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Job outlook for historians in the United States
Are historian jobs in demand?
Historian job and salary trends over time
Historian jobs over time
Historian job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,699 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,569 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,820 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,820 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,838 | 0.00% |
Average historian salary over time
Historian salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $57,376 | $27.58 | --0.9% |
| 2024 | $57,903 | $27.84 | +4.2% |
| 2023 | $55,593 | $26.73 | +3.4% |
| 2022 | $53,757 | $25.84 | +7.3% |
| 2021 | $50,110 | $24.09 | --1.2% |
Historian jobs by state
Most common states for historians
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 39,536,653 | 21 | 0% |
| 2 | New York | 19,849,399 | 6 | 0% |
| 3 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 3 | 0% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 3 | 0% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 2 | 0% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2 | 0% |
| 7 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 2 | 0% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 2 | 0% |
| 9 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 1 | 0% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 0 | 0% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 0 | 0% |
| 12 | Vermont | 623,657 | 0 | 0% |
| 13 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 0 | 0% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 0 | 0% |
| 15 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 0 | 0% |
| 16 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 0 | 0% |
| 17 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 0 | 0% |
| 18 | Delaware | 961,939 | 0 | 0% |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 0 | 0% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 0 | 0% |
Most common cities for historians
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glastonbury | 1 | 3% | $77,024 |
| 2 | Kennesaw | 1 | 3% | $48,220 |
| 3 | Lansing | 2 | 2% | $64,649 |
| 4 | Shelton | 1 | 2% | $75,587 |
| 5 | Worcester | 2 | 1% | $78,607 |
| 6 | Palmdale | 1 | 1% | $66,300 |
| 7 | Pasadena | 1 | 1% | $65,763 |
| 8 | Santa Barbara | 1 | 1% | $66,898 |
| 9 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $79,097 |
| 10 | Sacramento | 2 | 0% | $73,294 |
| 11 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $65,278 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $53,702 |
| 13 | Irvine | 1 | 0% | $64,866 |
| 14 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $65,711 |
| 15 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $63,329 |
| 16 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $63,007 |
Historian job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of historian experts
Adelphi University
Kenyon College
The University of Findlay
Miami University
Prairie View A & M University
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Washington State University
Utah State University
Indiana University Bloomington
Montclair State University
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Spelman College
University of Akron
California State University - San Bernardino
Pepperdine University
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Dr. Megan Birk: I would suggest marketing the skills that come with a history degree, instead of focusing entirely on the knowledge. Both are important and valuable, but employers often indicate that the skills that come with history degrees are aligned with a wide range of jobs and careers. History jobs and jobs that recruit history majors are often more concerned about the skill set than the specific knowledge base.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Megan Birk: History degree earners are well positioned to be skilled communicators, both in writing and in person. Being able to research, assess, synthesize, and explain information in a clear way is very valuable. Research skills, and the ability to determine the accuracy of information are going to be critically important in many industries moving forward. Earning a history degree equips people with a range of flexible skills and the ability to learn on the job, which overall makes history a field that serves not just education and teaching, but industry and business as well.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Megan Birk: Tying your experience and skills to the specific needs of the job as a way to demonstrate proficiency is a good way to demonstrate your value to employers. Work experience that is relevant and any form of activity or employment that highlighted communication skills, working as part of a team in a collaborative setting, and problem solving are valuable assets.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Tyler Fisher DPhil: Versatility and equanimity: these are the key traits that students can acquire with a degree in History. The deep, sustained study of History equips a graduate to see life steadily, and see it whole, as Matthew Arnold said of Sophocles. History students learn to view human achievements and errors, feats and follies, with a critical eye, a dispassionate manner, and, perhaps most importantly, a measured consideration of context. Jobs in law, urban planning, economics, journalism, and politics become mere surface-level labor without the study of History. A well-developed ability to find and evaluate evidence for the purpose of creating a persuasive argument will remain an essential transferable skill across many different jobs. Given current rates of innovation, today's History students are, in fact, likely preparing for jobs that might not yet exist. These graduates' blend of versatility and equanimity will give them an edge in a mercurial job market.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tyler Fisher DPhil: Historians think carefully about periodization and patterns across time. One period, spanning the mid-twentieth century to the early twenty-first century, has been called the 'Information Age.' Are we still in the Information Age, or has it given way to something discernibly different? I would encourage students of History to recognize that, beyond an age of Information, we are entering an age of Curation. That is, we now have access to more information than ever before, but we need students equipped to curate that information — to evaluate, select, edit, mediate, and package data, and to clarify complexities. Students of History are highly competent curators.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Tyler Fisher DPhil: It's something of a cliché, but know your worth. When negotiating an initial offer, ask for more — knowing that you are well prepared to make a highly positive impact in your field. The worst they can say is 'no.'
