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How much do public history jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for public history in the United States is $107,533.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $134,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public history?

A Public History job involves applying historical research and interpretation outside of traditional academic settings. Public historians work in museums, archives, historic sites, government agencies, and nonprofits, helping to preserve and communicate history to the public. Their tasks may include curating exhibits, managing collections, conducting oral histories, or developing educational programs. Public historians also contribute to historic preservation, policy advising, and digital history projects. The field bridges scholarly research with public engagement, making history accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.

What are typical daily responsibilities for someone working in public history?

Professionals in public history often engage in researching and interpreting historical topics, developing exhibits or educational programs, and curating collections for museums or historic sites. You may work on gathering oral histories, digitizing archival materials, or leading public tours and community events. Collaboration is common with curators, educators, researchers, and volunteers to ensure accurate and engaging public presentations. The role is both intellectually stimulating and highly interactive, often involving outreach to engage diverse community groups. As a result, public historians play a vital role in making history accessible and relevant beyond academic settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in public history, and why are they important?

To thrive in Public History, you need a solid understanding of historical research methods, public engagement strategies, and often a relevant degree such as public history, museum studies, or archival science. Familiarity with digital archives, collections management software, and interpretive exhibit tools is frequently required. Outstanding communication, collaboration, and project management abilities help professionals share history effectively with diverse audiences. These skills ensure accurate historical interpretation, engaging educational experiences, and successful outreach in museum, archival, or cultural heritage settings.

How to get a job in public history?

To get a job in public history, candidates typically need a relevant degree such as a master's in history, public history, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or working at museums, archives, or historic sites is important, along with developing skills in research, communication, and public engagement. Familiarity with digital tools and strong writing abilities can also enhance job prospects in this field.

Is a public history degree worth it?

A public history degree prepares individuals for careers in museums, archives, and cultural organizations by developing skills in research, interpretation, and public engagement. While job prospects can vary, the degree can enhance employability in these fields, especially when combined with internships or practical experience.

What can you do with a public history degree?

A public history degree prepares individuals for careers in museums, archives, historic preservation, and cultural resource management. Graduates often work as museum curators, historic site managers, archivists, or public educators, utilizing research, communication, and preservation skills in various settings.

What does a public history do?

A public historian applies historical knowledge to engage the public through museums, archives, historic sites, and community programs. They research, interpret, and communicate history to diverse audiences, often using storytelling, exhibits, and educational activities to make history accessible and relevant.
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public history jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public History job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,533 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Early American and Public History Professor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Salem, MA • On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Early American and Public History Professor (260005MS)

Job Description

Early American and Public History Professor - ( 260005MS )

Description

The History Department invites applicants for an open rank, full-time, temporary facultyposition in Colonial America/Early Republic and Public History to begin in Fall 2027.Teaching responsibilities willinclude upper-division and graduate courses in early American history, along with courses in Salem State’s public history concentration/graduate certificate program, the American history survey sequence, and regional world history.

The history department seeks a faculty member who is dedicated to educational excellence and thrives in a student-centered teaching program. Faculty members also serve the department through curriculum development, program evaluation, and service on departmental and university committees.

What makes Salem State University distinctive isn't just what happens in our classrooms. It's who's in them. Our students are ambitious, diverse and often the first in their families to pursue higher education. Our faculty rise to meet that with rigorous scholarship, thoughtful teaching and a genuine investment in student growth. We're the Commonwealth's Civic Engagement University and a proud Hispanic and Minority-Serving Institution, designations we've earned and take seriously. If you're looking for a collegial academic home where your work truly matters, Salem State delivers.

Duties and Responsibilities
Candidatesare required to perform duties in accordance with the MSCA contract. Duties include teaching, advising, scholarship and contributions to continuously improvethe department and university. The standard teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester. The position is subject to available funding.

  • PhD in history with specialization in early American history. ABD candidates will be considered, but PhD must be conferred by August 31, 2027.
  • Candidates must have demonstrated experience in historic preservation, material culture, digital history, and/or community-engaged practice.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous teaching experience at the college or university level.
  • Evidence of an active research agenda.
  • Salem State University seeks faculty and librarians whose teaching, scholarship, and service will contribute to student success, academic excellence, and the university’s public mission. We welcome candidates with demonstrated ability to work effectively with students from varied backgrounds and to support an inclusive learning environment. Applicants may describe relevant accomplishments in teaching, scholarship/research, service, and community-engaged work.

Working Location

This is an onsitepositionin Salem, MA with on-campus, in-person responsibilities.

Employment is contingent upon a completed background and CORI check satisfactory to the university.

This position is not eligible for H1B visa sponsorship.

EEO Statement

The university considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

ADA Statement

Salem State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and

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