How to become an Archivist
Analyses and documents records, and plans and organises systems and procedures for the safekeeping of records and historically valuable documents.
Main tasks
- Evaluates and preserves documents for administrative, historical, technical change management, legal, evidential and other purposes
- Examines items and arranges examinations to determine condition and authenticity
- Develops archival systems, indexes, guides and procedures for archival research and for the retention and destruction of records
- Develops, maintains and implements archive policies and procedures
- Identifies, organises and prioritises the digitisation of documents
Ways in
- University: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Certificate II in Information and Cultural Services (CUA20520)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $118,508 a year
- About 10,200 people work in this job group now, and about 13,200 are projected by 2035. (+29.1%)
- Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Archivist?
Ways in include: Arts & Humanities degrees; Certificate II in Information and Cultural Services.
How much does an Archivist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $118,508 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Archivist a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 29% by 2035, from about 10,200 to about 13,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Archivist?
Usually. 72% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of an Archivist?
Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04