Careers · Historians · California
Historians in California
Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past using sources like government records, newspapers, photographs, interviews, and unpublished manuscripts. They work in universities, museums, archives, government agencies, and cultural institutions, where they uncover and explain historical events and patterns to advance understanding of how societies developed. In California the median pay is $97,420 a year, 27% above the national median of $76,750.
$97,420median pay in California, per year
$73,460–$129,250middle half earn
210employed in California
$76,750U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against historians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against historians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Who is hiring in California
2open roles like this on employer career sites, 0 in California or remote
1employer hiring
2posted in the last 7 days
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Reading ComprehensionWritingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingLearning Strategies
Knowledge areas
History and ArcheologyEnglish LanguageSociology and AnthropologyGeographyAdministrativeEducation and Training
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Historians.
Licenses and training in California
Historians pay in other states
Massachusetts · $121,710Maryland · $120,580District of Columbia · $118,290Minnesota · $103,040Virginia · $101,920Washington · $99,720Oregon · $99,560Hawaii · $92,520Illinois · $89,670Louisiana · $80,620
Related occupations
Anthropologists and ArcheologistsGeographersPolitical ScientistsSocial Scientists and Related Workers, All OtherTransportation PlannersEconomistsEnvironmental EconomistsSurvey Researchers
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against historians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against historians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-3093.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.