Customize Your Journey
For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Archivists

Median Salary
59,910
Job Outlook
+11%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of archivists, curators, and museum workers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 4,700 openings for archivists, curators, and museum workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$32,890

10%

$59,910

Median

$93,650

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Master's degree

    83%

  • Bachelor's degree

    6%

  • Post-master's certificate

    6%

  • Post baccalaureate

    3%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Art History, Criticism and Conservation
  • Public/Applied History
  • Museology/Museum Studies
  • Cultural Resource Management and Policy Analysis
  • Digital Humanities
  • Archives/Archival Administration
  • Historic Preservation and Conservation, General
  • Historic Preservation and Conservation, Other

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Administrative
  • History and Archeology
  • English Language
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Education and Training

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

Related Occupations

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.