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What You Need to Know About Archivist

Occupation Description Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

A Day in the Life of an Archivist

  • Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials.
  • Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
  • Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
  • Specialize in an area of history or technology, researching topics or items relevant to collections to determine what should be retained or acquired.
  • Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials.
  • Coordinate educational and public outreach programs, such as tours, workshops, lectures, and classes.

Skills Needed to be an Archivist

Archivists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Other Archivist Job Titles

  • Reference Archivist
  • Historical Manuscripts Curator
  • Image Archivist
  • Public Records Officer
  • Architectural Historian

Are There Job Opportunities for Archivists?

In the United States, there were 6,800 jobs for Archivist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,000 new jobs for Archivist by 2026. There will be an estimated 800 positions for Archivist per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Archivist are Nebraska, Kentucky, and Georgia. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Vermont, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does an Archivist Make?

The average yearly salary of an Archivist ranges between $30,440 and $90,830.

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Archivists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Georgia, make the highest salaries.

How much do Archivists make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $50,790
Arizona $43,890
Arkansas $59,480
California $72,240
Colorado $51,080
Connecticut $62,910
Delaware $46,080
District of Columbia $74,860
Florida $46,370
Georgia $64,160
Illinois $63,200
Indiana $40,920
Kansas $42,860
Kentucky $44,410
Louisiana $45,480
Maine $46,440
Maryland $67,360
Massachusetts $63,270
Michigan $52,380
Minnesota $46,700
Missouri $51,410
Montana $38,870
New Jersey $67,110
New Mexico $46,420
New York $56,270
North Carolina $51,960
Ohio $46,610
Oklahoma $41,790
Oregon $43,470
Pennsylvania $52,800
Rhode Island $59,520
South Carolina $42,530
Tennessee $38,430
Texas $66,120
Utah $34,400
Vermont $46,610
Virginia $55,400
Washington $56,690
Wisconsin $47,800

Tools & Technologies Used by Archivists

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Archivists:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Word processing software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • Database software
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Presentation software
  • Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Suite

How do I Become an Archivist?

Are there Archivists education requirements?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Archivists Work

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Archivists work in the following industries:

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Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming an Archivist might also be interested in the following careers:

References:

Image Credit: Jorge Royan via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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