Position
Salary

How much does a Archivist make?

The average salary for a Archivist is $64,186 per year in the US.

Archivists play an important role in preserving and managing valuable documents and records. If you consider a career in this field, understanding the salary can help in your planning. The average yearly salary for an archivist stands at $64,186. This figure can help job seekers set realistic expectations for their earnings in this profession.

The salary range for archivists is quite broad, reflecting the variety of experiences and responsibilities. Here is a breakdown of how salaries are distributed across different experience levels:

  • The bottom 10% of earners make around $33,000 or less.
  • The next 20% earn between $33,000 and $43,189.
  • The middle 20% earn between $43,189 and $53,379.
  • The next 20% earn between $53,379 and $63,568.
  • The top 10% earn more than $104,326 a year.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Archivist?

Seattle, WA, offers the highest average salary for archivist positions at $96,469 annually. Job seekers looking to maximize earnings might consider cities like Boston, MA, where the average salary stands at $95,137. Chicago, IL, provides a competitive salary of $86,987, making it another attractive option for archivists. These cities combine strong demand for archival services with higher-than-average wages, providing excellent career opportunities.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Archivist jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $96,469 and Portland, OR with the lowest at $59,435.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $96,469
    In Seattle, professionals find rewarding opportunities in the tech and maritime industries. Companies like Amazon and Starbucks offer roles that require well-organized records and documents. Seattle’s growing tech scene ensures steady demand for archivists.
    Find Archivist jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $95,137
    Boston offers a rich blend of history and innovation. Working with renowned institutions like Harvard and the Massachusetts State Archives provides a chance to engage with historical documents and contribute to cultural preservation. The city’s historical background makes it ideal for archivists.
    Find Archivist jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $86,987
    Chicago boasts a thriving arts and education sector. Archivists here work with organizations like the Chicago Public Library and the Art Institute. The city’s diverse cultural landscape offers ample opportunities for those who enjoy preserving history.
    Find Archivist jobs in Chicago, IL


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $83,243
    In Washington, DC, professionals play a key role in government and non-profits. Working for entities such as the National Archives or the Library of Congress, archivists help maintain and access important historical documents. The city’s political influence creates a steady need for archival services.
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  5. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $81,950
    Atlanta is known for its dynamic business environment. Archivists find opportunities in corporate settings and historical organizations. Companies like The Coca-Cola Company and the Carter Center value the work of archivists. The city’s growth offers a stable market for skilled archivists.
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  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $78,742
    Los Angeles offers a vibrant entertainment industry for archivists. Working with film studios and media companies, professionals help preserve Hollywood’s rich history. The city’s entertainment focus provides unique and exciting work for those who love media archives.
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  7. Ann Arbor, MI
    Average Salary: $60,321
    Ann Arbor is a hub for education and research. Universities like the University of Michigan offer roles that involve managing academic records. The academic environment provides a steady stream of work for archivists who enjoy scholarly pursuits.
    Find Archivist jobs in Ann Arbor, MI


  8. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $60,201
    Houston’s diverse economy includes energy and healthcare sectors. Archivists here work with major firms and hospitals. Companies like ExxonMobil and the University of Houston offer roles that require meticulous record-keeping. The city’s growth ensures a steady need for archival services.
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  9. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $59,538
    Nashville’s music and entertainment industry create a demand for archivists. Working with record labels and music archives, professionals contribute to preserving the city’s musical heritage. The vibrant cultural scene provides a rewarding environment for those in the field.
    Find Archivist jobs in Nashville, TN


  10. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $59,435
    Portland offers a mix of progressive culture and tech innovation. Working in the tech sector or at institutions like the Oregon Historical Society, archivists help maintain and access historical records. The city’s unique culture provides a stimulating work environment.
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What are the best companies a Archivist can work for?

Accenture and Ancestry offer some of the top salaries for archivist positions. At Accenture, archivists can expect to earn an average of $135,664. This competitive pay makes it an attractive choice for many. Ancestry provides a solid average salary of $41,333, making it another excellent option for those in this field. These companies value skilled archivists and offer good compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Archivist jobs, highlighting Accenture with the highest at $135,664 and Ancestry with the lowest at $41,333.
  1. Accenture
    Average Salary: $135,664
    Accenture offers Archivist roles with a focus on managing and preserving digital and physical records. This global company operates in major cities like New York, London, and Sydney. At Accenture, archivists work in teams to ensure historical data is well-maintained and accessible. The company values skills in technology and archival management.


  2. Ancestry
    Average Salary: $41,333
    Ancestry provides Archivist positions dedicated to maintaining and organizing extensive genealogies and historical documents. This company, located in Lehi, Utah, seeks archivists to manage and protect vital records. Ancestry offers a dynamic environment where archivists contribute to preserving family histories and important archives.

How to earn more as a Archivist?

Archivists can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Specializing in a niche can lead to higher pay. Experts in digital archives, historical documents, or government records often earn more. Seeking certifications in areas like digital preservation can also boost salary potential.

Another way to earn more involves gaining experience. Archivists with several years in the field often command higher salaries. Networking with professionals can lead to job opportunities that pay better. Attending conferences and workshops keeps skills fresh and competitive. Lastly, advancing to a managerial role can result in a significant salary increase.

Consider these five factors to enhance earnings as an archivist:

  • Specialization: Focus on a specific area like digital or historical archives.
  • Certifications: Obtain relevant certifications to stand out.
  • Experience: Gain years of experience to increase value.
  • Networking: Connect with other professionals in the field.
  • Advancement: Aim for managerial roles for higher pay.

Currently 110 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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