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Erica Johnson PhD: It is important to know that you will not be able to demand high pay rates when getting started. You have to work your way up to higher hourly rates and salaries. The better you can market your skills the higher the pay rate you can achieve. Consider working for state or federally run institutions, as they have good benefits and often provide tuition assistance for furthering your education. Being willing to relocate will open more opportunities and higher wages.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Erica Johnson PhD: Cultural competency will continue to be important in the field in the coming years. Working in history requires one to be able to navigate a diversity of histories. You need to be able to navigate multiple narratives of the past. This is a reflection of the diversity of society. You need to be able to communicate with colleagues from various backgrounds as well as engage an even more diverse public. Historians do not simply operate behind the scenes researching and writing. To be successful, you must have strong interpersonal skills and an open mind. You need to practice and get more comfortable engaging with others, both one-on-one and speaking before groups.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Erica Johnson PhD: As you begin your career, you need to be flexible and intentional when seeking opportunities. You may not get your “dream job” right after graduation, but you should be intentional in what positions you seek to work toward that ultimate goal. Building your resume is crucial. If you cannot find a job in the field, try to get one that is at least tangentially related. For instance, if you want to work in a museum but cannot secure employment at one, see if local historic sites (via the parks service), tourism boards, libraries, or even a bookstore are hiring. You may have entry level positions at first - answering phones or working in a gift shop - but you will still be in the appropriate environment and will likely know about openings at these locations before they are posted. Overall, these positions will provide valuable work experience, and your supervisors will serve as solid references.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Dr. Deanne Stephens Ph.D.: My advice to a graduate beginning a history academic career would be to follow your interests. As you complete the general requirements, decide which aspects of history most intrigued you and then concentrate on it. There are career opportunities in all fields of history.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Deanne Stephens Ph.D.: In the future, skills in history will shift to meet the challenges of advancement in all capacities. Digital specialists will be in demand. Already, Digital Humanities is expanding across universities, and classes such as 'Doing Digital History' have appeared. Digitization opens special collections and cultural heritage materials to a broad audience.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Deanne Stephens Ph.D.: In beginning a career in the history field of teaching, salary is always a point of concern, as universities, colleges, and community colleges have various starting points. To maximize a salary if a person is interested in becoming a professor or instructor of history, some advantages can help the negotiation process. First, a publication or contract in hand is a plus in seeking a better salary at a university or college. Also, any teaching record is advantageous at all levels of teaching. These classes should include experiences outside of Graduate Assistantships if possible. A candidate should also engage in professional organizations and conferences to list on a Curriculum Vitae. The acceptance of a proposal to a professional conference equates to the ability to research, analyze, and compose information about a specific topic. These are skills that schools desire because it normally means success in a history career.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward: Look to those areas of Applied History that are currently hiring, especially where we are seeing a lot of retirements.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward: Work with online and other forms of digital media, including GIS training.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward: Gain as much experience through internships and other vocational training as possible.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Prof. Maria Zaccarini: Students who have done the above can stand out as valuable to and emphasize their ability to contribute to the needs and goals of their employers. Students would do well by researching their employers and being open to listening during interviews as needs are expressed and respectfully link their backgrounds and skills to these employer needs. I hope this helps Employers.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Prof. Maria Zaccarini: As AI becomes more prominent it is vital for students to be able to discern truth and good information from outdated and erroneous sources. Additionally, communication skills are vital as are creativity, inspiration and compassion for self and others. These are areas where AI will always be lacking and where college students can provide valuable contributions.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Prof. Maria Zaccarini: I would recommend that students begin to get real practical experience in the area they wish to embark on. A student in my history class volunteered to work in a law office over the summer. Another student interested in museum studies got an internship working at a museum. These experiences boost confidence, skills, and the look of the student’s resume. Students can either volunteer or intern, and in all cases, this provides valuable networking experience. Additionally, students should document all of this on an active LinkedIn page and ask professors and employers for endorsements.
