What You Need to Know About Archivist
Job Description & Duties Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
List of Archivist Job Duties
- Locate new materials and direct their acquisition and display.
- Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.
- Specialize in an area of history or technology, researching topics or items relevant to collections to determine what should be retained or acquired.
- Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials.
- Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.
- Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
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Qualities of an Archivist
Archivists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Other Archivist Job Titles
- Docent
- Archives Specialist
- Museum Librarian
- Library Director
- Digital Archivist
Is There Job Demand for Archivists?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 6,800 jobs in the United States for Archivist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,000 new jobs for Archivist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 800 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Archivist are Nebraska, Kentucky, and Georgia. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Vermont, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Archivist Salary
The salary for Archivists ranges between about $30,440 and $90,830 a year.
Archivists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Georgia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Archivists make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $50,790 |
| Arizona | $43,890 |
| Arkansas | $59,480 |
| California | $72,240 |
| Colorado | $51,080 |
| Connecticut | $62,910 |
| Delaware | $46,080 |
| District of Columbia | $74,860 |
| Florida | $46,370 |
| Georgia | $64,160 |
| Illinois | $63,200 |
| Indiana | $40,920 |
| Kansas | $42,860 |
| Kentucky | $44,410 |
| Louisiana | $45,480 |
| Maine | $46,440 |
| Maryland | $67,360 |
| Massachusetts | $63,270 |
| Michigan | $52,380 |
| Minnesota | $46,700 |
| Missouri | $51,410 |
| Montana | $38,870 |
| New Jersey | $67,110 |
| New Mexico | $46,420 |
| New York | $56,270 |
| North Carolina | $51,960 |
| Ohio | $46,610 |
| Oklahoma | $41,790 |
| Oregon | $43,470 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,800 |
| Rhode Island | $59,520 |
| South Carolina | $42,530 |
| Tennessee | $38,430 |
| Texas | $66,120 |
| Utah | $34,400 |
| Vermont | $46,610 |
| Virginia | $55,400 |
| Washington | $56,690 |
| Wisconsin | $47,800 |
What Tools do Archivists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Archivists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Database software
- FileMaker Pro
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Extensible markup language XML
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Presentation software
- Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
- Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Suite
How do I Become an Archivist?
Are there Archivists education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Archivists Work
Below are examples of industries where Archivists work:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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References:
Image Credit: Jorge Royan via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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