Historians
Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources.
Is historians a good career?
It scores 17/100 and ranks #447 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($76,750 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+2.2%)
- Typically requires a master's degree
What historians earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. historians earn between $57,290 and $99,990 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live historians jobs
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- Typical education
- Master's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow slower than average through 2034.
Education
Historians typically need a master’s degree or Ph.D. to enter the occupation. Many historians have a master’s degree in history. Others complete degrees in related fields, such as museum studies, historical preservation, or archival management.
In addition to coursework, some programs may require an internship as part of the curriculum.
Research positions in the federal government and in academia may 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.
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 requesting 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. Knowledge of other languages can be useful during their 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.
Detail oriented. Historians must carefully examine and process information from a large number of historical sources. They also must be accurate and precise when describing past events.
Related occupations
How much do historians make?
The national median wage is $76,750 a year, with the middle half earning between $57,290 and $99,990 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is historians a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 17 of 100 and ranks #447 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +2.2% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a historian?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree.
Where do historians earn the most?
Among states, Massachusetts pays the highest median ($121,710). Local pay for every state and metro is below.