Stephen Volz
Associate Professor of History and Chair of History DepartmentKenyon College
Germanic Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Stephen Volz: Historians enjoy the 'treasure hunt' of finding evidence and then using that evidence to develop persuasive answers to difficult questions about current problems and their causes.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stephen Volz: What a Historian does every day varies significantly, depending on what kind of History they are studying and how they are using that knowledge. Some are doing research for a company, others for a legal case, others for a government, others as journalists, others for a museum, others to teach.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Stephen Volz: People and institutions will always base their decisions in large part on what has happened before. There is an ongoing need for Historians who are able to find accurate information about the past and to construct valid arguments based on that evidence.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Tristin Kilgallon J.D., LL.M.: Most people who are history majors or work as Historians have an actual interest in history. As a historian, you are able to work in a field that you enjoy an help share this knowledge with the world. For example, if you work in a museum, you may be able to actively study ancient civilizations and through your exhibits you can share actual pieces of lost worlds with your community. As many will never travel to Egypt, Greece or Mexico, this may be as close as they will ever get. That is pretty cool. As to the downside, probably money. Many of this positions are extremely rewarding personally, but may not pay as much as some other lines of work, like maybe being a pharmacist or lawyer.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tristin Kilgallon J.D., LL.M.: History is a vital field as many of us see value in preserving our history and learning from our collective past. By working as a historian, you are helping people preserve their heritage, learn about other cultures, and use this knowledge of the past to help shape the future. Further, the skills one learns as a history major are applicable to other fields as well. Knowledge of world history may be useful in the business, education or law. Historians generally read a lot and learn to be good writers. These skills are directly transferable to a number of professions, thus training as a Historian can draw interest from employers in a number of fields.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Tristin Kilgallon J.D., LL.M.: History majors serve in a variety of different jobs, it really just depends on the individual. Some work for museums and help curate collections of artifacts, while others turn to education, law, or business. So basically, what you would do on a daily basis depends on the career path you choose. Someone who puts their degree to work in the field of education may teach a variety of classes on world history, they might coach the Model UN team, and help mentor students who want to pursue a degree in History. They probably attend academic conferences and may even present their own work. If you were to work in the field, you may spend your days at dig sites, hoping to discover remnants of civilizations long past. These digs are sometimes physically demanding, and slow burns, as you must take your time and be careful not to destroy the very history you are trying to preserve. Conversely, your interests may be more recent, so maybe you work for the national Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. In this sort of role you would be preserving the memory of baseball’s history and the legends of the game, whether they played in 1910 or 2023.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Robert Thurston: History grads need to sell themselves by emphasizing their 'soft skills,' e.g. understanding the ways in which societies work and how and why they change. Emphasize that you can do research--not only can you find information, you can formulate the right questions to ask about a subject.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Robert Thurston: Basic computer literacy at least. Get some tech experience or knowledge; how do things like plug-in hybrids work? What is carbon dating, and so on. Foreign experience. Writing and speaking; good communications skills are vital. The ability to learn and to be flexible.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Robert Thurston: Be good with people. Develop some skill or ability that is fun, e.g. tennis, playing a musical instrument. Keep up a sense of humor, but never tell offensive jokes. Work hard, obviously. Try to find a mentor at work; ask people about their career paths, if you think you can trust them. Be thoughtful toward everyone, treat all the staff with respect.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
T. Moore Ph.D.: On a day-to-day basis, a Social Scientist exercises historical thinking skills, prepares students for life in a global economy, and helps students develop empathy and critical thinking skills. Students of history develop a widely marketable set of skills such as understanding historical context, recognizing change over time, grappling with lived human experience, and distinguishing cause and effect.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
T. Moore Ph.D.: People like the ability to develop an eclectic knowledge base, synthesize ideas, and approach issues from diverse perspectives, which are valuable assets for employers needing innovative approaches. However, some people may not enjoy the wide range of disciplines that social scientists need to familiarize themselves with, as it requires outside-the-box thinking and innovative solutions.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
