All About Historians
Historian Job Description Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.
What Do Historians Do On a Daily Basis?
- Present historical accounts in terms of individuals or social, ethnic, political, economic, or geographic groupings.
- Trace historical development in a particular field, such as social, cultural, political, or diplomatic history.
- Advise or consult with individuals and institutions regarding issues such as the historical authenticity of materials or the customs of a specific historical period.
- Edit historical society publications.
- Collect detailed information on individuals for use in biographies.
- Recommend actions related to historical art, such as which items to add to a collection or which items to display in an exhibit.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Historian?
When polled, Historians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Historic Interpreter
- County Records Management Officer (County RMO)
- County Historian
- Historical Interpreter
- Research Associate
Job Outlook for Historians
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 3,300 jobs in the United States for Historian. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 200 new jobs for Historian by 2026. There will be an estimated 300 positions for Historian per year.
The states with the most job growth for Historian are South Carolina, Utah, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Wisconsin, or Washington. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Historian Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Historian ranges between $29,270 and $110,670.
Historians who work in District of Columbia, Colorado, or California, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Historians in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $67,870 |
| California | $88,770 |
| Colorado | $79,100 |
| District of Columbia | $107,440 |
| Florida | $60,510 |
| Georgia | $67,000 |
| Illinois | $64,050 |
| Kentucky | $50,270 |
| Maryland | $76,300 |
| Massachusetts | $69,300 |
| Michigan | $63,170 |
| Mississippi | $41,090 |
| Missouri | $49,740 |
| Nebraska | $63,690 |
| New Jersey | $76,320 |
| New Mexico | $71,800 |
| New York | $32,640 |
| North Carolina | $68,840 |
| Ohio | $74,090 |
| Oklahoma | $58,900 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,590 |
| Texas | $66,170 |
| Utah | $70,310 |
| Virginia | $80,480 |
| Washington | $74,530 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Historians
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Historians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- Extensible markup language XML
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- Corel WordPerfect
- QuarkXPress
- Statistical analysis software
- Scanning software
- Audio editing software
- Text mining software
- Digital mapping software
How to Become a Historian
Are there Historians education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become a Historian?
Where do Historians Work?
Below are examples of industries where Historians work:
References:
Image Credit: Abraham Ortelius via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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