How to become a Historian

Researches, collects and analyses information about the history of human activity, events, cultures and eras, and prepares accounts of findings.

Main tasks

• Assembles historical data by consulting sources of information such as historical indexes and catalogues, archives, court records, diaries, newspaper files and other materials
• Organises, authenticates, evaluates and interprets historical, political, sociological, anthropological and linguistic data
• Undertakes historical and cultural research into human activity, and prepares and presents research findings
• Writes articles to be published in academic publications such as journals
• Analyses and interprets historical information to determine its authenticity

Ways in

• University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• University: Social Work & Community degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Library and Information Services (BSB50520); Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Sites Work (AHC32522)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $109,876 a year
• About 15,800 people work in this job group now, and about 19,200 are projected by 2035. (+21.2%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Archaeologist
• Archivist
• Economist
• Gallery or Museum Curator
• Heritage Consultant

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Historian?

Ways in include: Science degrees; Social Work & Community degrees; Diploma of Library and Information Services; Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Sites Work.

How much does a Historian earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $109,876 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Historian a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 21% by 2035, from about 15,800 to about 19,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Historian?

Usually. 80% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Historian?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

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