The average salary for a history major varies depending on the industry, job title, and level of experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for historians was $65,130 in May 2020. The top 10% of earners made over $122,310, while the bottom 10% earned less than $38,570.
Factors Affecting Salary
There are several factors that can affect the salary of a history major, including:
* Industry: The industry in which a history major works can have a significant impact on their salary. For example, historians who work in the government or academia tend to earn more than those who work in the private sector.
* Job Title: The job title of a history major can also affect their salary. For example, museum curators and archivists typically earn more than historians who work as teachers or researchers.
* Level of Experience: The level of experience of a history major can also affect their salary. Historians with more experience typically earn more than those who are just starting out.
* Location: The location of a history major's job can also affect their salary. For example, historians who work in large metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those who work in rural areas.
In-Demand Skills for History Majors
In addition to the factors listed above, there are also a number of in-demand skills that can help history majors increase their salary potential. These skills include:
* Research and Writing: Historians need to be able to conduct research and write effectively in order to succeed.
* Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Historians need to be able to think critically and solve problems in order to understand and interpret historical events.
* Communication Skills: Historians need to be able to communicate effectively in order to share their research findings with others.
* Foreign Language Skills: Historians who are proficient in foreign languages may have an advantage in the job market, as they may be able to access primary sources that are not available in English.
Career Outlook for History Majors
The job outlook for history majors is expected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for historians in museums, archives, and libraries.
Conclusion
The average salary for a history major varies depending on several factors, including industry, job title, level of experience, and location. By developing in-demand skills such as research and writing, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and foreign language proficiency, history majors can increase their salary potential. The job outlook for history majors is expected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.