What historians do and where they work

Historians research, interpret, and communicate the past. The work is not confined to universities or museums — historians work for government agencies, nonprofits, corporations, archives, historical societies, and as independent consultants. The job title varies by setting: university positions are called faculty roles; museums and historical sites hire curators and interpreters; government agencies employ historians in policy and records roles; and some historians work as archivists or researchers for law firms and corporations investigating historical claims.

The core tasks are consistent across settings: locating primary sources (letters, documents, photographs, artifacts), analyzing them for accuracy and context, writing interpretations, and presenting findings to audiences. The audience changes the work significantly — a museum educator explains history to school groups; a university historian writes for peer review; a government historian advises on policy; a corporate historian documents company origins for legal or marketing purposes.

Most historian positions require at least a bachelor's degree in history or a related field. Many positions, especially in universities and senior research roles, require a master's degree or PhD. The path you take depends on whether you want to teach, curate, do research, or work in applied history — each has different credential expectations and salary ranges.

Key Takeaways

  • Historian jobs exist in universities, museums, government agencies, archives, nonprofits, and private companies — not just academia.
  • A bachelor's degree in history opens entry-level positions in museums, archives, and historical societies; advanced positions typically require a master's or PhD.
  • The work involves locating and analyzing primary sources, writing interpretations, and presenting findings, but the audience and format change by employer type.
  • Salary varies widely: entry-level museum or archive positions may start around $28,000–$40,000 annually, while university faculty and senior government roles can exceed $75,000–$100,000.
  • Building a portfolio of research, publications, or public history projects during your degree strengthens your candidacy for competitive positions.

University and academic historian roles

University positions are the most visible historian jobs but also the most competitive. A tenure-track faculty position typically requires a PhD in history or a closely related field, a dissertation, and evidence of research and teaching ability. These positions are advertised through the History News Network, the American Historical Association job board, and individual university websites. The hiring process takes six to nine months, from job posting through final offer.

Non-tenure-track positions — called lecturer, instructor, or visiting positions — may require only a master's degree and offer shorter contracts (one to three years). These positions pay less and offer no job security, but they are easier to obtain and can lead to tenure-track roles if you build a publication record. Some universities also hire historians as postdoctoral fellows for one to three years after you complete your PhD, giving you time to publish and apply for permanent positions.

University historians teach courses, conduct original research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and serve on committees. The teaching load varies: research universities may require two courses per year; teaching-focused institutions may require four or more. Salary for tenure-track positions ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 depending on the institution, region, and your experience, though this varies significantly by field and institution type.

Museum, archive, and historical society positions

Museums, archives, and historical societies hire historians as curators, archivists, researchers, and educators. A curator selects, preserves, and interprets collections; an archivist organizes and maintains historical documents; an educator develops and delivers public programs. These roles typically require a bachelor's degree in history, museum studies, or a related field, though many employers prefer a master's degree in museum studies, library science, or history.

Entry-level positions in these settings are often called "assistant curator," "archive technician," or "museum educator" and may start at $28,000–$40,000 annually. Senior curator or head archivist roles, which require five to ten years of experience, can reach $55,000–$75,000. These positions are posted on museum job boards (like Museum Jobs, MuseumJobs.com, or individual institution websites), historical society websites, and library job boards.

The work is hands-on: you handle artifacts and documents, write exhibition labels and interpretive materials, conduct research to answer questions about collections, and interact directly with visitors or researchers. Many historians find this work more immediately rewarding than academic research because the public engagement is built in. However, these positions often involve grant writing, fundraising support, and administrative work alongside the historical research.

Government and policy historian roles

Federal, state, and local government agencies employ historians in research, policy, and records management roles. The National Archives, Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institution, and individual agency history offices (such as the State Department's Office of the Historian or the Army's Center of Military History) hire historians to research, write, and advise on policy. These positions are posted on USAJobs.gov, the official federal job site.

Federal historian positions typically require a bachelor's degree for entry-level roles and a master's or PhD for senior positions. Salary for federal positions is set by the General Schedule (GS) pay scale: entry-level positions start around GS-5 to GS-7 ($30,000–$45,000), while senior historians reach GS-13 to GS-15 ($80,000–$130,000 or higher). State and local government positions pay less but may offer more flexibility or regional focus.

Government historians write official histories, conduct research to inform policy decisions, manage historical records, and sometimes testify before Congress or advise on legislation. The work is less about publishing in academic journals and more about producing clear, timely analysis for decision-makers. Many historians value this work because it directly influences policy, though the pace and constraints differ from academic research.

