What Can You Do With A History Degree

Stan T.

What Can You Do With A
History Degree

A History degree can cover a wide range of professions, but they all have one thing in common – they’re closely related to the understanding of the world in which we live in, and all the historical events and trends that ever took place here.

Pursuing a History major means investigating the past, analyzing primary sources, and devising evidence-based arguments. A Bachelor’s degree in History can start you off with an entry-level job while still seeking continuing education and conducting research.


Typical employers for History graduates

Museums and Art Galleries
Colleges and Universities
Libraries
Government Agencies


Archives


5 Career Options

  1. Historian
  2. What they do

    Historians are researchers and academics who study the events of the past. Their main duty is to obtain historical data from libraries, artifacts, and archives. They’re also required to determine the authenticity of the historical data they’ve gathered. This is extended to teaching and research at universities. Find out more about what’s it like working as a Historian.

    How to become one

    Most Historian positions require at least a Master’s degree, and some research positions require a doctoral degree. If you have a Bachelor’s degree, you may qualify for an entry-level position. Learn more about what you need to become a Historian.

    How much they make

    Historians who are just getting started can expect to make anywhere between $29,270 to $40,670 per year. The average annual salary for Historians is $68400.




  3. History Professor
  4. What they do

    History Professors are responsible for teaching students the fundamentals of History. Their tasks include preparing lectures, grading and devising assignments, counseling students, and performing research. Find out more about what’s it like working as a History Professor.

    How to become one

    70% of History Professors who teach at 4-year colleges or universities hold doctoral degrees in History. This can take up to 8 years of studying. Learn more about what you need to become a History Professor.

    How much they make

    History Professors who are just getting started can expect to make anywhere between $40,600 to $55,410 per hour. The average annual salary for a History Professor is $85630.




  5. Librarian
  6. What they do

    A Librarian’s job is to help people find data and conduct research for professional and personal use. Their duties differ according to what library they work in, like public, school, and medical libraries. Find out more about what’s it like working as a Librarian.

    How to become one

    Becoming a Librarian generally requires a Master’s degree in Library Science. Over 70% of Librarians we surveyed said they had a Master’s degree. A Master’s degree in Library Science is one of our recommended majors if you want to become a Librarian. Some graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in History may be accepted to work at some libraries.

    How much they make

    Entry-level Librarians can expect to make anywhere between $34,630 to $46,130 per year. The average salary for Librarians is $63560 per year.




  7. Museum Curator
  8. What they do

    Often with a rich background in History, Museum Curators use their post-secondary education and specialize in the field of curation. This is an exceptional choice for students with a creative mind who like to pay close attention to detail. Find out more about what’s it like working as a Museum Curator.

    How to become one

    A Bachelor’s degree in History is enough to land you a job as a Museum Curator. However, we would recommend getting your Master’s degree to improve your chances of landing a job as a Museum Curator. 44% of Museum Curators we surveyed said they had a Master’s degree and 35% had a Ph.D.

    There is usually a preference for graduates with a Master’s degree in History, Art, Archeology, or Museum Studies. 

    How much they make

    Museum Curators who are just getting started can expect to make anywhere between $29,010 to $39,580 per year. The average salary for Museum Curators is $61650 per year.




  9. Archivist
  10. What they do

    Archivists help in the organization of artifacts and documents for museums and schools, among other places. Preservation is their main role in this job. Their task is to ensure the received items will last for as long as possible. Find out more about what’s it like working as an Archivist.

    How to become one

    A Master’s degree is recommended if you want to become an Archivist. 8 out of 10 Archivists we surveyed had a Master’s degree.

    How much they make

    Entry-level Archivists with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $30,440 to $38,090 per year. The annual average salary of an Archivist is 61210. The job outlook of Archivists have been on the rise, hitting 9% this year, which is faster than average.