What is an Archivist?
Job Description: Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
Life As an Archivist: What Do They Do?
- Authenticate and appraise historical documents and archival materials.
- Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials.
- Preserve records, documents, and objects, copying records to film, videotape, audiotape, disk, or computer formats as necessary.
- Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials.
- Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
- Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.
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What Every Archivist Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Archivists say are important on the job.
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.
Types of Archivist Jobs
- Records Administrator
- Museum Librarian
- Archives Specialist
- Director of Archives
- Docent Coordinator
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. The BLS estimates 800 yearly job openings in this field.

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 Average 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 & Technology do Archivists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Archivists:
- 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?
What kind of Archivist requirements are there?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Archivists Are Employed

Archivists work in the following industries:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming an Archivist might also be interested in the following careers:
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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