Historian
Historian
Library, Museum & Cultural Heritage Careers
Historian workers research, analyze and communicate evidence about people, institutions, places and events.
What You Would Do
- Historian workers research
- Analyze and communicate evidence about people
- Institutions
- Places and events
- Follow the laws
- Policies
The exact work depends on the institution, collection, community, audience, funding and professional role.
Types of Work You Could Explore
Archives — Appraise, arrange, describe, preserve and provide access to enduring records.
Source criticism — Explore source criticism. Learn the responsibilities, methods, tools and qualifications used in this work.
Oral history — Explore oral history. Learn the responsibilities, methods, tools and qualifications used in this work.
Writing — Explore writing. Learn the responsibilities, methods, tools and qualifications used in this work.
Public history — Explore public history. Learn the responsibilities, methods, tools and qualifications used in this work.
Exhibits — Prepare objects, mounts, labels, spaces and interpretive elements for safe public display.
Preservation — Protect historically or culturally important places, objects, records or digital materials.
Teaching — Explore teaching. Learn the responsibilities, methods, tools and qualifications used in this work.
You do not have to choose a specialty before you begin. Job titles and specialty names vary among employers and training programs, and one job may include more than one type of work.
Who Might Like This Career
This career may appeal to you if you are interested in archives, source criticism, oral history. It can be a good fit for people who enjoy careful problem solving, accurate work, learning how information, objects, history and public access connect and seeing a clear result from their effort.
Where You Could Work
government, museums, historic sites, universities, consulting firms and nonprofits.
Pay and Job Outlook
Median annual pay: $60,330 in May 2025 for archivists, curators and museum workers, a broad comparison group.
These are national U.S. figures for the occupation or comparison group named above, not a promised starting salary. Pay can vary considerably by location, experience, specialty, overtime, union agreement, employer, role, industry, experience, credentials and location. People starting the career commonly earn less than experienced workers; paid training programs may increase wages as skills grow.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics career and pay information
Skills You Can Start Building
- Historian workers research, analyze and communicate evidence about people, institutions, places and events
- Follow the laws, policies, evidence and professional standards that apply to the role
- Organize and describe objects, records or information accurately
- Research context, provenance and user needs
- Protect collections and digital information through sound handling
- Help visitors, students or researchers find and understand resources
- Document decisions and follow ethical, legal and institutional standards
How Historian Work Is Changing
Digitization, collection-management systems, three-dimensional imaging, environmental monitoring and digital-preservation tools are changing cultural institutions.
AI may assist with transcription, description, discovery and restoration planning. Institutions must verify accuracy, preserve provenance, respect rights and communities, and keep experts accountable for decisions.
Digital access is expanding, but cultural work still depends on human research, careful description, ethical judgment, physical stewardship and meaningful interpretation.
Education and Training
Preparation may include paid assistant or technician work, apprenticeship, volunteering paired with education, certificates, college or graduate study. Librarian, archivist, curator, conservator, historian and archaeology roles commonly require specialized degrees.
Career Pathways and Apprenticeship Availability
Typical pathway: Employer training and related paid experience are common; apprenticeship availability varies.
Professional historian roles commonly require a graduate degree. Public-history apprenticeships, fellowships and paid project roles may provide experience.
A Registered Apprenticeship follows an approved training plan and combines paid work, supervised learning, related instruction and progressive skill development. Some employers use the word apprenticeship for paid programs that are not registered. Ask the sponsor which type it is and what credential, wage progression and job it provides.
Licenses and Certifications
Requirements vary by role and institution. School librarians may need educator credentials; preservation and archaeology work may be governed by contracts, permits and professional standards. Verify requirements before enrolling.
Look up licenses in your state
Career Pathways to Learn Historian and Gain Experience
Apprenticeship — Learn through real paid work with experienced workers who teach and guide you, supported by technical instruction and a structure for developing and measuring progress. Some apprenticeships are Registered Apprenticeships; others are not.
Entry-Level Jobs — Gain paid experience with tools, equipment, customer service, safety and workplace practices through beginning work in the field.
Youth Apprenticeship — Begin developing career skills through work while continuing high-school education where a suitable program is available.
Career and Technical Education CTE — Build applied skills through library technology, museum studies, archives, digital media, exhibit fabrication, history or preservation programs.
Pre-Apprenticeship — Learn introductory skills, safety and workplace expectations while preparing for apprenticeship or employment. Verify that the program connects participants with real employers and does not charge tuition simply for possible access to an apprenticeship.
Co-op — Combine education with career-related work experience through a high school, CTE program, community college or other educational program.
Paid Work-Based Learning — Get paid to do real work for an employer while learning skills and gaining experience related to the career.
Institutional or Professional Training — Learn collection systems, handling, preservation, interpretation, rights and role-specific professional standards.
From Learning to Experienced Work
Skills develop through practice and experience. People who are new to the work usually receive more instruction and supervision. As they demonstrate skill, judgment and reliability, they take on more difficult work, greater responsibility and more independent assignments.
A common progression: Learn → Practice → Gain Experience → Build Confidence → Take on More Responsibility → Work More Independently
Experienced workers may eventually supervise work or teach and guide newer workers, trainees and apprentices.
Where This Career Can Lead
With experience and required education, you may specialize by collection or audience, lead projects, supervise services, manage an institution, teach, conduct research or direct preservation and access programs.
Questions to Ask Before You Apply
- Is this a paid job from the beginning?
- Is it a Registered Apprenticeship, an employer-run apprenticeship, another training program or a regular job with training?
- What equipment and work will I learn, and who will teach me on the job?
- How does pay increase as I gain skills?
- Who provides the classes, and can I earn college credit or an industry credential?
- What tools, transportation, physical requirements, licenses, background checks or costs should I expect?
Explore related careers
Consider these careers with overlapping tools, materials, systems or work settings:
Archaeology
Library and Information Services
Archives and Records Management
Museum Operations
Curation and Collections
Museum Education and Public Programs
Conservation and Restoration
Explore opportunities
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