T. Moore Ph.D.: History majors develop valuable soft skills such as interpersonal communication, decision making, outside thinking, and analytical reasoning, which are highly sought after by employers. Employers value the skills that history majors bring to the table, making it a wise choice for those wanting to mature intellectually and be a positive force in a diverse democracy.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Shannon Fogg Ph.D.: Think about the experiences and the qualifications you have that provide you with an advantage – did you study abroad? Have an internship? Learn a foreign language? Lead a student group? Participate in independent research? What did you learn from these experiences that are applicable to the job you are applying for? Are there ways for you to incorporate additional certifications into your education that help distinguish you from others. Don’t be afraid to do research on starting salaries and to ask for help in negotiating your first job.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Shannon Fogg Ph.D.: Be open to possibilities. The skills and knowledge that you acquire as a history major are applicable in so many fields. While history may be traditionally associated with fields such as museum work, education, and the law, recent graduates have gone on to rewarding careers in video game development, high-tech companies, and national security.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Shannon Fogg Ph.D.: Familiarity with digital technologies and the ability to communicate complex ideas in a variety of media will become increasingly important. It is critically important to be able to articulate the value of critical thinking, historical analysis, and research and the relevance of these skills to our daily lives. History helps you think about complex topics in nuanced ways and being able to communicate that for a broad audience is key.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Ryan Booth PhD: A history degree gives you some important skills namely the ability to read through a lot of information, figure out key points, conduct original research, writing skills, basic editing, and time management to figure out how to get all of the aforementioned things done. Find ways to put all of these skills to use and market yourself to potential employers this way. You have a leg up on your peers because of all of your reading and writing skills. Employers seem increasingly frustrated with recent graduates who cannot seem to write basic emails or memos. It is unlikely that you will stay in the same job for the rest of your life so take what you can from your current position, but be thinking about what you might be more adept at or find fulfillment doing.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ryan Booth PhD: I recommend focusing on what your degree prepared you for: research, reading, discussion, and writing. Traditionally, a history major was the gateway to either becoming a teacher or a lawyer. Both of those professions require or desire a graduate degree. K12 teachers get a salary increase with a masters degree. I would encourage a masters degree, but not a doctorate (unless you REALLY need it for your job). A masters degree could also prepare you well for work as a cultural resource management consultant, which is a growing field for history students.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Ryan Booth PhD: Technological change seems to be the only constant these days, but someone still has to train and maintain the technology. Interpersonal and soft skills will probably become more critical in the coming years. We live in a very disjointed world. People who can carry on a conversation, find a meaningful connection to another person, and cultivate professional relationships will get ahead.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Rebecca Andersen: It's actually pretty difficult to get a job as a historian right now (particularly at the University level). But if you love history and want a degree in it, then I would recommend doing a double major or have a minor in a field that has a higher employment trajectory. You will most likely need graduate training (MA or PhD).
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rebecca Andersen: I think most people who become historians do so because they have a deep love of their subject matter. They like researching in-depth topics and they enjoy communicating that love to others. I think that many historians might find other aspects of their job difficult—for example, a historian might love the time period or topic that they study but might not like teaching undergraduate classes. A Historian might enjoy working in a museum or archive, but the administration, politics, funding constraints, etc. might make their work environment difficult.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Rebecca Andersen: Historians often work as teachers or professors, relating knowledge about the past to other learners. However, there is a whole other field known as public or applied history. Public historians work in a variety of spaces in which knowledge about the past can be used to serve present needs. You'll find public historians working as archivists, museum curators, and at other cultural institutions like the National Park Service. Other places that you will find historians working include federal or state government positions. On a day-to-day basis historians answer people's questions about the past in ways that help people understand present conditions. This involves a lot of writing and research. People who are historians (received a degree in history) often work in fields completely unrelated to history. You may find a historian who works as an instructional designer, in higher education, marketing, UI, etc. The skills that one learns as a historian (critical thinking, writing, public speaking, researching) have a broad applicability.
