How to become historianseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$76,750
25th–75th pct. $57,290–$99,990
Top pay (est.)
$171,400
Top 10% $131,810
Pay in 5 years
$84,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$93,200est.
$80,100–$108,200
Outlook score
47/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
83%
Very high
Job growth (10 yr)
+3.0%
300 openings / yr
How to become historians
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 Historians
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkProcessing InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Important abilities
Written ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionOral ComprehensionNear VisionInductive Reasoning
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
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 historians
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
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.