Historian

Your Fit

Income

$73K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

3.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Historian?

A Historian is a professional who studies and interprets past events, societies, and cultures. They examine historical documents, records, and artifacts to understand and chronicle the human past.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Historian.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Historian earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$36K per year	$52K per year	$73K per year	$94K per year	$125K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $25K above the national average.

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What does a Historian do?

Work environment

Historians typically work in academic settings, museums, historical societies, government agencies, and cultural organizations. Their work environment may vary from offices and libraries to archives and historical sites, involving extensive research, analysis, and sometimes teaching or public presentations.

Quick task list

Researches historical documents and sources.
Analyzes and interprets historical information.
Writes articles, reports, and books on historical findings.
Presents findings through lectures, exhibitions, or educational programs.
Collaborates with other historians and professionals in related fields.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Cultural History: Focuses on the cultural practices and norms of societies.
Political History: Studies the political events, movements, and leaders of the past.
Economic History: Examines the economic aspects and development of societies.
Social History: Investigates the societal structures and lives of people in different eras.
Military History: Concentrates on military conflicts, strategies, and developments.

Description

Historians are vital in preserving and interpreting the human past. Their research helps us understand how societies have evolved and provides context for current events and future developments. They must critically analyze sources, often challenging established narratives, and present their findings in an accessible and engaging manner.

This profession requires a deep passion for history, strong research skills, and the ability to think critically. Historians must be meticulous in their research, often spending extensive periods in archives and libraries, and proficient in synthesizing large amounts of information into coherent narratives.

The work of historians is not just academic; it has practical implications. Their research can inform public policy, education, and cultural understanding. Historians also play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and memory, contributing significantly to society's collective knowledge.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Uncovering and sharing new insights about the past.
Contributing to the preservation of historical knowledge and cultural heritage.
Engaging in continuous learning and intellectual exploration.

You might make a good Historian if you are...

Deeply passionate about history and curious about the past.
Detail-oriented with a talent for research and critical analysis.
Skilled in writing and communicating complex ideas effectively.
Patient and persistent, as historical research can be time-consuming.
Enthusiastic about sharing knowledge through teaching or public speaking.

Pros:

Intellectual satisfaction from studying and interpreting history.
Diverse opportunities in education, museums, and cultural organizations.
The pleasure of continually learning and discovering new aspects of the past.

Cons:

The academic job market can be competitive.
Research can be time-intensive and sometimes isolating.
Dependence on funding for research projects and positions.

How to become a Historian

Typical education

A master's degree or Ph.D. in history or a related field is often required for professional historian roles, amounting to 6-10 years of post-secondary education, including undergraduate study.

High school preparation

Courses:

History to gain a broad understanding of different periods and events.
English and Literature for developing strong writing and analytical skills.
Foreign Languages to access and interpret non-English sources.
Social Studies to understand the societal context of historical events.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining history or debate clubs.
Volunteering at local museums or historical societies.
Participating in historical reenactments or cultural events.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in history or a related field.
Engage in undergraduate research projects or internships related to historical research.
Consider graduate studies for specialized research opportunities and academic careers.

More resources

American Historical Association (AHA) - Provides resources and support for professional historians.
National Council on Public History (NCPH) - Offers resources on public history and historical practices.
Journal of American History - Features articles and book reviews on American history.
World History Association (WHA) - Focuses on global history scholarship and teaching.
History News Network - Presents historical perspectives on current events.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.