What does a historian do?
Historians study the recent as well as the distant past and specialize in researching and drawing conclusions about certain elements of past human existence. They generally direct their focus toward a specific subject, time period, region, or nation. Historians conduct their research by using preserved information sources that include photographs, films, newspaper articles, letters, and institutional or government records. They may focus on a variety of aspects in historical life such as political, cultural, social, or intellectual events. Historians can also aid in the preservation of buildings, materials, and artifacts that represent noteworthy moments of the past.
Historians are usually employed by historical societies, universities, government agencies or museums, and can work alone or as part of a larger research team. Most of their work is conducted in an office setting, though they occasionally will travel to a specific destination for the purpose of study and analysis. Click here to find out how to become a historian.
What kind of training does a historian need?
A degree in history at the master or doctorate level is usually required for historian careers. A career as a historian requires a firm knowledge of statistics and mathematics that is applied to various research techniques. Computers and other modern tools are also frequently used by historians.
Field experience and internships are valuable to those who are preparing for employment as a historian. Students can learn to how interpret and record events at historical sites by participating in programs that are offered by archaeological field schools. Click here for a list of online programs to get an online history degree.
What are the prospects for a career as a historian?
Employment prospects for historian jobs are projected to grow at an average rate for all industries. In 2006, 3,400 people were employed as historians, and in 2016, that number should reach 3,700. Some of the specialized opportunities for historians involve consulting at historically significant sites, studying records at educational institutions and government agencies, as well as preservation societies. (1) Click here for a list of online history degrees.
How much do historians make?
Historian salary on average is $50,790. Entry-level positions for recent history degree graduates begin around $24,650 per year, while those with more experience and supervisory responsibilities earn up to $93,930 annually. (2)
A historian career is ideal for a person who has passion for and an intellectual curiosity of historical milestones in the past and the ways in which they have affected modern society and culture. Click here for a list of online history degree programs.
