Occupation AtlasHistorians
O*NET · 19-3093.00
Historians
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and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.
Also called Architectural Historian · Art Historian · Collections Specialist · County Historian · Dance Historian · Dramatic Arts Historian · Field Court Researcher · Film Historian
23 more
Genealogist · Genealogist Researcher · Health Historian · Historian · Historian Developer · Historic Architectural Resources Curator · Historic Interpreter · Historic Preservation Coordinator · Historic Preservation Specialist · Historic Preservationist · Historic Sites Registrar · Historical Interpreter · Historiographer · Medical Historian · Medication Historian · Music Historian · Oral Historian · PI Historian · Process Information Historian (PI Historian) · Protohistorian · Research Associate · Research Historian · Researcher
Compare with another occupationCompare with Political Scientists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
ICAInvestigative · Conventional · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative5.32
- C Conventional4.87
- A Artistic3.70
- S Social3.22
- R Realistic2.39
- E Enterprising2.35
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (31%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (60%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (50%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- WritingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active LearningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- InstructingImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
Show the other 23
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Time ManagementImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- PersuasionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- SciencebasicImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- NegotiationImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Service OrientationImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
16 core · 5 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Gather historical data from sources such as archives, court records, diaries, news files, and photographs, as well as from books, pamphlets, and periodicals.Importance 4.2
- Organize data, and analyze and interpret its authenticity and relative significance.Importance 4.0
- Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.Importance 3.9
- Prepare publications and exhibits, or review those prepared by others, to ensure their historical accuracy.Importance 3.9
- Organize information for publication and for other means of dissemination, such as via storage media or the Internet.Importance 3.9
- Conserve and preserve manuscripts, records, and other artifacts.Importance 3.9
- Conduct historical research, and publish or present findings and theories.Importance 3.8
- Research the history of a particular country or region, or of a specific time period.Importance 3.8
- Present historical accounts in terms of individuals or social, ethnic, political, economic, or geographic groupings.Importance 3.8
- Determine which topics to research, or pursue research topics specified by clients or employers.Importance 3.7
- Research and prepare manuscripts in support of public programming and the development of exhibits at historic sites, museums, libraries, and archives.Importance 3.6
- Recommend actions related to historical art, such as which items to add to a collection or which items to display in an exhibit.Importance 3.6
Show the other 9
- Speak to various groups, organizations, and clubs to promote the aims and activities of historical societies.Importance 3.4
- Advise or consult with individuals and institutions regarding issues such as the historical authenticity of materials or the customs of a specific historical period.Importance 3.3
- Interview people to gather information about historical events and to record oral histories.Importance 3.2
- Trace historical development in a particular field, such as social, cultural, political, or diplomatic history.Importance 3.1
- Collect detailed information on individuals for use in biographies.Importance 3.6
- Coordinate activities of workers engaged in cataloging and filing materials.Importance 3.6
- Teach and conduct research in colleges, universities, museums, and other research agencies and schools.Importance 3.4
- Edit historical society publications.Importance 2.9
- Translate or request translation of reference materials.Importance 2.6
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- History and ArcheologyImportance 4.6Level 5.8
- English LanguageImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.6Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- AdministrativeImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- GeographyImportance 3.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Communications and MediaImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.9Level 2.8
Show all 33
- Fine ArtsImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Play a minor part in a local theater play
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- DesignImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
- Building and ConstructionImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- MathematicsImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- ChemistryImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- PsychologyImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.7Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- TransportationImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- BiologyImportance 1.5Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- MechanicalImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- PhysicsImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Food ProductionImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Near VisionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 3.9
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
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- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Information OrderingImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- OriginalityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- MemorizationImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.3Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.9Level 0.9
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.3Level —
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.3Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.3Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.1Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.1Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 4.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.3Level 2.9
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Processing InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
Show all 41
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 2.9
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.8
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.4Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.7
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
47 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (6)
- Adobe Acrobathot
- ESRI ArcGIS softwarehot
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
Hot (8; 6 more marked hot above)
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Extensible markup language XML
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Structured query language SQL
Other tools (33)
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Archival databases
- ArchiveGrid
- Archives Wiki
- Audio editing software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Database management systems
- Digital image collections
- Digital mapping software
- Email software
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Geographic information system GIS systems
- Google Books NGram Viewer
- Gutenberg-e
- Library of Congress digital collections
- National Archives online databases
- National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (NUCMC)
- Page markers
- ProQuest Archive Finder
- QuarkXPress
- Reference management software
- Relational database management system RDMS
- Scanning software
- Searchable online catalogs
- Smithsonian Institution digital archives
- Statistical analysis software
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
- Text mining software
- TokenX
- Web browser software
- Web Scrapbook
- Wonderware software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Political Scientists
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +1.0, Systems Evaluation +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Judicial Law Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.6, Management of Personnel Resources −0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +0.9, Operations Analysis +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Anthropologists and Archeologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.8, Reading Comprehension −0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +1.0, Systems Evaluation +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Intelligence Analysts
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.8, Science −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Average difference 0.3 points · Science −1.5, Instructing −1.0
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Archivists
Average difference 0.3 points · Reading Comprehension −0.7, Science −0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.