15 of the Best History Degree Jobs for Graduates to Explore
Turn your passion for the past into a rewarding career.
Think a history degree only leads to teaching or dusting off ancient relics in a museum basement? Think again! This degree is one of the most versatile out there, and it's packed with potential for helping you land one of a wide range of careers you might not have even considered yet. There are, in fact, plenty of history degree jobs for you to choose from.
The real value of your degree isn't just in memorizing dates or analyzing historical events; it's in the transferable skills you’ve developed, like researching with precision, thinking critically, and communicating clearly. Because of this, employment for history majors is plentiful and spans numerous fields, from business to law, marketing, government, and even tech.
In this article, we explore 15 of these exciting history degree jobs, from the more traditional routes to the unexpected ones. We also share practical advice on applying the knowledge and skills you've built over your studies to land one of those rewarding and dynamic jobs.
Traditional History Degree Jobs for Graduates
Once you've spent years studying this fascinating subject and are ready to move out into the world, what can you do with a history degree? There are some tried-and-true paths to consider when you're looking for jobs that let you geek out over the past while making a real impact. Here are five traditional jobs for history majors that might just be a great match for you.
1. Historian
Looking for history degree jobs where you can make diving into the past relevant today? As a historian, you’ll spend your time researching, analyzing documents, and studying artifacts to uncover the stories that have shaped our world.
You might work in museums, historical societies, or even government agencies. Job prospects include roles in public history, consulting, and archival work. As you gain experience, you could move into senior historian positions, publish your findings, or transition into education or museum curation.
Job requirements: A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for entry-level positions, including public historian and archive work. Higher-level positions, such as professional historian roles in academia or government, usually require a master’s or doctoral degree.
Salary range: $22.74 - $44.88 per hour
Find historian jobs on Monster.
2. Archivist
This is one of the best history degree jobs if you love working behind the scenes, preserving and organizing the treasures of the past. As an archivist, you’ll be the go-to person for managing historical documents, photos, and artifacts, ensuring they’re available for researchers and safely stored for the future.
You could work in museums, libraries, universities, or government agencies. With digital archiving booming, your skills are in demand, and over time, you can even specialize in digital preservation or move into senior roles.
Job requirements: Entry-level roles may involve assisting with cataloging and preserving historical documents. Advanced positions usually require a master’s degree and certifications like those from the Academy of Certified Archivists.
Salary range: $21.82 - $37.69 per hour
Find archivist jobs on Monster.
3. Librarian
When it comes to history major jobs, becoming a librarian is a solid option if you love helping people find the information they need. As a history-focused librarian, you’ll organize collections of books, documents, and other resources, guiding researchers and making history accessible.
You can work in public libraries, universities, or even specialized archives. Plus, with everything going digital, you could dive into digital curation or archiving. Down the line, you could move into management or even specialize in rare collections.
Job requirements: A bachelor’s degree can get you started in roles like library assistant or technician. Still, most librarian positions require a Master’s in Library Science (MLS) or a Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS).
Salary range: $29.77 - $46.22 per hour
Find librarian jobs on Monster.
4. Museum Curator
Searching for history degree jobs that let you bring the past to life? Becoming a museum curator could be right up your alley. As a curator, you’ll oversee the selection, organization, and display of historical artifacts and exhibits, making history engaging and accessible to the public.
You could work in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions, shaping how people experience history. In this job, you could also focus on research, exhibit design, or event planning. Over time, you can advance to senior curator roles or specialize in specific historical periods or collections.
Job requirements: With a bachelor’s, you might start in entry-level roles like a museum assistant, collections technician, or exhibit coordinator. Most curator positions require a master’s in museum studies, history, or art history. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work in museums is crucial.
Salary range: $22.20 - $38.08 per hour
Find museum curator jobs on Monster.
