Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past by studying historical documents, sources, artifacts, and other evidence. They often specialize in specific eras, regions, or themes, and their work involves conducting research, writing scholarly articles and books, teaching at academic institutions, curating exhibitions, advising on historical accuracy in media, and providing expertise for various organizations.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $58,950.00 |
25th percentile | $65,790.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $82,640.00 |
75th percentile | $103,630.00 |
90th percentile | $130,460.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $28.34 |
25th percentile | $31.63 |
median (50th percentile) | $39.73 |
75th percentile | $49.82 |
90th percentile | $62.72 |
Historians typically need a master's degree or Ph.D. in history or a related field for advanced research and teaching positions. However, some entry-level positions may be available for those with a bachelor's degree in history or a closely related field. It is crucial to note that completing high school is a prerequisite for pursuing higher education options in history, but a high school diploma alone is not sufficient to work as a historian. In terms of training, historians engage in extensive research, critical analysis, and academic writing to develop expertise in a specific historical area. They often gain practical experience through internships, fellowships, and research assistant positions while honing skills in archival research, historiography, and data analysis. Additionally, attending conferences, publishing research papers, and collaborating with other historians are common aspects of their training.