Bill Beck
Assistant ProfessorIndiana University Bloomington
Classics And Classical Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Bill Beck: While the discipline is always evolving, I don't expect to see noticeable changes in the skills required to succeed in my particular field in the next 3-5 years. Graduates will still need strong oral and written communication skills, strong research skills, and mastery of the ancient languages. That said, the rise of AI may make some of those skills more challenging to acquire.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bill Beck: Regardless of the career our majors pursue, graduates can maximize their salary potential by demonstrating excellence and expertise in a particular area.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Bill Beck: An undergraduate degree in Classical Studies or Classical Languages prepares students for careers in a wide variety of fields (education, law, the arts, NGOs, and the corporate sector). If you're asking what I would advise these students, I would advise them to follow their interests, to challenge themselves, and to take advantage of opportunities that come their way. If you're interested specifically in graduates who aim to pursue a career in Classical Studies specifically, it would be to follow their interests, to hone their language skills, to explore understudied areas of the discipline, and to look for opportunities to present and publish their research.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Dr. Ezra Rashkow: When it comes to salary potential, a history major is actually a pretty safe bet. There is a widespread myth that history students don't earn as well as other majors. The particularly vicious version of this myth is that you'll end up flipping burgers as a humanities or social science major. That's absolutely ridiculous. Again to cite the AHA, only 1.7% of history majors work in food service. In fact, according to one older statistic from 10 years ago, "college graduates with a degree in history earn median incomes of $55,000... more than the $51,000 median for people with life sciences degrees". Furthermore, unemployment rates are actually lower among history majors than other majors perceived to be more lucrative like business, economics, and communications. So, please, if you are passionate about history, don't be scared to pursue studying it. College is a time for intellectual growth, and this kind of growth will pay dividends in the long run.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Ezra Rashkow: Follow your passion. Too many students think that the only thing you can do with a history degree is teach history. Instead, I hope that history grads will recognize that a history major is an incredibly flexible degree. According to the American Historical Association (AHA) website, only 18% of graduates go into education work, and this includes those who go on to work in libraries and other training roles outside of the classroom. Popular for history majors are careers in administration, management, and the legal field. Other career paths could be in museums, politics, or journalism. The main thing is that you have to be self-motivated enough to find your own way forward. A history degree is whatever you make of it. And in order to succeed in whatever career path you choose, you will have to do the work - this might mean starting off by interning in the industry of your choosing, volunteering for a politician you're interested in working for, or applying to graduate school to earn a terminal degree. Whatever you are interested in doing, you will have to pursue it vigorously. Nobody else can do that work for you.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ezra Rashkow: At Montclair, we've recently launched a digital and public history degree program. This is in response to an awareness that digital literacy is not just the way of the future; it is already very much the way of the present and the past. Students are studying everything from digital archives to oral history recording methods; they are making video presentations, blogs and podcasts; they are learning how to work with historical data and databases; they are learning about the politics of representing history on social media; and more generally, they are gaining critical insights into how history is being used and abused in the present for present purposes. These days, there is an unfortunate society-wide tendency to push students towards pursuing narrow, technical, degrees that appear employable, and universities are therefore facing pressure to transition into becoming vocational schools. In this climate, I hope that in the next few years students will again begin to realize the timeless value of the intellectual training provided by humanities and social sciences degrees in fields like history.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Joshua Nygren PhD: A History education provides students with not only the historical literacy that is critical to a well-functioning democracy and citizenry, but also with skills and aptitudes that a wide range of employers are seeking. So, History prepares graduates not for a fixed 'field,' but a range of fields. Thus, my general advice would be that their education has prepared them with the skills they need to succeed, so they should look for ways to apply them in new contexts.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joshua Nygren PhD: I'll answer this in two ways: what you can do as a student, and what you can do as a graduate. As a student, study hard and strive for good grades. Grades are not the most important thing, but a high GPA on a resume will make you more competitive for the jobs you desire. In addition, seek out internships and other positions when in school to start building the experiences and relationships that can pay off down the road. As a graduate, look for ways to build your leadership experience. Some disciplines can boast higher average starting salaries than History, but like other liberal arts disciplines, History majors often possess the cultural knowledge and communication skills that can be a pathway to leadership and management positions (and with them, higher salaries). So, take on opportunities to lead teams and projects.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Joshua Nygren PhD: I think the recent past suggests adaptability, information literacy, and critical thinking skills are essential to careers and will only become more important in the next 3-5 years. It has long grown increasingly rare for someone to work for a single employer -- and in some cases even within a single industry -- for their entire career. The range of careers and vocations for which History prepares students is wide rather than narrow. As such, it is well-suited to prepare students for the 21st-century economy. Moreover, the internet and (more recently) the rise of artificial intelligence makes it even more important for the workforce (and the citizenry) to possess information literacy and critical thinking skills.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Nafeesa Muhammad Ph.D.: Know that the history profession can be lucrative, fulfilling, and challenging, sometimes simultaneously. Despite the national trend of students turning away from the humanities because of an emphasis on STEM fields and concerns over the applicability of a history degree, there are several unsung careers and positions for history, and more broadly humanities majors. Such professions, which include being an archivist, librarian, or historian for the CIA or FBI, open up many opportunities for historians with the research acumen to carry out complex historical projects.