Life As an Archivist
Example of Archivist Job Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
Daily Life Of an Archivist
- Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.
- Specialize in an area of history or technology, researching topics or items relevant to collections to determine what should be retained or acquired.
- Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
- Locate new materials and direct their acquisition and display.
- Coordinate educational and public outreach programs, such as tours, workshops, lectures, and classes.
- Select and edit documents for publication and display, applying knowledge of subject, literary expression, and presentation techniques.
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Archivist Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Archivists say are important on the job.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Processing Archivist
- Records Manager
- Museum Archivist
- Museum Registrar
- Records Administrator
Are There Job Opportunities for Archivists?
There were about 6,800 jobs for Archivist in 2016 (in the United States). 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.

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.
Archivist Salary
The salary for Archivists ranges between about $30,440 and $90,830 a year.

Archivists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Georgia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Archivists make in each U.S. state?
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 |
What Tools do Archivists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Archivists may use on a daily basis:
- 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 to Become an Archivist
What education or degrees do I need to become an Archivist?

What work experience do I need to become an Archivist?

Where Archivists Work

Below are examples of industries where Archivists work:

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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