Librarians, Curators, and Archivists

How to become an Archivist

Official title: Archivists

Also called: Accessioning Archivist, Archivist, Digital Archivist, Film Archivist, Museum Archivist, Records Manager, Reference Archivist, Registrar, State Archivist, University Archivist

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

Main tasks

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 one

Archivists, curators, and conservators typically need a master's degree in a field related to their position. Museum technicians typically need a bachelor's degree. Experience gained through an internship or by volunteering in archives or museums is helpful.

Typical education to start: Master's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Digital Archivist.
College: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 35 universities in the US
College: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 26 universities in the US

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $64,550 a year The middle half earn $50,680 to $83,020.
About 10,300 people work in this job now, and about 10,600 are projected by 2035. (+3.4%)
People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Questions people ask

How do I become an Archivist?

How much does an Archivist earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $64,550 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $50,680 to $83,020.

Is an Archivist a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2035, from about 10,300 to about 10,600 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become an Archivist?

Usually. 81% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Archivist?

People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.