Independent research and consulting

Some historians work as independent consultants or researchers, taking on projects for law firms, corporations, nonprofits, and individuals. Legal historians research historical facts for court cases; corporate historians document company origins and milestones; genealogical researchers trace family histories; public historians develop exhibitions or educational materials for clients. This work is less stable than employment but offers flexibility and often higher hourly rates ($40–$150 or more per hour, depending on expertise and location).

To work independently, you typically need a master's degree or PhD, a strong publication record or portfolio, and business skills (invoicing, marketing, client management). You find work through professional networks, referrals, and platforms like Upwork or specialized consulting firms. Many independent historians combine this work with part-time teaching or archival positions to maintain steady income and build their reputation over time.

How to prepare for a historian career

Start with a bachelor's degree in history or a related field (such as American studies, classics, or archaeology). During your degree, take seminars that involve original research and writing — these build skills and create work samples. Seek internships at museums, archives, historical societies, or government agencies; these internships are often unpaid or minimally paid but provide experience and networking. Many historians complete internships during summers or as part of their degree requirements.

If you want a university position or senior research role, plan to pursue a master's degree or PhD. A master's typically takes two years and costs $20,000–$60,000 (depending on whether the program offers funding). A PhD takes five to seven years and, at most universities, includes funding (tuition waiver plus stipend of $15,000–$25,000 annually). Choose your graduate program carefully: reputation, advisor quality, and funding matter more than prestige alone.

Build a portfolio during your studies: publish articles in journals or online platforms, present at conferences, develop public history projects, or create digital exhibits. This work demonstrates your ability to conduct research and communicate findings — the core skills employers seek. Networking through professional organizations like the American Historical Association, regional history associations, and local historical societies also opens doors to job opportunities and mentorship.

Salary and job outlook by setting

Historian salaries vary significantly by employer type, experience level, and geographic location. Entry-level positions in museums and archives typically start between $28,000 and $40,000 annually, while federal government positions begin at GS-5 to GS-7 ($30,000–$45,000). University tenure-track positions start higher, around $50,000–$60,000, and can reach $75,000–$100,000 or more with experience. Senior government historians at GS-13 to GS-15 levels earn $80,000–$130,000 or higher. Independent consultants charge $40–$150 or more per hour depending on expertise.

Job growth for historian positions is modest. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track "historian" as a separate occupation, but related roles in museums, archives, and research support positions show slow growth. Competition for university positions remains intense, especially for tenure-track roles. Positions in government, museums, and public history are more stable but also competitive. Building specialized expertise — such as digital history, public history, or a specific geographic or temporal focus — improves your chances in a competitive field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a PhD to become a historian?

No. A bachelor's degree opens positions in museums, archives, historical societies, and government agencies. A PhD is necessary for most university teaching positions and senior research roles, but many fulfilling historian careers do not require one. Consider your goals: if you want to teach at a university, a PhD is standard; if you want to work in museums or public history, a master's degree or strong bachelor's often suffices.

What is the difference between a historian and an archivist?

Historians research and interpret the past; archivists organize, preserve, and maintain historical documents and materials. Archivists often have formal training in library science or archive management. Many positions blend both roles — a museum curator, for example, manages collections (archivist work) and interprets them (historian work). Some people train in both fields.

Can I work as a historian without a degree in history?

Yes, though it is less common. Some historians have degrees in related fields like archaeology, classics, American studies, or library science. Government and corporate positions sometimes hire people with strong research skills and subject-matter expertise, even without a history degree. However, a history degree or closely related field is standard for most positions and strengthens your candidacy.

How long does it take to get a job after finishing a PhD?

This varies widely. Some historians secure tenure-track positions before finishing their dissertation; others spend one to three years in postdoctoral or non-tenure-track positions before landing a permanent role. The job market is competitive, and the timeline depends on your field, publication record, networking, and geographic flexibility. Many newly graduated PhDs work in multiple temporary positions before securing permanent employment.

What skills do employers look for in historian candidates?

Research ability, clear writing, and the ability to work with primary sources are fundamental. Employers also value teaching ability (for academic positions), public communication skills (for museums and public history), project management, and increasingly, digital skills such as database management, digital exhibit creation, or data visualization. Demonstrating these skills through internships, publications, or portfolio work strengthens your candidacy.