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History Salary Guide

History Degrees Offer Foundational Skills, With Salary Growth Tied to Career Path and Further Education.

Median Earnings: $31,540 | Programs: 1,297 | Colleges: 1,297

Earnings Distribution

History graduates see a wide range of earnings depending on institution, location, and degree level.

  • Lowest Reported: $16,100
  • 25th Percentile: $27,873
  • Median: $31,540
  • 75th Percentile: $35,947
  • Highest Reported: $61,127

The interquartile range (middle 50% of earners) spans $8,074, a 26% spread around the median. Top earners at the best-paying institutions make 94% more than the median.

Salary Analysis

Graduates with a History major can expect a median starting salary of approximately $31,540, with a typical range between $27,873 and $35,947. This figure, however, represents an average and can vary significantly based on several factors. While the Department of Education data doesn't explicitly break down salaries by degree level (Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate) for History, it's generally understood that advanced degrees often lead to higher earning potential and more specialized roles. Geographic location plays a substantial role; major metropolitan areas and regions with strong economies, particularly those with robust government, education, or cultural institutions, tend to offer higher salaries than rural or less economically developed areas. Specific specializations within History, such as economic history, military history, or public history (archiving, museum studies), might lead to more lucrative career paths than general historical studies, though these are not always directly reflected in entry-level data. The career salary trajectory for History majors often involves starting in roles that may not directly align with their degree but utilize their research, analytical, and communication skills. Over time, with experience and potentially further education or certifications, salaries can increase substantially, especially in fields like law, policy analysis, education administration, or management. The return on investment (ROI) for a History degree, considering the median starting salary, suggests a longer payback period compared to some STEM fields. However, the value of a History degree extends beyond immediate financial returns, fostering critical thinking, strong writing, and a deep understanding of societal contexts, which are highly transferable skills.

Top Paying Colleges for History

CollegeStateMedian Earnings
Dartmouth CollegeNH$61,127
Duke UniversityNC$60,750
University of Houston-Clear LakeTX$57,239
Amherst CollegeMA$56,444
Yale UniversityCT$54,700
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNY$53,828
Harvard UniversityMA$53,468
Northwestern UniversityIL$50,161
Nevada State UniversityNV$50,149
Georgetown UniversityDC$49,876
University of PennsylvaniaPA$48,555
Monmouth UniversityNJ$48,482
Barnard CollegeNY$48,092
University of Massachusetts-BostonMA$46,908
Vanderbilt UniversityTN$46,856

Earnings by Degree Level

  • Bachelor's: $31,540 (1,087 programs)
  • Certificate: $24,206 (17 programs)
  • Associate's (186 programs)
  • Master's (4 programs)
  • Graduate Certificate (2 programs)
  • Doctoral (1 programs)

Career Paths

  • Archivist: $55,000 — Manages and preserves historical records and documents, often requiring a Master's degree in Library Science or Archival Studies.
  • Museum Curator: $60,000 — Oversees collections, plans exhibitions, and conducts research within a museum setting, typically needing a Master's or Ph.D.
  • Policy Analyst: $70,000 — Researches and analyzes information to advise on public policy, leveraging strong research and analytical skills developed in history studies.
  • High School Teacher: $58,000 — Educates students on historical subjects, requiring teaching certification and often a Master's degree for advancement.
  • Lawyer: $120,000 — A common career path for history majors who pursue law school, utilizing strong research, argumentation, and analytical skills.

Salary Negotiation Tips for History Graduates

Strategies to maximize your earning potential in this field:

  1. Highlight transferable skills: Emphasize your research, analytical, writing, and critical thinking abilities, which are valuable in many professions.
  2. Research industry standards: Understand the typical salary range for the specific role and location you are applying for, using resources like Glassdoor or LinkedIn.
  3. Quantify achievements: Whenever possible, provide examples of how your past work or projects have led to measurable positive outcomes.

How History Salaries Compare

History graduates earn $31,540 at the median, which is 23% below the national median of $40,900 for all college graduates.

FAQ

How much do History majors make?

The median salary for History majors is around $31,540, with a typical range between $27,873 and $35,947. This figure represents entry-level or early-career earnings and can vary significantly. Factors such as the specific job role, geographic location, and whether the individual pursues further education or specialized training will influence actual income. Many history graduates find success in fields that value their strong research, analytical, and communication skills, leading to higher earning potential over time.

What is the highest paying job with a History degree?

While there isn't one single highest-paying job exclusively for History majors, many leverage their degree as a foundation for lucrative careers. Pursuing law school after a History degree is a very common and often high-paying path, with lawyers earning significantly more than the median History graduate salary. Other high-earning fields include policy analysis, management consulting, government intelligence, and certain roles in finance or business where strong analytical and research skills are paramount. Advanced degrees and specialized certifications can also open doors to higher-paying positions in academia, archives, or museum leadership.

Is a History degree worth the cost?

The 'worth' of a History degree is multifaceted. Financially, the median starting salary suggests a longer period to recoup educational costs compared to some vocational or STEM fields. However, the ROI is significantly enhanced by pursuing graduate studies (like law or business school) or by entering careers that highly value the critical thinking, research, and communication skills history cultivates. These transferable skills are adaptable to a wide array of professions, including those not directly related to historical study. For individuals passionate about understanding the past, developing strong analytical abilities, and engaging with complex societal issues, a History degree offers immense intellectual and personal growth, which can translate into long-term career satisfaction and success.

History Salaries by State

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Analysis based on U.S. Department of Education data. Not enrollment advice. Verify information with the institution directly.