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Reference Archivist Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Lincoln Reference Laboratory

Be Seen First

Laboratory Accessioner Night shift

Union, NJ · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

... archiving for specimens sent to another laboratory for testing. Requirements: Accessioning ... Thank you Job Type: Full-time Company Description Lincoln Reference Laboratory is one of the ...

Nycarchivists

Executive Director

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75 - $85/hr

New York Preservation Archives Project (NYPAP) Executive Director (April 21, 2026) Position Title ... references with telephone and email contact information as a single .PDF document to NYPAP's Chair ...

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All JobsReference Archivist JobsReference Archivist Jobs in New York

Reference Archivist information

See New York salary details

$12K

$57.4K

How much do reference archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference archivist in New York is $57,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,900.00 and $57,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a reference archivist?

A Reference Archivist is a professional who assists researchers, students, and the public in accessing and interpreting archival materials. They manage requests for information, guide users in finding relevant documents, and ensure that archival records are preserved while being accessible. Reference Archivists often work in libraries, museums, government agencies, or historical societies, and may also create finding aids and educational materials to help users understand collections. Their expertise helps bridge the gap between archival resources and those who need them.

How does a reference archivist typically collaborate with researchers and other departments within an organization?

Reference Archivists work closely with researchers, historians, and internal departments to facilitate access to archival materials. They assist users in navigating finding aids, respond to reference queries, and provide guidance on handling and interpreting archival documents. Collaboration often involves coordinating with records managers, digital archivists, and conservation staff to ensure materials are accessible and preserved. This teamwork ensures that both internal stakeholders and external patrons can make the best use of archival collections.

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

To thrive as a Reference Archivist, you typically need a master's degree in library science or archival studies, along with strong research and organizational skills. Familiarity with archival databases, digital asset management systems, and metadata standards like EAD or MARC is essential. Exceptional communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities help Reference Archivists assist diverse users and collaborate with colleagues. These competencies ensure efficient access to archival materials, preservation of historical records, and high-quality service to researchers and the public.

What is the difference between Reference Archivist vs Archivist?

AspectReference ArchivistArchivist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science or Archival Studies, certifications like CA or ALASimilar educational background, often with specialized archival certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic and academic libraries, archives, museumsArchives, historical societies, museums, government agencies
Job FocusAssisting users with research, managing reference collectionsPreserving, organizing, and maintaining archival collections
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for roles involving user assistance and reference servicesMore focused on preservation and collection management

The main difference is that a Reference Archivist primarily assists users with research and reference services, while an Archivist focuses on preserving and organizing collections. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in archival environments, but their core responsibilities differ in focus.

How much money does a reference archivist make?

A reference archivist's salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can be higher with specialized skills, certifications, or working in larger institutions.

Is there a high demand for reference archivists?

Reference archivists are in moderate demand as organizations seek to preserve and provide access to historical records and digital assets. Employment growth is steady, especially for those with strong research skills, familiarity with archival management software, and relevant certifications. Job opportunities are often found in museums, libraries, government agencies, and corporate archives.

What qualifications do you need as a reference archivist?

A reference archivist typically needs a bachelor's degree in history, library science, archival studies, or a related field; a master's degree is often preferred. Relevant skills include knowledge of archival management, cataloging, and familiarity with digital tools and databases. Certification from professional organizations can enhance job prospects, and experience with reference services is valuable.

What type of reference archivist makes the most money?

Senior or specialized reference archivists with advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience tend to earn the highest salaries. Archivists working in large institutions, government agencies, or with rare or valuable collections often have higher pay due to the complexity of their work and the level of expertise required.

What are popular job titles related to Reference Archivist jobs in New York?

For Reference Archivist jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Reference Archivist jobs in New York look for?

The top searched job categories for Reference Archivist jobs in New York are:

What are popular job titles related to Reference Archivist jobs in NY?

For Reference Archivist jobs in NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Reference Archivist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Archivist job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Internship, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $57,102 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Assistant University Archivist

New York University

New York, NY

$77K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 hours ago

New York University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Oversee day-to-day archival reference operations serving both in-person and remote patrons, including internal partners. Manage large-scale research projects for administrative offices and departments. Coordinate the sharing of collection content across the website, blog, and social media platforms. Serve as a liaison with communications departments across the University. Supervise and train all student employees. Work with the University Archivist on outreach, student instruction, and collection development.


Required Education:
Master's Degree in Library & Information Science or Archival Studies from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent.
Required Experience:
3+ years relevant archival experience with at least 2 years of experience in an academic or institutional archive or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Experience:
3+ years Library digitization involving library metadata and/or experience working at a university archives/repository.
Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Excellent organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of archives and manuscripts management. Proficiency with archival standards and literature.
Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Experience with outreach activities, including exhibition and workshop planning.


In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is USD $77,000.00 to USD $91,644.94. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, clinical compensation, or other items.
NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more at nyu.edu/nyugreen.
NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply at all levels.

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About New York University

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Since its founding in 1831, NYU has been an innovator in higher education, reaching out to an emerging middle class, embracing an urban identity and professional focus, and promoting a global vision that informs its 20 schools and colleges. Today, that trailblazing spirit makes NYU one of the most prominent and respected research universities in the world, featuring top-ranked academic programs and accepting fewer than one in eight undergraduates. Anchored in New York City and with degree-granting campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai as well as 12 study away sites throughout the world, NYU is a leader in global education, with more international students and more students studying abroad than any other US university.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1831

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