Historians are professionals who study and write about the past by analyzing and interpreting historical documents and sources. They collect and evaluate information from many primary sources to answer questions about historical events. Historians work in a variety of places, such as universities, museums, government agencies, archives, and non-profit organizations. They specialize in many different topics, such as political and military history, social and cultural history, gender and sexuality, environmental history, and the history of science and technology. Some of the tasks that historians typically do include:
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Gathering historical data: Historians gather historical data from various sources, including archives, books, and artifacts.
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Analyzing and interpreting historical data: Historians analyze and interpret historical data to provide insights into past events.
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Conducting research: Historians conduct field research, evaluate historical records, and provide insights into past events.
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Teaching: Historians often work as professors or instructors, teaching courses in history and conducting research.
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Publishing research: Historians regularly publish research articles and books, attend conferences and seminars, and participate in departmental meetings and committees.
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Preserving and interpreting historical artifacts and documents: Historians may be responsible for preserving and interpreting historical artifacts and documents, curating exhibits, conducting research, and providing insights into past events.
Historians typically need at least a masters degree to enter the occupation, and those with a bachelor's degree in history may qualify for some entry-level positions. The median annual wage for historians was $63,940 in May 2021, and employment of historians is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
