Archivists

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

$57,100

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

+6% projected 2024–2034

What They Do

Archivists preserve and organize historically significant documents, photographs, maps, and other materials that tell the story of institutions, communities, or specific time periods. They work in climate-controlled repositories within universities, government agencies, museums, corporations, and cultural institutions, where they carefully evaluate incoming materials to determine what should be kept permanently. Their daily work involves cataloging new acquisitions using specialized database systems, creating detailed finding aids that help researchers locate specific items, and handling fragile materials with meticulous care to prevent deterioration.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Library Science and Administration(masters)University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO

Library Science and Administration(grad-cert)Southern Connecticut State University, CT

Library Science and Administration(masters)University of Houston-Clear Lake, TX

Library Science and Administration(professional)The Catholic University of America, DC

Library Science and Administration(grad-cert)Texas Woman's University, TX

Library Science and Administration(masters)Sam Houston State University, TX

Library Science and Administration(masters)East Texas A&M University, TX

Library Science and Administration(masters)The University of Texas at Austin, TX

Library Science and Administration(masters)CUNY Queens College, NY

Library Science and Administration(masters)Appalachian State University, NC

Library Science and Administration(masters)Southern Connecticut State University, CT

Library Science and Administration(masters)University of Maryland-College Park, MD

Library Science and Administration(grad-cert)CUNY Queens College, NY

Library Science and Administration(grad-cert)Illinois State University, IL

Library Science and Administration(grad-cert)San Jose State University, CA

Library Science and Administration(grad-cert)Northeastern State University, OK

Library Science and Administration(grad-cert)Indiana University-Indianapolis, IN

Library Science and Administration(grad-cert)Marshall University, WV

Library Science and Administration(grad-cert)Emporia State University, KS

Library Science and Administration(grad-cert)Florida State University, FL

Library Science and Administration(grad-cert)East Carolina University, NC

Library Science and Administration(grad-cert)Kent State University at Kent, OH

Library Science and Administration(grad-cert)Pratt Institute-Main, NY

Library Science and Administration(grad-cert)Simmons University, MA

Library Science and Administration(grad-cert)Drexel University, PA

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