History Degree Jobs: Careers, Skills & Opportunities

History Degree Jobs: Careers, Skills & Opportunities

A history degree can lead to careers in education, research,History Degree Jobs: Careers, Skills & Opportunities heritage, law, government, journalism, business, and more. Skills in research, analysis, and communication make history graduates valuable in multiple sectors, including both traditional and non-traditional roles.

Why a History Degree is More Versatile Than You Think

While some people assume a history degree only leads to teaching, it’s actually one of the most transferable humanities degrees. Graduates develop:

  • Strong research and critical thinking skills

  • The ability to analyze complex information

  • Excellent written and verbal communication

  • Cultural awareness and historical context for decision-making

These skills are highly valued in public service, media, law, business, and policy — in both the UK and the USA.


Top History Degree Jobs in the UK & USA

1. Historian

  • What they do: Research, analyze, and interpret past events using primary and secondary sources.

  • Where they work: Museums, archives, universities, research institutions, government.

  • Salary:

    • USA: $55,000–$85,000/year

    • UK: £28,000–£45,000/year


2. Museum Curator or Archivist

  • What they do: Manage collections of historical artifacts, documents, and artworks.

  • Skills needed: Archival research, preservation techniques, public engagement.

  • Salary:

    • USA: $45,000–$70,000/year

    • UK: £25,000–£40,000/year


3. Teacher or Lecturer

  • What they do: Teach history at secondary or university level.

  • Requirements:

    • USA: Teaching license for schools, advanced degree for universities.

    • UK: PGCE or equivalent for schools, PhD for university positions.

  • Salary:

    • USA: $50,000–$75,000/year (secondary); $70,000+ (university)

    • UK: £28,000–£42,000/year (secondary); £40,000+ (university)


4. Lawyer or Legal Researcher

  • Why history graduates succeed: Strong skills in analyzing historical cases, legislation, and interpreting complex documents.

  • Pathway: Law conversion course (UK) or law school (US).History Degree Jobs: Careers, Skills & Opportunities

  • Salary:

    • USA: $80,000–$150,000/year

    • UK: £50,000–£120,000/year


5. Journalist or Author

  • What they do: Write news, articles, or books, often leveraging historical research skills.

  • Salary:

    • USA: $45,000–$85,000/year

    • UK: £25,000–£45,000/year


6. Public Policy Analyst

  • What they do: Research and recommend policies using historical trends to predict societal outcomes.

  • Employers: Government departments, think tanks, NGOs.

  • Salary:

    • USA: $60,000–$95,000/year

    • UK: £35,000–£55,000/year


7. Corporate Research Analyst

  • What they do: Analyze markets and industries with a historical perspective for risk assessment and strategic planning.

  • Salary:

    • USA: $65,000–$100,000/year

    • UK: £35,000–£60,000/year


8. Heritage Manager

  • What they do: Oversee historical sites, ensuring preservation and visitor engagement.

  • Salary:

    • USA: $50,000–$80,000/year

    • UK: £30,000–£50,000/year


9. Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer

  • Why history degrees fit: Knowledge of international history and politics aids diplomatic relations.

  • Salary:

    • USA: $70,000–$110,000/year

    • UK: £32,000–£60,000/year


10. Genealogist

  • What they do: Trace family histories for private clients, legal cases, or TV/media projects.

  • Salary: Varies widely — often project-based or freelance.History Degree Jobs: Careers, Skills & Opportunities


Transferable Skills from a History Degree

Employers value:

  • Critical thinking: Assessing evidence, forming arguments.

  • Communication: Writing reports, presenting findings.

  • Analytical skills: Breaking down complex problems.

  • Cultural literacy: Understanding historical context for decision-making.History Degree Jobs: Careers, Skills & Opportunities

These skills apply to industries as varied as finance, marketing, law, and public relations.


History Degree Career Sectors (Beyond Academia)

  • Public Sector: Civil service, intelligence analysis, local government.

  • Nonprofits & NGOs: Human rights advocacy, cultural preservation.

  • Corporate Sector: Research, consulting, management.

  • Creative Industries: Media, publishing, documentary production.

  • Education & Training: Curriculum development, corporate training.


Salary Overview

Job Title USA Average Salary UK Average Salary
Historian $55k–$85k £28k–£45k
Museum Curator $45k–$70k £25k–£40k
Teacher (Secondary) $50k–$75k £28k–£42k
Lawyer $80k–$150k £50k–£120k
Policy Analyst $60k–$95k £35k–£55k

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, UK National Careers Service.


Postgraduate Study Options

Some career paths require additional qualifications:

  • Law: JD (US) or GDL/LPC (UK)

  • Education: PGCE (UK), state teaching license (US)

  • Archival Studies: Master’s in Library & Information Science (MLIS)

  • Public History/Heritage: Specialized MA/MSc


Tips for Maximizing Career Opportunities

  1. Get work experience: Intern in museums, archives, media outlets.

  2. Develop niche expertise: E.g., medieval history, economic history, or international relations.

  3. Learn digital tools: GIS mapping, database management, archival software.

  4. Network: Join historical associations (AHA in US, Royal Historical Society in UK).

  5. Consider bilingual skills: Useful for research and diplomatic careers.


LSI Keywords for SEO

  • Careers with a history degree

  • Jobs for history majors

  • History graduate employment options

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  • History degree transferable skills

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is a history degree useful outside teaching?
Yes — history graduates thrive in law, policy, research, journalism, and corporate sectors due to their analytical and communication skills.

Q2: Do history graduates earn good salaries?
While entry-level pay may be moderate, experienced professionals in law, policy, and management often earn above-average incomes.

Q3: What are the highest-paying jobs with a history degree?
Lawyer, policy analyst, senior corporate researcher, and diplomatic roles are among the best-paying options.

Q4: Can I work abroad with a history degree?
Yes — it’s especially useful in international NGOs, diplomacy, academia, and global business.


Conclusion

A history degree is not a narrow career path — it’s a foundation for a wide range of professions in education, law, policy, heritage, research, and beyond. In both the UK and USA, employers value the research, analysis, and communication skills history graduates bring. Whether you aim to preserve the past or shape the future, the opportunities are diverse and rewarding.History Degree Jobs: Careers, Skills & Opportunities

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