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Nafeesa Muhammad Ph.D.: There is a false belief that historians do not engage in technological or digital endeavors. Within the next few years, as we already see, digital literacy will become a necessity. Being able to navigate online research databases such as JSTOR, Project Muse, and EBCOhost are crucial. Understanding software programs such as SPSS and Qualtrics are now cutting-edge resources used to produce quality historical publications and projects. Public history has had a major shift since the end of the civil rights era. With a forever-changing world that seeks to center the experience of diverse groups of people and cultures, public history, that is history made for and geared towards a public audience will continue to be a mainstay. Museums, exhibits, theatrical performances, etc will all continue to translate complex aspects of history in ways that a general audience can understand.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Nafeesa Muhammad Ph.D.: If one is an undergraduate, begin with history internships or internships in an adjacent field that permit them to employ historical methodologies. Such opportunities can focus on archival, library, public history, or graduate preparatory opportunities. Sometimes these positions come with a stipend. For graduate students, teaching and research assistantships can sometimes offset the cost of living expenses. Since the job market in academia is often tight, budding scholars should cast a wider net beyond applying for tenure-track jobs and seek lesser-known opportunities. As mentioned previously, the CIA and FBI require historians and the skills they have, especially when assessing large amounts of data and making that information comprehensible to a wide audience. Museums and public history institutions can offer competitive salaries for history researchers. Networking through attending conferences and job fairs should always be in one’s repertoire. Job boards via the American Historical Association (AHA) and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) are also good springboards for ameliorating one’s salary.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Dr. Michael Levin: History, like many liberal arts degrees, is under assault in many of the institutions of higher learning. Very few schools are hiring in the liberal arts. There is more need than ever for people to be trained in understanding history and how the past shapes the present.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Michael Levin: History graduates have to be savvy about social media and be prepared to wade into the battles going on over the nature of truth versus propaganda on social media.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Michael Levin: It is necessary to publish articles in the field, but it is getting harder and harder to get published. Advises patience and persistence if someone truly loves History and wants to pursue a career in academia.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Michael Karp: Be patient and when a potential opportunity arises, take it. Like many fields, it can take time to find your ideal position, whether your seeking to work in a museum, as an educator, or researcher for a business, government, or non-profit entity. Even if it is not exactly what you want long term, I recommend taking positions to gain experience following graduation. You can build from there and tailor your experience to seek out other opportunities down the road.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Karp: Mirroring my general advice to be patient early on and take opportunities when the arise, history graduates often have solid career earnings. Studies conducted by the American Historical Association have demonstrated that history majors median income is $55,000, which is only a little below business majors who have a median income of $60,000. The success enjoyed by history graduates stems from the fact the degree offers vital skills for today’s workforce. If graduates understand how to sell those skills on the job market—and recognize how they fit into a variety of industries—they can best maximize their earnings and potential jobs.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Michael Karp: History trains people to have an expertise in evaluating sources and information, which are of the utmost importance in today's world. With the rise of AI, mass information, and misinformation, it is more essential than ever to understand how to conduct quality research, closely read material, and corroborate sources. These are among the most fundamental skills historians use and they translate directly into the jobs history graduates often fill, from lawyers, to teachers, and researchers. In short, historians have the skills needed in today’s increasingly partisan and complex world.
What general advice would you give to a Historian?
Megan Kendrick PhD: Salary potential will vary greatly depending on the field of work, but new hires can focus on finding ways to make their contributions to the workplace indispensable to ensure longevity and to open pathways for promotion. I can speak from my own experience in encouraging recent graduates to also consider the intangible rewards of working in fields of education and public history, including creating relationships, sharing powerful stories from the past, and approaching contemporary issues with a deep appreciation for the struggles and innovations human societies have encountered for centuries.
What Historian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Megan Kendrick PhD: In a world of rapidly advancing AI technologies, the role of the historian will be increasingly valuable for two reasons: 1) it is critical that we are able to identify and evaluate the ways in which technologies have historically shaped human interactions and human behavior; and 2) the world still craves authenticity and genuine human reasoning. While AI tools can aid in brainstorming, data collection, and drafting of content, there is nothing so satisfying as discovering new knowledge through unexpected records in the archives or recounting powerful narratives of human experience and action. History graduates should be able to harness new digital tools to improve productivity, but they should also be able to convey nuanced arguments based on close observation and engage evolving discourses within their field of work.
What will help Historians increase their earning potential?
Megan Kendrick PhD: I would encourage history graduates to continually leverage the disciplinary skills they have developed as an undergraduate. Whether entering into fields of law, government, research, public history, or of course, teaching, students of history bring value to their workplace because of their training. History graduates know how to write clearly, to evaluate evidence, to consider multiple perspectives, to acknowledge multiple factors of causality, and to avoid coming to conclusions based on emotion, but rather based on effective analysis of information. Each of these skills are highly desirable in the workforce today.