20 Highest-Paying Jobs With a History Degree in 2026

Studying the past is crucial for building a strong future, but history majors may wonder about the highest-paying history jobs to build their own future. The research, critical thinking, and communication skills a history major refines will help them to excel in many different career paths. Whether you choose to stay within the history field as a teacher or museum curator, or leverage your skills in politics or writing, there are many history careers that pay well.

Some of the highest-paying history jobs are in law and politics, and an advanced degree can open the door to more high-paying jobs. If you're on the fence about history, take a look at some other high-paying bachelor's degree jobs, but know that the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports history majors have an average yearly salary of $65,000. Let's take a look at your best options for history careers that pay well.

Salary Disclaimer: The salary ranges provided in this article are estimates based on national averages. Actual earnings may vary depending on location, employer, level of experience, and industry demand.

Highest Paying Jobs With a History Degree

A history major salary will vary depending on education level and what career path you choose. But the aspiring history student has plenty of options, including archaeology, journalism, archivist, and many others.

1. Attorney

Estimated Median Salary: $145,760

Attorneys can specialize in many aspects of the law, including environmental, family, or personal injury law. The average salary for an attorney is high, but it takes about seven years of education after high school to become licensed. Students must get into an accredited law school and pass the Bar exam before applying to law firms. A history degree helps prospective attorneys gain the analytical and research skills they need to thrive in the courtroom; about 10% of all lawyers have a history degree.

2. Political Scientist

Estimated Median Salary: $132,350

History students who enjoy studying elections of the past may thrive in political science. Their knowledge of history will help them as they analyze the current political systems, collecting data, monitoring policy decisions, and predicting future voting patterns or the effects of new policies. Many political scientists need a master's degree, although some entry-level jobs—with a campaign, for instance—will accept an undergraduate degree.

3. Sociologist

Estimated Median Salary: $101,770

Sociologists study social behavior, observing cultures and social institutions to see how people work together. They look at how organizations influence people and groups, for example, how a new law impacts a population. The data they gather is helpful for educators, social workers, and government institutions as they work to solve social problems and interactions. Sociologists need a master's degree or PhD for most jobs.

4. Geographer

Estimated Median Salary: $90,880

Geographers conduct surveys and gather research about the land using satellite images, census information, and maps, often detailing their findings in updated maps. Geographers usually work with civil engineers or city planners, for example, to determine the best location for new public transportation routes. Students with a bachelor's degree can find entry-level jobs with the federal government.

5. College Professor

Estimated Median Salary: $84,380

Many history students get their PhD so that they can remain in academia as a college professor. Professors design their syllabus and teach classes in higher education, grading assignments and advising students. However, history majors don't have to become history teachers; they can leverage their skills to pursue subjects like anthropology, sociology, foreign language, and others. Tenure ensures job security as a professor, and usually takes about seven years to attain.

6. Foreign Language Professor

Estimated Median Salary: $78,760

Multilingual history students can find lucrative work as a foreign language professor. Similar to college professors, foreign language professors design their curriculum, teach classes, and advise students. However, these professors must be fluent in at least one other language, including American Sign Language. The need for postsecondary teachers is expected to grow 8% over the next decade, ensuring job security.

7. Research Analyst

Estimated Median Salary: $74,680

Research analysts monitor sales trends and product marketing, observing consumer preferences and advising companies on how to make a product succeed. A college degree in history will help prospective research analysts become more detail-oriented and analytical and develop strong communication skills. With further education, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can make this one of the highest-paying jobs for history majors.

8. Writer

Estimated Median Salary: $73,690

A degree in history involves quite a bit of writing, so many graduates choose to leverage those writing skills into well-paying jobs. Writers can find work in a variety of fields, from journalism to advertising to education. Many writers also prefer the flexibility of freelance jobs and get their start through blogging. It can take time to build up a career as a writer, but gaining experience and getting your byline out there over time increases your earning potential.

9. Business Consultant

Estimated Median Salary: $72,969

A business consultant advises companies on how to use their skills to grow profits, resolve existing issues, or improve operations across departments. Consultants can work across a range of business departments, including human resources and finance. A consultant typically works for a firm and is partnered with several clients at a time, so you must be highly organized to succeed in this role.

10. Historian

Estimated Median Salary: $72,890

History graduates who wish to continue in this field of study can still find history jobs that pay well. With a master's or doctoral degree, a historian can make upwards of $72,000 per year. Historians research documents to analyze historical data, presenting their findings to the public, nonprofits, independent organizations, or the government. They may present their findings through books, exhibits, educational programs, or through other means. Many historians go on to become history teachers.

11. Anthropologist

Estimated Median Salary: $63,800

Anthropologists study humans by observing patterns in language, development of societies, and cultures. They may look at artifacts from the past while also conducting interviews among current communities to form conclusions about human behavior. A college major in history will give anthropologists the research skills they need, but learning a foreign language will also help as many anthropologists study global communities.

