Position
Salary

How much does a Archivist make?

The average salary for a Archivist is $62,983 per year in the US.

Archivists play a crucial role in preserving our history. Their work ensures that important documents and records are kept safe and accessible. When considering a career as an archivist, it’s important to understand the earning potential. The average yearly salary for an archivist is around $62,983. This varies based on experience, location, and type of employer. For instance, those with more experience or working in large institutions can earn higher salaries.

Archivists often start with salaries on the lower end of the scale. Here’s a look at what different levels of experience might earn:

  • Entry-level archivists can expect to make about $34,000 per year.
  • Archivists with a few years of experience can earn between $43,515 and $53,030 annually.
  • Those with more experience and advanced positions can make $129,152 or more per year.
These numbers reflect the potential growth and rewards of a career in archiving. With dedication and the right opportunities, archivists can see their salaries rise significantly over time.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Archivist?

Seattle, WA, leads the way for Archivist salaries with an average of $94,053 annually. Boston, MA, and Washington, DC, follow closely with average salaries of $93,683 and $82,792, respectively. These cities offer not only competitive pay but also many opportunities for those in the archival field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Archivist jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $94,053 and Baton Rouge, LA with the lowest at $59,857.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $94,053
    In Seattle, professionals manage records for companies like Amazon and Microsoft. The city's tech scene offers dynamic opportunities for those handling data.
    Find Archivist jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $93,683
    Boston stands out with rich history and renowned institutions like Harvard. Archivists here preserve crucial documents for educational and governmental entities.
    Find Archivist jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $82,792
    Working in Washington, DC, offers a unique chance to preserve and manage documents for federal agencies. The city's political environment provides diverse experiences.
    Find Archivist jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $78,914
    Los Angeles offers vibrant opportunities in the entertainment industry. Archivists play a key role in preserving film and media history for companies like Disney and Warner Bros.
    Find Archivist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $76,657
    Atlanta is a growing hub for archives in the Southeast. Professionals here manage records for major firms and historical organizations.
    Find Archivist jobs in Atlanta, GA


  6. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $75,298
    Chicago boasts a strong presence of archives in the finance and insurance sectors. Archivists here work in a fast-paced environment with major institutions like JP Morgan.
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  7. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $62,992
    Portland offers a progressive work environment with a focus on sustainability. Archivists in this city manage records for tech startups and cultural institutions.
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  8. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $61,269
    Nashville’s vibrant music scene provides unique archiving experiences. Archivists here manage collections for record labels and music archives.
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  9. Ann Arbor, MI
    Average Salary: $60,206
    Ann Arbor offers a mix of academic and cultural opportunities. Professionals work with archives at the University of Michigan and other research institutions.
    Find Archivist jobs in Ann Arbor, MI


  10. Baton Rouge, LA
    Average Salary: $59,857
    In Baton Rouge, archivists handle records for state government and educational institutions. The city’s rich history offers diverse materials to manage.
    Find Archivist jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

What are the best companies a Archivist can work for?

Accenture offers the highest salary for archivists, averaging around $136,900 per year. The University of Michigan provides a competitive salary of about $61,318 annually for this role. Ancestry also offers a solid salary of approximately $40,500 for archivist positions.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Archivist jobs, highlighting Accenture with the highest at $136,900 and Ancestry with the lowest at $40,500.
  1. Accenture
    Average Salary: $136,900
    Accenture offers exciting opportunities for archivists. They value their archivists for organizing and preserving important data and documents. This global company operates in many locations, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. At Accenture, archivists work in teams to ensure the proper maintenance of company records and compliance with regulations.


  2. The University of Michigan
    Average Salary: $61,318
    The University of Michigan provides rewarding roles for archivists. They focus on preserving academic history and making it accessible to students and researchers. This university is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with additional campuses in Flint and Dearborn. As an archivist here, you will manage historical materials, support research, and contribute to the university’s academic mission.


  3. Ancestry
    Average Salary: $40,500
    Ancestry is a leading company in family history and genealogy. Archivists at Ancestry play a crucial role in managing and organizing vast collections of historical records and documents. The company is headquartered in Lehi, Utah, with additional offices in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Provo, Utah. In this role, archivists help users explore their family histories and ensure the accuracy and accessibility of archival materials.

How to earn more as a Archivist?

An Archivist can increase their earnings by focusing on key areas that enhance their value in the workplace. Gaining specialized skills in digital archiving, metadata management, and records preservation can make a professional more valuable to employers. These skills often lead to higher-paying positions or the ability to negotiate a better salary. Networking with other professionals in the field and staying informed about industry trends also play a role in salary growth.

Education and certifications can further boost earning potential. Advanced degrees in archival science or related fields open doors to more senior roles. Professional certifications, such as those from the Society of American Archivists, demonstrate expertise and can command higher salaries. Experience in diverse environments, such as government, private sector, or academia, broadens an Archivist’s skill set and marketability.

Consider the following factors to earn more as an Archivist:

  1. Specialized Skills: Learn digital archiving and metadata management.
  2. Networking: Connect with other professionals in the field.
  3. Advanced Education: Pursue higher degrees or certifications.
  4. Diverse Experience: Work in different environments to broaden skills.
  5. Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends and updates.

Currently 127 Archivist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Archivist in the US?

Learn what a Archivist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Archivist today.
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Archivist
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