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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Historians

Median Salary
72,890
Job Outlook
+6%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of historians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 300 openings for historians 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?

$39,510

10%

$72,890

Median

$112,010

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Master's degree

    23%

  • Bachelor's degree

    20%

  • Some college

    17%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    15%

  • High school

    9%

  • Less than high school

    8%

  • Post-master's certificate

    3%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • History, General
  • Public/Applied History
  • History and Philosophy of Science and Technology
  • Medical/Health Humanities
  • History, Other
  • American History (United States)
  • History and Political Science
  • Cultural Resource Management and Policy Analysis
  • Classical, Ancient Mediterranean, and Near Eastern Studies and Archaeology
  • Medieval and Renaissance Studies
  • Ancient Studies/Civilization
  • History and Language/Literature
  • Architectural History and Criticism, General
  • Historic Preservation and Conservation, General
  • European History
  • Maritime Studies
  • Military History
  • Architectural Conservation
  • Historic Preservation and Conservation, Other
  • Holocaust and Related Studies
  • History of Medicine
  • Asian History

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

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • History and Archeology
  • English Language
  • Geography
  • Administrative
  • Education and Training

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

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

Conventional

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

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

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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.