Archivist
Preserve and catalogue historical records so researchers and the public can use them.
This UK archivist career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £24,000 - £30,000
- Mid-career salary
- £32,000 - £42,000
- Senior salary
- £48,000 - £65,000
- Work environment
- Office, community or institutional setting
- Time to entry
- 3 - 5 years (often MA)
- Degree required
- Usually required
- Category
- Public Sector and Emergency Services
What a Archivist does
Preserve and catalogue historical records so researchers and the public can use them.
How to become a Archivist
- Look up Archivist roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Archivist - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Cataloguing
- Conservation basics
- Research
- Writing
- Discretion