with recording equipment in office and field settings.
● Travel to project sites and offices as required.
● If engaged in fieldwork: ○ Hike up to 10 miles/day (with breaks).
○ Work outdoors in adverse weather (heat, wind, dust, precipitation).
○ Navigate varied terrain with vegetation, changing elevations, and potential wildlife encounters. Lift/carry up to 50 lbs of equipment and personal items.
○ Adapt to remote environments and temporary lodging.