Employment of historians is projected to grow 2 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations.
Employment in the federal government, where more than 1 out of 5 historians worked in 2014, is expected to decline slightly over the coming decade, due to expected reductions in federal spending.
Historians who are employed in settings outside of the federal government, such as historical societies and historical consulting firms, are expected to see some job growth. However, many of these organizations that employ historians depend on donations or public funding. Thus, employment growth from 2014 to 2024 will depend largely on the amount of funding available.
Job Prospects
Historians may face very strong competition for most jobs. Because of the popularity of history degree programs, applicants are expected to outnumber positions available. Those with a master's degree or Ph.D. should have the best job opportunities.
Practical skills or hands-on work experience in a specialized field such as collections, fundraising, or exhibit design also may be beneficial. Job seekers may gain this experience through internships, related work experience, or volunteering. Positions are often available at local museums, historical societies, government agencies, or nonprofit and other organizations.
Because historians have broad training and education in writing, analytical research, and critical thinking, they can apply their skills to many different occupations—for example, as writers and authors, editors, postsecondary teachers, high school teachers, or policy analysts.
Also, there are many history-related jobs that do not have the title of historian. Workers with a background in history often look for closely related jobs, working as archivists, curators, and museum workers, social science or humanities researchers, and cultural resource managers.
Historians
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Social scientists and related workers
12%
Total, all occupations
7%
Historians
2%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program