What Does it Take to Be a History Professor?
History Professor Definition Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Daily Life Of a History Professor
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- Provide professional consulting services to government, educational institutions, or industry.
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
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What a History Professor Should Know
These are the skills History Professors say are the most useful in their careers:
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
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.
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Types of History Professor Jobs
- Faculty Member
- Social Sciences Instructor
- Jewish History Professor
- Adjunct Faculty
- College or University Faculty Member
Job Opportunities for History Professors
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 26,900 jobs in the United States for History Professor. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,800 new jobs for History Professor by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,400 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for History Professor are Utah, Colorado, and Delaware. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Wyoming, or South Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a History Professor Make?
The typical yearly salary for History Professors is somewhere between $40,600 and $134,170.

History Professors who work in District of Columbia, California, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
How much do History Professors make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $65,450 |
Arizona | $84,060 |
Arkansas | $82,070 |
California | $103,940 |
Colorado | $70,690 |
Connecticut | $83,870 |
Delaware | $80,860 |
District of Columbia | $120,400 |
Florida | $79,550 |
Georgia | $87,150 |
Hawaii | $69,440 |
Idaho | $94,150 |
Illinois | $85,090 |
Indiana | $83,760 |
Iowa | $86,690 |
Kansas | $75,440 |
Kentucky | $65,410 |
Louisiana | $71,360 |
Maine | $73,350 |
Maryland | $75,970 |
Massachusetts | $97,350 |
Michigan | $78,710 |
Minnesota | $80,920 |
Mississippi | $71,790 |
Missouri | $80,820 |
Montana | $66,970 |
Nebraska | $73,050 |
Nevada | $63,440 |
New Hampshire | $97,700 |
New Jersey | $91,270 |
New Mexico | $71,420 |
New York | $93,000 |
North Carolina | $72,800 |
North Dakota | $76,320 |
Ohio | $88,310 |
Oklahoma | $65,660 |
Oregon | $86,620 |
Pennsylvania | $93,300 |
Rhode Island | $109,240 |
South Carolina | $75,570 |
South Dakota | $68,250 |
Tennessee | $73,040 |
Texas | $82,360 |
Utah | $86,170 |
Virginia | $72,120 |
Washington | $71,280 |
West Virginia | $47,280 |
Wisconsin | $80,590 |
What Tools & Technology do History Professors Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many History Professors:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Database software
- Google Docs
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Learning management system LMS
- Blackboard Learn
- DOC Cop
- Course management system software
- Desire2Learn
- Sakai CLE
- Collaborative editing software
Becoming a History Professor
Individuals working as a History Professor have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become a History Professor?

History Professors Sector

History Professors work in the following industries:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Are you already one of the many History Professor in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Abraham Ortelius via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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