Archives Salary in 2025

The field of archiving, encompassing roles such as archivists, records managers, and curators, plays a crucial role in preserving historical records, digital content, and cultural heritage. In 2025, the demand for professionals in archives continues to grow, as organizations recognize the importance of managing, organizing, and preserving valuable information. In this article, we will explore the expected salary range for archivists in 2025, the factors that influence earnings, job market trends, and the qualifications that can affect salary.

1. Archives Salary in 2025: An Overview

As the need for archivists continues to expand across various industries—such as government, museums, universities, and private corporations—salaries for these professionals in 2025 are expected to vary based on several factors. On average, archivists in the United States can expect to earn between $45,000 to $70,000 per year in 2025. However, more experienced or specialized archivists may earn higher salaries, ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 or more.

2. Factors Influencing Earnings for Archivists

Several factors contribute to the wide range of salaries in the field of archiving. These factors include:

• Industry: Archivists working for government agencies or large corporations tend to earn higher salaries compared to those working in smaller institutions or nonprofit organizations. Public sector roles often come with competitive benefits and job security, but they may have lower starting salaries than positions in the private sector.
• Location: The geographic location of an archivist’s role plays a significant role in determining salary. Urban areas with a higher cost of living, such as New York City, Washington D.C., or San Francisco, tend to offer higher salaries to attract and retain talent.
• Experience: Experienced archivists, particularly those with years of specialized expertise in managing rare collections or digital archives, command higher salaries. Archivists with advanced degrees or certifications are also more likely to earn top-tier salaries.
• Education and Certifications: Archivists who hold a master’s degree in archival science, history, library science, or a related field, as well as professional certifications, tend to have an advantage in the job market and can negotiate higher salaries.

3. Average Salary Range for Archivists in 2025

Archivists’ salaries vary based on experience, industry, and location. Here’s an overview of what archivists can expect to earn depending on their experience and specialization:

• Entry-Level Archivists (0-5 Years of Experience): Entry-level archivists typically earn between $40,000 to $55,000 per year. At this stage, archivists may focus on assisting with data collection, cataloging, and processing records. Many entry-level roles are found in museums, local archives, and small libraries.
• Mid-Level Archivists (5-15 Years of Experience): With several years of experience, archivists can earn between $55,000 to $80,000 annually. Mid-career archivists are often responsible for overseeing archival projects, implementing digital preservation methods, and managing teams of entry-level archivists or assistants.
• Senior Archivists (15+ Years of Experience): Senior archivists with specialized knowledge and advanced skills in areas like digital preservation, curation, or archival research can expect to earn between $80,000 to $120,000 per year. These positions often involve leadership roles, strategic planning, and consulting responsibilities.

4. Salary by Experience in the Archiving Industry

• Entry-Level (0-5 Years): For those just starting their career in archives, salaries typically range from $40,000 to $55,000 annually. Archivists at this stage may need to undergo on-the-job training and work under the supervision of senior archivists.
• Mid-Career (5-15 Years): As archivists gain experience and develop specialized skills, they can expect salaries to range from $55,000 to $80,000. Mid-career professionals often take on greater responsibilities, including project management and overseeing collections.
• Experienced Professionals (15+ Years): Archivists with over 15 years of experience can expect higher salaries, ranging from $80,000 to $120,000 or more. These senior roles often involve leadership positions, consultancy work, and management of complex archival systems.

5. Benefits and Job Outlook for Archivists

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Archivists working for larger organizations, especially in the public sector, generally receive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement Plans: Many archivists are offered retirement benefits, such as 401(k) plans or pension plans, especially if they work in government or university settings.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Archivists typically receive paid holidays, vacation time, and sick leave, with the amount varying based on the employer.
• Professional Development: Many employers in the archival field support continuing education and training, allowing professionals to attend conferences, workshops, or obtain certifications, which helps in career advancement.

Job Outlook:

• Steady Demand: The job outlook for archivists is generally positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of archivists is expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is on par with the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing need for digital preservation and records management.
• Digital Archiving: As more content moves online, archivists with expertise in digital preservation, data curation, and digital archiving are in high demand. Roles related to managing digital collections are expected to grow at a faster rate than traditional archival jobs.

6. Education and Certifications That Impact Salary

To succeed as an archivist, education and specialized certifications are crucial. Here are some educational requirements and certifications that can boost salary potential:

• Master’s Degree: While some entry-level positions may be accessible with a bachelor’s degree in history, library science, or a related field, most archivists hold a Master’s Degree in Archival Science, Library Science, or Information Science. This degree provides the technical and practical knowledge needed to excel in the profession.
• Professional Certifications: Certification programs such as the Certified Archivist (CA) credential offered by the Academy of Certified Archivists can enhance job prospects and salary. Other relevant certifications include those in digital preservation and records management.
• Experience with Digital Archives: As the archiving field increasingly shifts toward digital collections, archivists with experience in digital preservation, metadata standards, and content management systems will be highly sought after.

Conclusion

The archives profession in 2025 offers competitive salaries and a strong job outlook for those interested in preserving historical records, cultural artifacts, and digital content. As demand for archivists grows, particularly those with expertise in digital preservation, the salary range for this field continues to expand. With the right education, certifications, and experience, archivists can expect lucrative opportunities in a variety of sectors, from museums to government agencies. Whether you’re just starting or are an experienced professional, the field of archives offers rewarding career prospects for those dedicated to preserving our collective history.