Many students wonder what they can do with a history degree after graduation. A history major provides more career options than you might think. History graduates develop valuable skills in research, critical thinking, writing, and analysis that employers value across many industries.
The job market for history graduates spans beyond the obvious teaching and museum work. History majors often find success in law, business, government, journalism, and nonprofit organizations. Their ability to understand complex situations, evaluate evidence, and communicate effectively makes them versatile candidates.
History degrees prepare students for diverse career paths by teaching them to examine the past with nuance. They learn to spot patterns, understand cultural contexts, and present information clearly – skills that transfer well to many professional settings.
Careers With a History Degree
Historian Roles
1) Historians study, analyze, and interpret historical data and documents to understand past events. They often work in museums, historical societies, or government agencies.
Their daily tasks include examining artifacts, conducting interviews, and writing detailed reports about historical findings. Historians might spend mornings in archives and afternoons organizing their research notes.
The path to becoming a historian typically requires a master’s degree or Ph.D. in history. Some positions accept candidates with bachelor’s degrees and relevant experience.
Salaries range from $45,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on education level and employer.
University Professor and Lecturer
2) History professors teach undergraduate and graduate courses while conducting independent research. They design syllabi, deliver lectures, grade assignments, and mentor students.
A typical day might include teaching 1-2 classes, holding office hours, attending faculty meetings, and working on research projects.
Becoming a professor usually requires:
- Ph.D. in history or related field (6-8 years after bachelor’s)
- Teaching experience
- Published research
3) Lecturers may need only a master’s degree but have less job security and lower pay than tenure-track professors.
Professors earn $65,000-$120,000 annually, while lecturers typically make $40,000-$60,000.
Academic Researcher
4) Academic researchers investigate specialized historical topics and contribute to scholarly knowledge. They work in universities, think tanks, and research institutions.
Their responsibilities include:
- Analyzing primary and secondary sources
- Writing grant proposals
- Publishing findings in academic journals
- Presenting at conferences
Researchers spend most days in libraries, archives, or their offices, meticulously examining historical documents and compiling notes.
Most positions require at least a master’s degree, though a Ph.D. is preferred. Strong analytical and writing skills are essential.
Salaries typically range from $50,000 to $90,000, depending on the institution and experience level.
Curator Positions
5) Curators manage collections of historical objects, artwork, or documents. They select items for exhibitions, research artifacts, and ensure proper preservation of valuable materials.
Their daily activities include:
- Examining new acquisitions
- Writing exhibition text
- Meeting with donors or lenders
- Coordinating with conservation staff
Most curator positions require a master’s degree in history, museum studies, or art history. Some specialized roles might need a PhD. Entry-level salaries typically range from $40,000-$50,000, while experienced curators at major institutions can earn $65,000-$85,000.
To become a curator, you could start with internships during your undergraduate studies. Many gain experience as collection assistants before advancing. Professional development through organizations like the American Alliance of Museums helps career growth.
Museum Educator
6) Museum educators design and deliver educational programs for visitors of all ages. They connect people with history through tours, workshops, and interactive experiences.
A typical day might include:
- Leading school group tours
- Developing new program materials
- Training volunteer docents
- Evaluating program effectiveness
This role usually requires a bachelor’s in history or education, though many museums prefer candidates with teaching experience or a master’s degree. Salaries generally range from $35,000-$55,000 depending on the institution’s size and location.
Museum educators need strong communication skills and enthusiasm for making history accessible. You can prepare by volunteering at local museums, taking education courses, and gaining experience working with diverse audiences. Many start as tour guides or program assistants before moving into full educator roles.
Archivist Jobs in Public and Private Sectors
7) Archivists manage and protect historical data and documents for future generations. They collect, organize, and preserve important records and make them accessible to researchers and the public.
Job Duties:
- Evaluating and selecting materials for preservation
- Organizing and cataloging collections
- Creating systems for easy retrieval
- Digitizing documents for wider access
- Helping researchers find specific information
Most archivists work in government agencies, museums, universities, or corporate archives. A typical day might include processing new acquisitions, answering research requests, and monitoring storage conditions.
The path to becoming an archivist typically requires:
- Master’s degree in history, library science, or archival studies
- Knowledge of preservation techniques
- Digital cataloging skills
Salaries range from $40,000-$70,000, with government positions often offering better benefits.
Librarian Roles
8) Librarians with history backgrounds excel at managing historical collections and supporting research in specialized libraries.
