Historian

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and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

On the job, you would:

Research and prepare manuscripts in support of public programming and the development of exhibits at historic sites, museums, libraries, and archives.
Conserve and preserve manuscripts, records, and other artifacts.
Gather historical data from sources such as archives, court records, diaries, news files, and photographs, as well as from books, pamphlets, and periodicals.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Historians must be able to examine various types of historical resources and draw clear and logical conclusions based on their findings.

Communication skills. Historians must communicate effectively when collecting information, collaborating with colleagues, and presenting their research to the public through written documents and presentations.

Foreign language skills. Historians may need to review primary source materials that are not in English. This makes knowledge of the other language useful during research.

Problem-solving skills. Historians try to answer questions about the past. They may investigate something unknown about a past idea, event, or person; decipher historical information; or identify how the past has affected the present.

Research skills. Historians must be able to examine and process information from a large number of historical resources, including documents, images, and material artifacts.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		88%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		87%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		77%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		77%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
		77%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		73%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		73%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		73%	Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
		72%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		70%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		64%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		63%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		62%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
		60%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		56%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		55%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		95%	Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		67%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
		67%	Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
		67%	Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
		67%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
		58%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		94%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		81%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		75%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		75%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		72%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		69%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		69%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		66%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		63%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		60%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		60%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		56%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
		53%	Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		70%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
		70%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		59%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		59%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
		57%	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
		54%	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
		52%	Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Prepare materials for preservation, storage, or display.

Conduct historical research.

Collect archival data.

Conduct historical research.

Instruct college students in social sciences or humanities disciplines.

Conduct historical research.

Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

Conduct historical research.

Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

Conduct historical research.

Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

Collect archival data.

Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		89%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		88%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		88%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		82%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		82%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		81%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		81%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		80%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		79%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		75%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		74%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		71%	Deal With External Customers - How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
		62%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
		62%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
		56%	Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
		55%	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
		51%	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions - How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		91%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		86%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		84%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		83%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		81%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		80%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		80%	Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
		78%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		76%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		75%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		74%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		73%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		71%	Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		71%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		67%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		65%	Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		62%	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
		56%	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
		55%	Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
		53%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		52%	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
		51%	Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

What Historians Do

Historians often study and preserve archival materials.

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources.

Duties

Historians typically do the following:

Gather historical data from various sources, including archives, books, and artifacts
Analyze and interpret historical information to determine its authenticity and significance
Trace historical developments in a particular field
Engage with the public through educational programs and presentations
Archive or preserve materials and artifacts in museums, visitor centers, and historic sites
Provide advice or guidance on historical topics and preservation issues
Write reports, articles, and books on findings and theories

Historians conduct research and analysis for governments, businesses, individuals, nonprofits, historical associations, and other organizations. They use a variety of sources in their work, including government and institutional records, newspapers, photographs, interviews, films, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries, letters, and other primary source documents. They also may process, catalog, and archive these documents and artifacts.

Many historians present and interpret history in order to inform or build upon public knowledge of past events. They often trace and build a historical profile of a particular person, area, idea, organization, or event. Once their research is complete, they present their findings through articles, books, reports, exhibits, websites, and educational programs.

In government, some historians conduct research to provide information on specific events or groups. Many write about the history of a particular government agency, activity, or program, such as a military operation or space missions. For example, they may research the people and events related to Operation Desert Storm.

In historical associations, historians may work with archivists, curators, and museum workers to preserve artifacts and explain the historical significance of a wide variety of subjects, such as historic buildings, religious groups, and battlegrounds. Workers with a background in history also may go into one of these occupations.

Many people with a degree in history also become high school teachers or postsecondary teachers.

Work Environment

Historians held about 3,500 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of historians were as follows:

Federal government, excluding postal service	22%
Professional, scientific, and technical services	21
Local government, excluding education and hospitals	18
State government, excluding education and hospitals	14

Historians work in museums, archives, historical societies, and research organizations. Some work as consultants for these organizations while being employed by consulting firms, and some work as independent consultants.

Work Schedules

Most historians work full time during regular business hours. Some work independently and are able to set their own schedules. Historians who work in museums or other institutions open to the public may work evenings or weekends. Some historians may travel to collect artifacts, conduct interviews, or visit an area to better understand its culture and environment.

Getting Started

Education:

24%

Master's Degree

20%

Bachelor's Degree

How to Become a Historian

Historians learn to use primary sources, such as letters and photographs, in their research.

Historians typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the occupation. Those with a bachelor’s degree in history may qualify for some entry-level positions, but most will find jobs in different fields.

Education

Historians typically need a master’s degree or Ph.D. to enter the occupation. Many historians have a master’s degree in history or public history. Others complete degrees in related fields, such as museum studies, historical preservation, or archival management.

In addition to coursework, most master’s programs in public history and similar fields require an internship as part of the curriculum.

Research positions in the federal government and positions in academia typically require a Ph.D. Students in history Ph.D. programs usually concentrate in a specific area of history. Possible specializations include a particular country or region, period, or field, such as social, political, or cultural history.

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in history may qualify for entry-level positions at museums, historical associations, or other small organizations. However, most bachelor’s degree holders usually work outside of traditional historian jobs—for example, jobs in education, communications, law, business, publishing, or journalism.

Other Experience

Many employers recommend that prospective historians complete an internship during their formal educational studies. Internships offer an opportunity for students to learn practical skills, such as handling and preserving artifacts and creating exhibits. They also give students an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a hands-on setting.

Job Outlook

Employment of historians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as 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.

Employment

Organizations that employ historians, such as historical societies and government agencies, often depend on donations or public funding. Thus, employment growth will depend largely on the amount of funding available.

Contacts for More Information

For more information about historians, visit

American Association for State and Local History

American Historical Association

National Council on Public History

Organization of American Historians

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of historians.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Anthropologists and Archeologists	Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans.	Master's degree	$63,940
Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers	Archivists and curators oversee institutions’ collections, such as of historical items or of artwork. Museum technicians and conservators prepare and restore items in those collections.	See How to Become One	$53,420
Economists	Economists conduct research, prepare reports, and evaluate issues related to monetary and fiscal policy. They also may collect and analyze statistical data.	Master's degree	$113,940
Editors	Editors plan, review, and revise content for publication.	Bachelor's degree	$73,080
Geographers	Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants.	Bachelor's degree	$88,900
High School Teachers	High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.	Bachelor's degree	$62,360
Political Scientists	Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.	Master's degree	$128,020
Postsecondary Teachers	Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.	See How to Become One	$80,840
Sociologists	Sociologists study society and social behavior.	Master's degree	$98,590
Writers and Authors	Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media.	Bachelor's degree	$73,150

Historian

What they do:

On the job, you would:

Important Qualities

Personality

Characteristics of this Career

Strengths

Values of the Work Environment

Aptitude

Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Job Details

Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent

Tasks & Values

What Historians Do

Duties

Work Environment

Work Schedules

Getting Started

How to Become a Historian

Education

Other Experience

Job Outlook

Employment

Contacts for More Information

Similar Occupations