5. History Teacher
If you're considering jobs with a history bachelor’s degree where you can inspire the next generation, becoming a teacher is a fantastic option. You'll get to share your passion for the past with students, helping them understand how history shapes the world today. You could teach at middle schools, high schools, or even at college level.
Beyond the classroom, there are opportunities to design curricula, lead educational trips, or even mentor other teachers. Plus, as you gain experience, you can move into educational leadership roles or specialize in teaching specific historical topics or periods.
Job requirements: If you plan to teach at the middle or high school level, you must complete a teaching program and pass certification exams specific to your state. Internships or student teaching experience are usually required. For college-level teaching, a master’s or PhD is needed.
Salary range: $24.25 - $38.26 per hour
Find history teacher jobs on Monster.
Non-Traditional History Degree Jobs for Graduates
As a history grad, you’ve got a superpower—understanding how the past shapes the present—a skill you can use in ways you might not expect. With your history degree, employment options are plentiful.
Beyond the typical career paths, there are many nontraditional history degree jobs where your ability to research, analyze, and communicate can shine. Let’s dive into ten career options where your history knowledge can really make an impact.
1. Lawyer
As a lawyer, you’ll research cases, analyze legal precedents, and advocate for your clients. If you’ve got a history degree, you’re already equipped with crucial skills—like research, critical thinking, and writing—that make an excellent foundation for law.
You know how to dig into documents and analyze context, which is exactly what you’ll do with legal cases. When it comes to nontraditional history degree jobs, law is a natural fit where your knack for historical analysis can really give you an edge.
Job requirements: You'll have to take the LSAT to apply for law school. After completing the three-year Juris Doctor (JD) program, you'll need to pass the bar exam in the state where you plan to practice.
Salary range:
$45.40 - $100.47 per hour
Find lawyer jobs on Monster.
2. Writer
In a writing career, you'll get to craft stories, articles, or content that informs, entertains, or persuades readers. With your history degree, you're already well-prepared for this role—your skills in research, storytelling, and clearly presenting complex ideas are exactly what good writing requires.
Whether you're creating content for media, marketing, or diving into historical fiction, your ability to analyze and communicate will stand out. If you're looking for dynamic history degree jobs, writing offers a creative outlet where your love for storytelling can really take off.
Job requirements: You typically need strong writing skills and a portfolio of work. Having experience through internships, freelance work, or published writing can also give you an edge.
Salary range: $24.51 - $50.48 per hour
Find writing jobs on Monster.
3. Research Assistant
Searching for jobs with a history degree where you can use your skills in research and analysis? A research assistant role might be perfect for you. In this job, you’ll support projects by gathering information, analyzing data, and helping to compile reports or studies.
With experience digging through historical sources and piecing together complex information, you’re already ahead of the game. Whether in academia, government, or even corporate sectors, your attention to detail and research abilities will be vital in helping move important projects forward.
Job requirements: In addition to your history degree, experience through internships or volunteering in research-focused roles is a plus.
Salary range: $24.08 - $38.23 per hour
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4. Political Scientist
This is one of the highest-paid jobs you can get with a history degree. As a political scientist, you’ll analyze political systems, study government policies, and forecast trends in politics and society.
Your history degree gives you a deep understanding of how historical events shape current political structures—an invaluable skill in this field. With your research and critical thinking skills, you can interpret data, analyze political movements, and provide insights that influence policy-making or public opinion.
Job requirements: With a bachelor's in history, you might start as a research assistant or analyst. To advance in the field, further education, such as a master's or Ph.D., is usually required.
Salary range: $20.18 - $30.82 per hour
Find political science jobs on Monster.
5. Paralegal
Working as a paralegal is one of the best history degree jobs if you excel in research, organization, and attention to detail. In this role, you’ll support lawyers by researching cases, preparing legal documents, and organizing crucial information.
Your experience digging into historical documents and analyzing complex data makes you well-suited for this environment. Plus, your ability to spot essential details and synthesize information will be key in helping lawyers build strong cases.
