Life As a Historian
Career 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and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.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: What Do They Do?
- Organize information for publication and for other means of dissemination, such as use in CD-ROMs or Internet sites.
- Coordinate activities of workers engaged in cataloging and filing materials.
- Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.
- Research the history of a particular country or region, or of a specific time period.
- Present historical accounts in terms of individuals or social, ethnic, political, economic, or geographic groupings.
- Translate or request translation of reference materials.
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What Every Historian Should Know
Historians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Types of Historian Jobs
- Medical Historian
- Historic Interpreter
- Historian
- Historiographer
- Historian Developer
Historian Job Outlook
There were about 3,300 jobs for Historian in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 300 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Do Historians Make A Lot Of Money?
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 |
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
- Text mining software
- Audio editing software
- Digital mapping software
Becoming a Historian
Individuals working as a Historian have obtained the following education levels:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Historians Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Abraham Ortelius via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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