Historians

Historians spend their days gathering information from a wide variety of sources, including government records, diaries, letters, photos, and films. They must identify, process, and document this information, often using computers to organize their findings. A large part of the job involves interpreting what these historical sources mean and communicating those insights to supervisors, colleagues, and the public.

This profession strongly appeals to people with investigative interests who enjoy intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and perseverance. Success in this field requires strong skills in reading comprehension, writing, critical thinking, and active learning. Historians must also be skilled at speaking and instructing others. They rely on a deep knowledge of history, archeology, the English language, sociology, anthropology, and geography to put past events into context. They must also be comfortable with ambiguity and show great caution and integrity when evaluating historical evidence.

Entering this career typically requires a master's degree, as most positions demand extensive preparation. Many professionals in this field hold graduate degrees, which can include a master's, PhD, MD, or JD. Students preparing for this career often major in history, historic preservation and conservation, classical and ancient studies, medieval and renaissance studies, or architectural history, criticism, and conservation. Other relevant majors include history and political science, holocaust and related studies, or health professions education, ethics, and humanities.

While not always mandatory, individuals can pursue professional certifications to demonstrate their expertise. The National Association for Interpretation offers credentials such as the Certified Heritage Interpreter and the Certified Interpretive Planner. These certifications can help professionals who specialize in public history, preservation, or museum education.

In 2025, the median annual pay for historians was $76,750. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience, education, and the employing organization. The lowest 10% of earners in this field make less than $42,730, while the highest 10% earn more than $131,810.

There are 3,450 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 3%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth, along with normal turnover, is expected to result in approximately 300 job openings each year.