historian
Snapshot
Delve into the past and shape our understanding of the present as a historian. This role combines rigorous research with compelling storytelling, bringing historical events and figures to life for diverse audiences.
Historians are dedicated to uncovering, analyzing, and interpreting the past. Their work involves scrutinizing documents, artifacts, and other sources to build a comprehensive picture of human societies and their evolution. Daily tasks can range from archival research and data analysis to writing reports, delivering presentations, and collaborating with other professionals on historical projects. This career band (Leadership & Strategy) often involves leading research teams or developing broader historical narratives.
- • Conducting in-depth research using primary and secondary sources.
- • Analyzing historical data and identifying patterns and trends.
- • Writing reports, articles, and books to communicate findings.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Legal, social and cultural professionals — 186 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Malta.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
Explore More
Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could historian fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Persistence?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Initiative?
Future Outlook for historian
The outlook for historian reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could historian change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could historian change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
- evaluate research activities
- manage intellectual property rights
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- analyse recorded sources
- manage open publications
- do historical research
Tasks most exposed to automation
- consult information sources
- synthesise information
- apply for research funding
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Healthcare & Human Services
A typical day as a historian
09 09:00 · Morning apply for research funding
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
12 12:00 · Midday do historical research
14 14:00 · Afternoon manage intellectual property rights
15 15:30 · Late afternoon operate open source software
17 17:00 · Wrap-up analyse recorded sources
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
-
archaeology
The study of the recovery and examination of material culture left behind from human activity in the past.
-
art history
The history of art and artists, the artistic trends throughout centuries and their contemporary evolutions.
-
conservation techniques
The procedures, instruments, techniques, materials and chemicals used in conservation and archiving.
-
cultural history
Field that combines historical and anthropological approaches for recording and studying past customs, arts, and manners of a group of people taking into account their political, cultural, and social milieu.
-
museum databases
The tools and processes involved in working with museum databases.
-
paleography
The study of handwriting and its processes and forms to decipher, interpret and transcribe ancient manuscripts and handwriting styles from different historical periods
- historical methods
- history
- periodisation
-
do historical research
Use scientific methods to research history and culture.
-
manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
-
perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
-
apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
-
apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
-
promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
-
draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
-
disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
-
publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
-
write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
-
consult information sources
Consult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.
-
synthesise information
Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.
-
manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
-
analyse recorded sources
Analyse recorded sources such as government records, newspapers, biographies, and letters in order to uncover and interpret the past.
-
interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
-
operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
-
speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how historian aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does historian fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of education is typically required to become a historian?
- A bachelor's degree in history is usually the starting point. Advancement to leadership roles and independent research often requires a master's degree or doctorate (PhD) in history or a related field. Specialization in a specific historical period or region is common.
- Are historians primarily employed in academic settings?
- While many historians work in universities and colleges, opportunities exist in museums, archives, government agencies, historical societies, and even media organizations. This occupation is primarily employment-based, meaning most historians work as employees of these institutions.
- How important are strong writing and communication skills for a historian?
- Exceptional writing and communication skills are crucial. Historians must be able to clearly and persuasively convey complex historical information to diverse audiences. The ability to synthesize research and present it in an engaging and accessible manner is essential for success.
- Historian — what does it pay in the United States?
- $74,050 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $33,840 to $121,710. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.