Historians Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Historians in the United States is $76,750 per year — about $37 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $57,290 and $99,990 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Historians
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $116,520 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $121,710 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $101,900 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $115,690 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $82,400 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $97,420 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $89,670 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $95,470 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $98,210 |
| Montgomery, AL | $76,400 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Historians make in the US?
The median salary is $76,750 per year (about $37 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $57,290 and $99,990 a year.
How much do Historians make per hour?
About $37 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $76,750 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Historians?
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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