Archivists
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
Median pay: $64,550/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +3.8% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 1,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
• Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.
• Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
• Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.
• Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.
• Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials.
• Preserve records, documents, and objects, copying records to film, videotape, audiotape, disk, or computer formats as necessary.
• Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials.
What's the median pay for Archivists?
The median pay for Archivists is $64,550 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Archivists?
Employment for Archivists is projected to change +3.8% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Archivists?
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Archivists?
About 1,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.