Archivist
Also known as: archives and manuscripts librarian, archives researcher, digital archivist, cadastral archivist, reference archivist, archives specialist
About this occupation
Archivists assess, collect, organise, preserve and provide access to records and archives. Records maintained are in any format, analogue or digital and include several kinds of media (documents, photographs, video and sound recordings, etc.).
Essential skills and knowledge
- contextualise collection
- manage archive users guidelines
- manage digital archives
- store archival objects
- study a collection
- respect data protection principles
- write scientific papers
- create semantic trees
- carry out records management
- aid archive users with their enquiries
- facilitate access to information
- collection management
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Archivists (O*NET 25-4011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
- Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.
- Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
- Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.
- Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.
- Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials.
- Typical education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Investigative, Social
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Learning
US median pay: US$64,550 a year (2025), 7,970 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- HistoryO*NET: History and ArcheologyVery important (4.3)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.8)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.7)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
- Historians
- Curators
- Document Management Specialists
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Social Science Research Assistants
- Museum Technicians and Conservators
- Statistical Assistants
- Anthropologists and Archeologists
- Digital Forensics Analysts
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.