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What Does it Take to Be a Historian?

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and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.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

  • Determine which topics to research, or pursue research topics specified by clients or employers.
  • Prepare publications and exhibits, or review those prepared by others, to ensure their historical accuracy.
  • Organize information for publication and for other means of dissemination, such as use in CD-ROMs or Internet sites.
  • Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.
  • Coordinate activities of workers engaged in cataloging and filing materials.
  • Research the history of a particular country or region, or of a specific time period.

Historian 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.

  • Supervisory Historian
  • Historiographer
  • Historic Preservationist
  • State Historical Society Director
  • Historic Interpreter

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. The BLS estimates 300 yearly job openings in this field.

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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.

Salary for a Historian

Historians make between $29,270 and $110,670 a year.

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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

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

Becoming a Historian

Learn what Historian education requirements there are.

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Historian?

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Historians Sector

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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References:

Image Credit: Abraham Ortelius via public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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