Archivists
SOC code 25-4011 · O*NET-SOC 25-4011.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Education and library
Archivists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$64,550
a year
Hourly
$31.03
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$70,640
$33.96 per hour
Middle 50%
$50,680 – $83,020
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$39,970 – $110,550
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
7,970
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $39,970
- $19.22/hr
- 25th percentile
- $50,680
- $24.37/hr
- Median percentile
- $64,550
- $31.03/hr
- 75th percentile
- $83,020
- $39.92/hr
- 90th percentile
- $110,550
- $53.15/hr
What does an archivist do?
Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
- Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.
- Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
- Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.
- Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.
- 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.
- Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials.
How to become an archivist
Most people in this role hold master's degree — 84% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Master's Degree84%
- Bachelor's Degree6%
- Post-Master's Certificate6%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate3%
Common questions
How much does an archivist earn?
The national median is $64,550 a year. The full range runs from $39,970 at the 10th percentile to $110,550 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an archivist without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.1/5
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Writing3.9/5
- Speaking3.5/5
- Critical Thinking3.4/5
- Active Learning3.4/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- History and Archeology4.3/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- Computers and Electronics3.8/5
- Administration and Management3.7/5
- Administrative3.5/5
- Education and Training3.4/5
- Law and Government3.2/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Service Orientation, Judgment and Decision Making.