Careers in History: Top Jobs for History Majors and Enthusiasts

If you’re passionate about the past, you might be wondering: What careers in history are available, and are they worth pursuing? The good news is, a history degree or strong interest in history can lead to diverse, fulfilling careers in education, research, government, law, media, and beyond.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

Top career paths for history majors
Job roles, skills required, and average salaries
Alternative careers using historical knowledge
How to build a successful history-based career

Why Pursue a Career in History?

Studying history develops valuable transferable skills, such as:

Research and critical thinking
Analytical writing and argumentation
Public speaking and storytelling
Cultural awareness and ethical reasoning

These skills make history graduates well-suited for a range of industries, not just teaching or academia.

Fact: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many history-related roles are projected to grow steadily, especially in public history and archival work.

Top Careers in History (With Salary Info)

Here are the most popular and well-paying careers for those with a background in history:

Historian

What They Do: Analyze, interpret, and write about past events using primary and secondary sources.
Work Settings: Museums, government, academia, think tanks.
Average Salary: $65,000–$90,000/year
Education: Master’s or PhD often required

Archivist

What They Do: Manage, preserve, and catalog historical records and documents.
Work Settings: Libraries, universities, government agencies.
Average Salary: $55,000–$80,000/year
Education: Bachelor’s with experience; Master’s in Library Science (MLS) preferred

Museum Curator or Exhibition Manager

What They Do: Oversee artifact collections, develop exhibits, and manage educational programs.
Work Settings: Museums, galleries, cultural centers
Average Salary: $50,000–$75,000/year
Education: Master’s in History, Art History, or Museum Studies

History Teacher or Professor

What They Do: Teach history at middle school, high school, or college level.
Work Settings: Public and private schools, universities
Average Salary: $45,000–$100,000/year (depending on level and location)
Education: Bachelor’s for K-12; Master’s or PhD for college/university

Cultural Resource Manager

What They Do: Protect historical sites and ensure legal compliance during land development.
Work Settings: Government agencies, private contractors
Average Salary: $55,000–$85,000/year
Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in History or Archaeology

Alternative Careers Using a History Degree

Lawyer or Legal Analyst

History grads excel in law due to strong research and writing skills.
Additional Education: Law degree (JD)
Average Salary: $90,000–$160,000+

Journalist or Documentary Producer

Use historical knowledge to create stories with context and depth.
Settings: Newsrooms, TV production, digital media
Salary Range: $40,000–$100,000+

Political Analyst or Policy Advisor

Work for government bodies, think tanks, or advocacy groups.
Use historical context to shape modern policies.
Average Salary: $60,000–$110,000/year

Genealogist

Research family histories and create family trees.
Tools: Census data, military records, archives
Average Salary: $30,000–$70,000+

Historical Consultant (Film, TV, Events)

Advise on period accuracy for costumes, dialogue, or staging.
Work freelance or with production companies.
Earnings: Varies widely; project-based income

Skills You Need for a Career in History

Employers seek candidates with:

Research proficiency (primary and secondary sources)
Academic and business writing skills
Digital literacy (databases, digital archives)
Public speaking and communication
Team collaboration and project management

Certifications like archival training, museum studies, or digital humanities can also boost employability.

SEO Insights: Why “Careers in History” Is a High-Search Keyword

This keyword targets informational and educational intent—people are exploring career options and looking for practical guidance.

Related keywords:

jobs for history majors
what can I do with a history degree
careers related to history
museum careers
public history jobs

Use these strategically in H2s, FAQs, and image alt tags to improve SEO visibility.

Best Degrees for History-Related Careers

BA or MA in History
MA in Museum Studies or Archival Science
PhD in History (for academia or specialized research)
JD (Law) for legal or policy careers
MLIS (Library & Information Science) for archivist or librarian roles

Conclusion

A passion for history can open the door to a wide range of meaningful careers. Whether you’re curating museum exhibits, preserving ancient documents, or analyzing policy through a historical lens, there’s no shortage of careers in history that offer both personal fulfillment and professional opportunity.

To succeed, build on your research and communication skills, pursue relevant certifications or graduate education, and network within your area of interest.

FAQs

1. What are the highest-paying careers for history majors?

Law, academia (tenured professor), and consulting roles tend to offer the highest salaries.

2. Is a history degree useless?

Not at all. It develops critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills that are valuable in many industries.

3. Can I work in business with a history degree?

Yes. Roles in marketing, research analysis, content development, and project management often welcome history majors.

4. What is public history?

Public history involves presenting history to the general public through museums, archives, historical sites, and media.

5. How can I start a career in history without a degree?

Consider roles like historical reenactment, museum volunteering, genealogy research, or historical blogging. Building experience and credibility can lead to full-time work.

Also read: Accounts Payable Aging Report: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters