Description
Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.
Interests
- Investigative
- Conventional
Work Values
- Achievement
- Independence
- Recognition
Work Styles
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Attention to Detail
- Concern for Others
- Dependability
Tasks
- Conserve and preserve manuscripts, records, and other artifacts.
- Gather historical data from sources such as archives, court records, diaries, news files, and photographs, as well as from books, pamphlets, and periodicals.
- Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.
- Research and prepare manuscripts in support of public programming and the development of exhibits at historic sites, museums, libraries, and archives.
- Present historical accounts in terms of individuals or social, ethnic, political, economic, or geographic groupings.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Thinking Creatively
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Detailed Work Activities
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software
- Presentation software
- Information retrieval or search software
- Geographic information system
- Document management software
Abilities
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Inductive Reasoning
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
Knowledge
- History and Archeology
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- Education and Training
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified Interpretive PlannerCertifying Organization
National Association for Interpretation
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Interpretive ManagerCertifying Organization
National Association for Interpretation
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Heritage InterpreterCertifying Organization
National Association for Interpretation
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $49,602 |
| Median (50%) | $68,672 |
| High (90%) | $107,299 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $62,933 |
| Mid Level | $75,955 |
| Senior Level | $78,024 |
| Expert Level | $99,213 |
Employability
There are currently 3,400 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 3,600 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 6%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 6%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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