5 Exciting Career Paths for History Lovers

For students who are interested in history, there are lots of career opportunities available that can enable you to work with your love of the past while earning a living. If you consider yourself passionate about history and culture and want to explore this further in your career, we’ve come up with some potential jobs that may interest you.

Museum Curator

Museum curators are responsible for managing, preserving, and exhibiting collections of historical artefacts and artwork. They work in museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions, and are responsible for acquiring new items, cataloguing and preserving existing items, and creating exhibitions for public display. Curators will need a degree in history, art history, or museum studies, as well as excellent communication, organisation, and research skills.

Median salary in Australia: $64,000 per year.

Archivist

Archivists work in libraries, museums, government agencies, and other institutions to manage and preserve historical documents, photographs, and other records. They evaluate, organise, and describe materials to make them accessible to researchers, and may also assist with research inquiries. Archivists usually have a master’s degree in library science, archival science, or a related field, as well as strong analytical, organisational, and research skills.

Median salary in Australia: $65,000 per year.

Historian

Historians are experts in the study of history, and conduct research, analyse historical data and events, and interpret findings. They may work in academia, government agencies, non-profit organisations, or the private sector, and are often responsible for creating reports, articles, and books that provide insight into past events. Most historians have a master’s or doctoral degree in history, as well as excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.

Median salary in Australia: $75,000 per year.

Cultural Heritage Manager

Cultural heritage managers work to protect and promote sites of cultural significance, such as historic buildings, landmarks, and landscapes. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organisations, or private companies, and are responsible for developing strategies to preserve and interpret cultural heritage sites, as well as for managing budgets and staff. Cultural heritage managers normally require a degree in history, archaeology, architecture, or a related field, as well as excellent communication, management, and planning skills.

Median salary in Australia: $77,000 per year.

Genealogist

Genealogists research family histories, tracing family trees and uncovering information about a client’s ancestors’ lives and connections. They may work for genealogy companies, government agencies, or private clients, and are often self-employed. Genealogists should have a degree in history, genealogy, or a related field, as well as excellent research, analytical, and communication skills.

Median salary in Australia: $60,000 per year.