Historian
Also known as: historians, diplomatic historian, political historian, economic historian, art historian, military historian
About this occupation
Historians research, analyze, interpret, and present the past of human societies. They analyse documents, sources, and traces from the past in order to understand the past societies.
Essential skills and knowledge
- perform scientific research
- research the past in recorded sources
- write scientific papers
- apply scientific methods
- source criticism
- do historical research
- scientific research methodology
- consult information sources
- historical methods
- history
- periodisation
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Historians (O*NET 19-3093.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Gather historical data from sources such as archives, court records, diaries, news files, and photographs, as well as from books, pamphlets, and periodicals.
- Organize data, and analyze and interpret its authenticity and relative significance.
- Prepare publications and exhibits, or review those prepared by others, to ensure their historical accuracy.
- Organize information for publication and for other means of dissemination, such as via storage media or the Internet.
- Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.
- Conserve and preserve manuscripts, records, and other artifacts.
- Typical education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Conventional, Artistic
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Writing, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Speaking, Active Learning
US median pay: US$76,750 a year (2025), 3,450 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- HistoryO*NET: History and ArcheologyExtremely important (4.6)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.1)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyVery important (3.6)
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyVery important (3.5)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Anthropologists and Archeologists
- Archivists
- Curators
- History Teachers, Postsecondary
- Geographers
- Sociologists
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
- Social Science Research Assistants
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.