Job requirements: A bachelor's degree is often sufficient, though many employers prefer candidates with a paralegal certificate.
Salary range: $22.52 - $36.33 per hour
Find paralegal jobs on Monster.
6. Journalist
This is one of the most fulfilling history degree jobs if you like to uncover the truth and tell compelling stories. As a journalist, you’ll investigate current events, interview key sources, and write articles that help inform and shape public opinion.
Your history degree has allowed you to analyze information, dig deep into research, and present complex ideas clearly—skills invaluable in journalism. Whether you’re reporting breaking news or working on long-form investigative pieces, your background in history will help you excel in this fast-paced, impactful career.
Job requirements: A bachelor’s degree is sufficient. However, many employers will expect you to have completed an internship.
Salary range: $18.12 - $40.04 per hour
Find journalist jobs on Monster.
7. Public Relations Specialist
If you’re looking for one of the most exciting history degree jobs where you can craft stories and influence public perception, becoming a public relations specialist is a great fit. In this role, you’ll manage media relations, write press releases, and develop communication strategies that shape how brands or organizations are viewed.
With your history degree, you’ve already honed your research, analysis, and clear communication skills—all crucial in PR. Whether managing a brand’s reputation or handling a crisis, your background equips you perfectly for success in this field.
Job requirements: No additional education is typically required, but experience through internships, volunteer work, or managing communications for clubs or organizations can help you stand out.
Salary range: $46.29 - $85.18 per hour
Find public relations specialist jobs on Monster.
8. User Experience (UX) Researcher
This is one of the most unique history degree jobs that lets you dive into understanding people’s behavior. As a UX researcher, you’ll explore how users interact with products or websites and provide insights to enhance their experience.
Your history degree equips you with strong analytical and research skills, perfect for uncovering patterns in behavior and understanding user needs. If you love digging into how people think and making data-driven decisions, this career path could be a rewarding way to use your history degree in a modern context.
Job requirements: While no specific degree in UX is required, additional knowledge of UX principles and tools (like user testing and surveys) is often preferred.
Salary range: $27.23 - $59.65 per hour
Find UX researcher jobs on Monster.
9. Intelligence Analyst
If you're after history degree jobs that put your analytical skills to the test, becoming an intelligence analyst is an exciting option. In this role, you'll analyze data, interpret information from various sources, and provide insights to inform national security or corporate decisions.
Your ability to analyze historical patterns and connect the dots between events gives you a unique edge. Like studying historical events, intelligence analysis requires spotting trends and making predictions based on data—a skill you've already honed through your history studies. It's a dynamic job where your history degree directly contributes to real-world impact.
Job requirements: Many entry-level roles are available with a bachelor's degree. However, additional coursework and certifications in international relations, political science, or security studies may be required.
Salary range: $30.80 - $54.80 per hour
Find intelligence analyst jobs on Monster.
10. Cybersecurity Analyst
This is one of the highest-paid history degree jobs that combines your analytical skills with cutting-edge technology. In this role, you'll defend networks and systems from cyberattacks, analyze threats, and develop strategies to protect sensitive information.
Your knowledge of historical espionage and warfare tactics can give you a unique perspective—just like traditional spies and adversaries, today's hackers and cybercriminals use strategies that mirror historical patterns. Your ability to analyze these tactics and your critical thinking skills can help you anticipate threats and defend against modern-day cyber warfare.
Job requirements: While your history degree is a great baseline, you'll need to build knowledge in cybersecurity through courses, certifications (like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker), and hands-on experience.
Salary range: $41.00 - $67.85 per hour
Find cybersecurity analyst jobs on Monster.
