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Reference Archivist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Hawai'i

ARCHIVIST III - OAHU

Honolulu, HI

$5.1K - $7.2K/mo

Duties Summary Independently performs professional archival work and assumes responsibility for the ... Professional library work maintaining an efficient reference service dealing with the fields of ...

The Chickasaw Nation

Archival Technician

Sulphur, OK · On-site

This also includes professional archival services in digitization practices such as imaging of ... Provide reference services to internal and external audiences by providing access, interpreting ...

Arlington County, VA

Archival Supervisor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$93K - $144K/yr

Leading archival collection development through acquisition, processing, and preservation of ... Providing in-depth research, reference and other services to patrons; * Coordinating and/or ...

The New York Historical

Reference Librarian

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

Reference Librarian DEPARTMENT: Library REPORTS TO: Director of Library Curatorial Affairs amp ... Researchers access the Library's manuscripts and archival collections; books, newspapers, maps, and ...

NY History

Reference Librarian

New York, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

Reference Librarian DEPARTMENT: Library REPORTS TO: Director of Library Curatorial Affairs ... Researchers access the Library's manuscripts and archival collections; books, newspapers, maps, and ...

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Reference Archivist information

See salary details

$11K

$52.5K

How much do reference archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference archivist in the United States is $52,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $52,500.00 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.

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.

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 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.

More about Reference Archivist jobs
What cities are hiring for Reference Archivist jobs? Cities with the most Reference Archivist job openings:
What states have the most Reference Archivist jobs? States with the most job openings for Reference Archivist jobs include:
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What are popular job titles related to Reference Archivist jobs? For Reference Archivist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Reference Archivist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Archivist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Locum Tenens, 17% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 23% Temporary, 7% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,194 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Archives Technician

Volunteer at NARA | National Archives

College Park, MD • On-site

$46K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Archives and Records Administration. Incumbent performs declassification processing work and data entry, including analyzing classified documents to identify equity- holding agencies and types of sensitive information, and applying appropriate agency guidelines to determine what may be declassified and what must be referred to specialists from other agencies.Qualifications:

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Specialized Experience for the GS-06 grade level is defined as one year of experience at the GS-05 grade level, or equivalent, that is typically in or related to the position and which equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience:

  • Communicating with customers and responding to inquiries, verbally or in writing; AND
  • Using systems to locate items and/or using documentation to identify information relevant to a work assignment; AND
  • Applying regulations and policies to accomplish work assignments.

Specialized Experience for the GS-05 grade level is defined as one year of experience at the GS-04 grade level, or equivalent, that is typically in or related to the position and which equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience:
  • Communicating to customer inquiries, verbally or in writing; AND
  • Experience filing records; AND
  • Following and referencing archival policy and procedures.
OR
You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: 4 years above high school
OR
You may qualify by a combination of experience and education.
NOTE: Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e., beyond the second year) is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement. One full academic year of study (30 semester hours) beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience.Education:

Education Requirements: The education generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Employment Type: OTHER

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