How to become archivistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Education Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$64,550

25th–75th pct. $50,680–$83,020

Top pay (est.)

$143,700

Top 10% $110,550

Pay in 5 years

$73,400est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$83,500est.

$71,800–$97,000

Outlook score

58/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

62%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

+3.4%

1,100 openings / yr

How to become archivists

Typical education

Master's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Archivists

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

4.1

Writing

4.1

Active Listening

4.0

Critical Thinking

3.9

Speaking

3.9

Active Learning

3.4

Judgment and Decision Making

3.2

Service Orientation

3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Administrative

5.6

History and Archeology

5.3

Computers and Electronics

5.1

English Language

5.1

Education and Training

5.0

Customer and Personal Service

4.7

Administration and Management

4.5

Personnel and Human Resources

3.9

What the work involves

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDocumenting/Recording InformationCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesGetting InformationProcessing InformationHandling and Moving Objects

Important abilities

Written ComprehensionWritten ExpressionNear VisionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionCategory Flexibility

Education of workers

Master's degree

84%

Bachelor's degree

Post-master's certificate

Post-bachelor's certificate

Training before entry

6–12 months

32%

None / short demo

19%

Up to 1 month

16%

1–3 months

13%

1–2 years

10%

3–6 months

4–10 years

Related work experience

1–2 years

35%

6–12 months

35%

2–4 years

13%

4–6 years

6–8 years

Over 10 years

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as archivists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.	$63,970	46/100	28%
2	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.	$72,040	45/100	36%
3	Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.	$64,370	40/100	45%
4	Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Teach students on a short-term basis as a temporary replacement for a regular classroom teacher, typically using the regular teacher's lesson plan.	$41,670	49/100	39%
5	Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.	$38,140	62/100	16%
6	Self-Enrichment Teachers Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.	$46,800	61/100	22%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.