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What You Need to Know About Historian

Historian Example 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and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

Daily Life Of a Historian

  • Organize data, and analyze and interpret its authenticity and relative significance.
  • Speak to various groups, organizations, and clubs to promote the aims and activities of historical societies.
  • Collect detailed information on individuals for use in biographies.
  • Coordinate activities of workers engaged in cataloging and filing materials.
  • Advise or consult with individuals and institutions regarding issues such as the historical authenticity of materials or the customs of a specific historical period.
  • Determine which topics to research, or pursue research topics specified by clients or employers.

Qualities of a Historian

These are the skills Historians say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

  • Research Historian
  • County Records Management Officer (County RMO)
  • Field Court Researcher
  • Supervisory Historian
  • Historiographer

Is There Going to be Demand for Historians?

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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 300 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

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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

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 to Become a Historian

Individuals working as a Historian have obtained the following education levels:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Historians Are Employed

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Historians work in the following industries:

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References:

Image Credit: Abraham Ortelius via public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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