Historian

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Work Tasks

HISTORIANS research, analyze, and interpret the past. They use many sources of information during their research, such as government and institutional records, newspapers, and other periodicals. They also use photographs, interviews, films, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters, in their research. They collect facts, opinions, and other information. Genealogists trace family histories. Biographers collect detailed information on individuals. Other historians help study and preserve archival materials, artifacts, and historic sites and buildings. They use standard techniques to locate, evaluate, and interpret historical evidence.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $57,500 average per year ($27.75 per hour)
• A small occupation (3,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.2% per year)

Entry Requirements

For HISTORIANS, a Ph.D. or equivalent degree is a minimum requirement for most positions in colleges and universities and is important for advancement to many top-level nonacademic research and administrative posts. Graduates with a master's degree qualify for teaching positions in community colleges. The bachelor's degree provides a suitable background for many different kinds of entry-level jobs, such as research assistant, administrative aide, or management trainee.