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What Does it Take to Be an Archivist?

Job Description & Duties Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

Life As an Archivist

  • Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
  • Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.
  • 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.
  • Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
  • Preserve records, documents, and objects, copying records to film, videotape, audiotape, disk, or computer formats as necessary.

Qualities of an Archivist

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

  • Film Archivist
  • Museum Archivist
  • Docent
  • Image Archivist
  • Archives and Historical Documents Director

Job Demand for Archivists

In the United States, there were 6,800 jobs for Archivist in 2016. 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. There will be an estimated 800 positions for Archivist per year.

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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.

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Archivists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Georgia, make the highest salaries.

How much do Archivists make in each U.S. state?

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

Tools & Technologies Used by Archivists

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

Becoming an Archivist

Individuals working as an Archivist have obtained the following education levels:

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What work experience do I need to become an Archivist?

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Where Archivists Work

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The table below shows the approximate number of Archivists employed by various industries.

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Those interested in being an Archivist may also be interested in:

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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