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Emerging Career Opportunities and Trends
As a history grad, you're stepping into a world where your skills are more valuable than ever. The digital age is changing how we interact with the past, and history majors are finding new ways to apply their expertise. Let's break down four exciting career opportunities where your knowledge of history meets modern technology:
1. Digital Archiving and Preservation
The digital world needs history buffs like you! As more records and artifacts go digital, the demand for experts in digital archiving is on the rise. You can help preserve important documents and historical materials, ensuring they're accessible to future generations. Plus, virtual museums are becoming a big thing, and who better to curate those digital collections than someone who knows the historical context behind them?
2. Cultural Resource Management
If you love historical sites and the idea of protecting them, cultural resource management (CRM) could be your path. This field lets you consult on preserving historical sites during modern development. You'll work with governments, developers, and communities to ensure that valuable heritage isn't lost in the name of progress. It's a great way to use your history degree to make a real-world impact on protecting the past.
3. Data Analysis and Visualization
You've spent your time in college analyzing historical trends and patterns, and guess what? Those skills are perfect for data-driven roles! Whether in business, government, or non-profits, data analysis and visualization need the same kind of critical thinking and research you've mastered. You can make sense of complex datasets and present them in a way that tells a story—just like you did with historical events.
4. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in Historical Education
Do you love the idea of combining history with cutting-edge technology? VR and AR are changing the game in education, and you’re in a perfect position to develop immersive experiences. Imagine creating virtual tours through ancient cities or designing interactive experiences for museums. Your background in historical accuracy and storytelling is exactly what's needed to make these projects both engaging and educational.
How to Transition from a History Degree into a Specific Field
Your history degree equips you with a solid foundation of research, critical thinking, and communication skills—qualities that are highly transferable to various industries. Here are some tips on how to transition into specific fields, develop the relevant skills, and gain the experience needed to break in:
Transitioning into Law
The research, writing, and analytical skills you've developed in history are a strong foundation for a career in law. Here’s how to make the transition:
- Start refining your ability to build arguments and interpret documents, as these will be key.
- To become a lawyer, you’ll need to attend law school and earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is your next big step.
- Consider internships or volunteer work with legal aid organizations or courts. Gaining exposure to legal proceedings will be valuable when you pursue further studies.
- Career paths include becoming a lawyer, legal consultant, or even a policy advisor. Law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal teams are all viable destinations.
Transitioning into Public Policy
Public policy is a natural fit if you enjoy analyzing how the past shapes current events. Here's how to succeed:
- Focus on understanding current events and how history impacts policymaking. Take online courses or workshops in political science, economics, or public administration.
- Look for internships in government agencies, think tanks, or non-profits where you can get involved in policy research or legislative work. Volunteering for political campaigns can also give you insight into how policy is shaped.
- A master’s in public policy or public administration can help deepen your understanding and open doors to more advanced roles. However, you can start in entry-level roles with just your history degree.
- Potential roles include public policy analysts, policy advisors, and legislative assistants. You can work in government agencies, advocacy groups, or research institutions, using your historical insight to shape effective policies.
Transitioning into Media and Communications
Your history degree allows you to craft compelling narratives and communicate complex ideas—skills highly valued in media, PR, and marketing. Here’s how to break into these fields:
- Start honing your ability to communicate clearly and persuasively for different audiences. Learning how to craft press releases or marketing copy is a bonus.
- Internships are key here. Look for opportunities at media outlets, PR firms, or marketing departments. Freelancing as a writer or starting a blog where you analyze current events or historical topics can also help you build a portfolio.
- While a history degree is enough to get started, consider short courses in journalism, communications, or digital marketing to give yourself an edge. Tools like social media analytics or content management systems will be valuable.
- You could become a journalist, PR specialist, content writer, or marketing strategist. Your ability to craft narratives and analyze information will serve you well in any of these fields, from reporting news to building brand stories.
Find the Best History Degree Jobs on Monster
Put the skills you’ve developed during your history degree to use in a career that truly excites you. Sign up for a free Monster account and gain access to thousands of job listings. It's a quick, easy way to get started on your job search. We also send personalized job alerts to help you find a career that you'll love.