Life As an Archivist
Archivist Definition 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
- Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials.
- Preserve records, documents, and objects, copying records to film, videotape, audiotape, disk, or computer formats as necessary.
- 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.
- Authenticate and appraise historical documents and archival materials.
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Archivist Needed Skills
These are the skills Archivists say are the most useful in their careers:
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:
- Curator of Manuscripts
- Historical Records Administrator
- Docent
- Registrar
- Records Administrator
Is There Going to be Demand 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. The BLS estimates 800 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Average Archivists Salary
The typical yearly salary for Archivists is somewhere between $30,440 and $90,830.

Archivists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Georgia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Archivists 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 |
What Tools & Technology 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 kind of Archivist requirements are there?

What work experience do I need to become an Archivist?

Where do Archivists Work?

The table below shows the approximate number of Archivists employed by various industries.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being an Archivist may also be interested in:
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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