Types of Librarian Positions:
- Research librarians at universities
- Special collections librarians
- Local history librarians at public libraries
- Digital archives specialists
Their daily activities include helping patrons locate resources, developing collections, planning educational programs, and managing historical databases.
Most librarian positions require:
- Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS)
- Some positions prefer additional history qualifications
- Training in digital resources management
The average salary ranges from $45,000-$65,000, with academic and specialized positions often paying more.
Many history graduates start as library assistants to gain experience before pursuing advanced degrees. Continuing education in emerging technologies and preservation methods can enhance career growth.
Journalist and Editor Roles
9) Journalists with history backgrounds excel at investigative reporting and historical context pieces. They research stories, interview sources, and write articles that connect current events to their historical roots.
A typical day might include:
- Attending press conferences or events
- Conducting interviews with sources
- Researching background information
- Writing and editing articles
The average salary ranges from $40,000-$70,000 depending on experience and location.
To become a journalist, you might want to consider:
- A bachelor’s degree in history with journalism courses
- Building a portfolio of published work
- Gaining experience through internships
- Developing strong writing skills and attention to detail
Editors with history backgrounds earn $50,000-$90,000 annually and focus on fact-checking and ensuring historical accuracy in publications.
Freelance Journalism Opportunities
10) Freelance journalists with history degrees can specialize in historical topics or provide historical context for current events.
You can focus on:
- Writing historical features for magazines
- Creating content for history-related websites
- Producing podcast scripts about historical events
- Contributing to documentaries
Freelancers typically earn $200-$1,000 per article depending on the publication and complexity.
Building a successful freelance career requires:
- Developing a specific niche related to your historical expertise
- Creating a strong online portfolio showcasing your work
- Networking with editors and other journalists
- Pitching story ideas regularly to publications
Law-Related Career Options
Many history majors find success in legal careers due to their research abilities and critical thinking skills.
11) Paralegal/Legal Assistant
- Conducts legal research and helps attorneys prepare cases
- Organizes case files and legal documents
- Typical salary: $50,000-$65,000 annually
- Daily tasks include document review, client communication, and court filing preparation
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in history plus paralegal certificate (6-12 months training)
12) Court Clerk
- Maintains court records and assists judges
- Processes legal paperwork and manages court schedules
- Salary range: $35,000-$55,000 yearly
- Spends time organizing dockets, handling evidence, and assisting during proceedings
- You can qualify with a history degree and on-the-job training
Policy Analyst and Government Researcher
History graduates excel in government roles that require understanding societal patterns and policy development.
13) Policy Analyst
- Evaluates existing policies and recommends improvements
- Researches historical precedents for policy decisions
- Average salary: $65,000-$85,000
- Daily work includes data analysis, report writing, and meeting with stakeholders
- Requirements: History degree plus master’s in public policy or related field
14) Government Historian
- Documents and preserves government records and historical materials
- Provides historical context for current policy decisions
- Typical compensation: $60,000-$80,000 annually
- Tasks involve archiving documents, conducting research, and writing reports
- You might need a master’s or PhD in history for senior positions
Roles in Publishing
History graduates often find rewarding careers in the publishing industry. They work as:
15) Editors who review historical books and articles for accuracy and readability.
Average salary: $63,000 per year. Daily activities include reviewing manuscripts, fact-checking, and collaborating with authors.
Becoming an editor typically requires a bachelor’s degree in history or related field plus 2-3 years of experience.
16) Content Researchers who verify facts and provide background information for publications.
Average salary: $55,000 annually. They spend their days investigating sources, compiling information, and writing summaries. Entry-level positions might require only a bachelor’s degree in history.
Many publishers value the analytical skills and attention to detail that history graduates bring to these roles. Their ability to evaluate sources and understand historical context proves especially valuable when working with non-fiction material.
Consulting and Analytical Roles
The critical thinking abilities of history graduates make them excellent candidates for:
17) Policy Analysts who examine the potential impact of proposed policies.
Average salary: $72,000 per year. Daily work involves researching past policy outcomes, writing reports, and attending meetings with stakeholders.
Most positions require a history degree plus a master’s in policy studies or public administration.
18) Business Consultants who help companies understand market trends through historical patterns.
Average salary: $85,000 annually. They analyze data, prepare presentations, and advise clients on decision-making. You might need to complement your history degree with business courses or an MBA.