What is a 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and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.
Life As a Historian
- Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.
- Translate or request translation of reference materials.
- Teach and conduct research in colleges, universities, museums, and other research agencies and schools.
- 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.
- Prepare publications and exhibits, or review those prepared by others, to ensure their historical accuracy.
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Historian Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Historians say are important on the job.
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
- Research Historian
- Historiographer
- Historical Interpreter
- Medical Historian
- Research Director
What Kind of Historian Job Opportunities Are There?
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 300 job openings in this field each 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.
How much do Historians make in each U.S. state?
| 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 |
What Tools & Technology do Historians Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Historians:
- 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
- Text mining software
- Audio editing software
- Digital mapping software
How do I Become a Historian?
Learn what Historian education requirements there are.
What work experience do I need to become a Historian?
Historians Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Historians employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: Abraham Ortelius via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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