Archivists

Job opportunities for archivists are expected to increase by 10 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations, through 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. As public and private organizations are faced with the job of organizing and storing ever-increasing amounts of information in a broad range of formats, both print and digital, archivists will be in demand. But since qualified job applicants outnumber the positions available, competition for jobs as archivists is keen. Candidates with specialized training, such as master's degrees in history and library science, will have better opportunities. A doctorate in history or a related field can also be a boon to job-seeking archivists. Graduates who have studied archival work or records management and who specialize in electronic records and records management will be in higher demand than those without that background. Also, by gaining related work or volunteer experience, many potential archivists will be in a better position to find full-time employment.

Archivists will also be needed to fill positions left vacant by retirees and archivists who leave their positions, especially in large organizations with an ongoing need for archivists. On the other hand, budget cuts in educational institutions, museums, and cultural institutions often reduce demand for archivists. Overall, there will always be positions available for archivists, but the aspiring archivist may need to be creative, flexible, and determined in forging a career path.