Top Jobs Involving History: Careers That Bring the Past to Life

Love the past? Obsessed with ancient civilizations, world wars, or historical figures? A background in history isn’t just for teachers and professors—it opens doors to diverse and dynamic careers in research, government, media, museums, and more.

In this article, we’ll explore the best jobs involving history, including what they pay, what skills you need, and how to start your journey into a fulfilling history-based profession.

Why Pursue a Career in History?

Choosing a job involving history means you get to:

Explore your passion for the past
Shape public knowledge and historical preservation
Influence law, policy, education, and media
Work in exciting settings—from archives to archaeological digs

Keyword Tip: Related search terms include “careers in history,” “jobs with a history degree,” and “historian job opportunities.”

15 Top Jobs Involving History

Here are some of the most rewarding and high-impact careers for history enthusiasts:

Historian

What They Do: Research, interpret, and analyze past events and write about historical contexts.

Average Salary: $64,540/year
Required Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in history
Best For: Deep researchers and academic writers

Archivist

What They Do: Preserve historical documents, records, photos, and digital content for institutions.

Average Salary: $60,050/year
Skills Needed: Organization, digital archiving, attention to detail
Industries: Government, museums, universities

Museum Curator

What They Do: Manage historical artifacts, design exhibits, and oversee collection care.

Average Salary: $58,000–$70,000/year
Key Skills: Curation, storytelling, fundraising, research
Fun Fact: Many curators travel to acquire or loan artifacts internationally.

History Teacher/Professor

What They Do: Teach historical subjects at the high school, college, or university level.

Average Salary:

High School: $62,870/year

Postsecondary: $85,000+/year

Degree Needed: Bachelor’s (K–12), Master’s or Ph.D. (college)
Best For: Educators with a passion for inspiring students

Archaeologist

What They Do: Study human history through excavation and analysis of physical remains.

Average Salary: $61,910/year
Work Environments: Fieldwork, laboratories, museums
Specializations: Egyptology, classical archaeology, historical archaeology

Librarian (Special Collections)

What They Do: Manage historical texts and rare materials in academic or archival libraries.

Average Salary: $58,000–$70,000/year
Education: Master’s in Library Science (MLS)
Ideal For: Organized, detail-oriented history lovers

Genealogist

What They Do: Research family histories and create ancestral records or family trees.

Average Salary: Varies; freelance or salaried ($30,000–$90,000+)
Skills Needed: Online research, data analysis, interviewing
Work For: Individuals, legal firms, or ancestry companies

Cultural Resource Manager

What They Do: Ensure development projects don’t damage historically significant areas.

Average Salary: $65,000–$90,000/year
Works With: Government agencies, developers, historians
Fieldwork & compliance-focused

Public Historian

What They Do: Make history accessible to the public via exhibits, documentaries, and digital media.

Job Types: Media consultant, exhibit designer, museum educator
Great For: Creative communicators and storytellers

Documentary Researcher

What They Do: Support film and media production with accurate historical data.

Salary Range: $45,000–$80,000+ (project-based or salaried)
Industries: Film, television, publishing, journalism

Policy Analyst

What They Do: Use historical knowledge to analyze trends, legislation, and public behavior.

Fields: Government, NGOs, think tanks
Why History Helps: Contextualizes political or economic decisions
Salary Range: $60,000–$100,000+

Historical Fiction Writer

What They Do: Create novels, screenplays, or content set in the past with historical accuracy.

Income: Varies—freelance, publishing royalties
Skills: Creative writing, research, narrative structure
Popular With: Bloggers, screenwriters, indie authors

Tour Guide (Historical Sites)

What They Do: Lead visitors through historical landmarks, offering context and storytelling.

Pay Range: $25,000–$50,000+/year (plus tips or bonuses)
Best For: Extroverts and storytellers
Work Locations: National parks, battlefields, historic towns

Legal Assistant (Historical Research)

What They Do: Support lawyers in cases involving property records, genealogy, or historical land claims.

Salary: $50,000–$75,000/year
Good Fit For: Detail-focused history grads with legal interest

Foreign Service or Intelligence Analyst

What They Do: Use regional and historical expertise to inform diplomacy and security strategies.

Employers: CIA, FBI, Department of State
Salary Range: $70,000–$120,000+
Degree Focus: History + political science or international relations

Skills You Need for Jobs Involving History

Skill	Why It’s Important
Research & Analysis	Foundational for interpreting historical data
Writing & Communication	For reporting, teaching, publishing
Critical Thinking	Draw conclusions from past events
Presentation & Teaching	Especially useful in education and museums
Archiving & Data Management	Needed for curators, archivists, and genealogists

Tip: History-related jobs often require a Master’s or Ph.D., especially in academia or research. However, many roles—like genealogy, tour guiding, and content creation—can start with a Bachelor’s degree and hands-on experience.

Where to Find Jobs Involving History

Government Agencies: National Archives, Smithsonian, Library of Congress
Universities & Schools: Tenure-track positions, adjunct roles, K–12 teaching
Museums & Nonprofits: Local and national museums, heritage organizations
Freelance Marketplaces: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer (writing, genealogy, research)
Job Boards: USAJobs.gov, HigherEdJobs, AASLH, AHA Career Center

Conclusion

From preserving historical artifacts to shaping global policy, jobs involving history offer meaningful work that combines analytical skills, storytelling, and a passion for understanding the past. Whether you prefer academic research or engaging with the public, there’s a history job that matches your strengths and interests.

Your passion for the past can pave the way to a future full of purpose. Start exploring your history-based career today.