12. Archaeologist

Estimated Median Salary: $63,800

You may not spend much time searching for the Holy Grail like Indy, but archaeology is still a fascinating career that can provide a good history degree salary. Archaeologists prepare dig sites to search for artifacts, conduct research, prepare talks and write reports to present their findings. Archaeologists spend a lot of time at historical sites around the world, and the hands-on aspect of the work makes it one of the top jobs for history students.

13. Researcher

Estimated Median Salary: $60,960

Another of the highest paying history jobs is a researcher, someone who gathers and analyzes data for research. History coursework prepares future analysts with strong research skills, helping them identify patterns. Researchers may gather data through interviews, questionnaires, or focus groups about many different topics, including population health, demographic (as in the census), government trends, and more. More career options are available with a master's degree or PhD.

14. Lecturer

Estimated Median Salary: $59,295

A lecturer is similar to a college professor, but without as many educational responsibilities. A lecturer is an expert in their field and teaches a class at the university level, but they often are not involved in departmental decisions nor do they hold office hours to assist students. A lecturer may teach just one class at a time, or leave the school after teaching once. Lecturers often work part-time while professors work full-time.

15. Museum Curator

Estimated Median Salary: $57,120

History students who want to get their hands on artifacts without having to be in the dirt may thrive as a museum curator. Curators help acquire artifacts and design exhibits to display those pieces. They ensure the artifacts are cared for properly and may help put together history programs to present to the public. A master's degree in history is often necessary to give curators the specialized knowledge to teach visitors.

16. Museum Archivist

Estimated Median Salary: $57,120

Similarly to a curator, an archivist often needs a graduate degree, but they can gain relevant experience through internships and part-time work as well. An archivist authenticates historical documents and preserves them. He or she may also create a system to organize and maintain documents and help set up exhibits. Archivists may work with researchers as they manage their collections.

17. Librarian

Estimated Median Salary: $56,415

History students often become very familiar with the library during their hours of research, and many decide to stay. A librarian maintains the resources in the library, researches new books and materials for purchase, assists library visitors, prepares the budget, and more. Aspiring librarians will need a Master of Library Science degree and school librarians will need teaching credentials. Projections estimate 13,300 new library jobs opening every year.

18. Journalist

Estimated Median Salary: $57,500

Journalists keep a record of history today, making this an excellent career option for history majors. Journalists can work as reporters, interviewing sources and investigating a story, as editors readying copy for print, or as a news anchor presenting the story on live TV. Journalists often only need a bachelor's degree and gain on-the-job experience at entry-level positions. However, declining revenue from newspapers, TV, and radio means journalism jobs are expected to drop by 3% over the next decade.

19. Documentary Filmmaker

Estimated Median Salary: $42,197

Many a history student has been captivated by a good documentary, and with a lot of hard work this can become a fulfilling career. Documentary filmmakers create movies or TV shows that entertain and inform. They plan the story, manage the crew, ensure content is factual, and secure funding. Filmmakers may wear several hats, assisting with editing, sound, directing, and anything else that's needed. It may take several years to build a successful career as a documentary filmmaker, but the job market is expected to grow by 8%.

20. Park Ranger

Estimated Median Salary: $38,660

Park rangers are dedicated to conservation, love the outdoors, and enjoy sharing the 189 million acres of federal parkland with visitors. They may have educational roles, work to maintain the parks, or even work in a law enforcement capacity. Salaries for park rangers vary significantly; rangers at the highest level, usually with a PhD or doctorate, can earn up to $142,000 per year, while those with a bachelor's degree earn just below $40,000 per year.

What These High-Paying History Careers Have in Common

The roles on this list tend to reward strong research, analysis, and writing skills rather than a single narrow area of expertise. Whether you're drafting policy recommendations, building a legal case, or curating a museum exhibit, these positions depend on the ability to gather complex information and communicate it clearly to different audiences.

A history degree also translates surprisingly well into fields far outside traditional academia, since employers in law, business, and government all value candidates who can think critically and construct a well-supported argument. That versatility is part of why history graduates find high-paying opportunities in fields that don't require a history-specific credential at all.

Building Skills That Boost Your History Degree Salary

Beyond your coursework, developing skills adjacent to historical research, like data analysis, foreign language proficiency, or familiarity with digital archiving tools, can make you a more competitive candidate. Employers increasingly value history graduates who can pair traditional research and writing skills with more technical or applied capabilities.

Seeking out internships or research opportunities during your degree can also strengthen your resume and clarify which career path suits you best. Practical experience in a museum, law office, government agency, or research organization gives you concrete examples to point to when applying for higher-paying, more competitive roles after graduation.

FAQs About Top-Paying History Careers

Choosing a career path after a history degree raises a few questions beyond which jobs pay the most. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.

What Can You Do With a History Degree Besides Teaching or Research?

A history degree opens doors well beyond teaching and academic research, including careers in law, policy analysis, journalism, museum curation, and archival management. Many history graduates also move into business, government, or nonprofit roles that value strong research and communication skills over industry-specific technical training. Exploring internships or informational interviews in a few different fields can help you identify which path fits your interests best.

Do You Need a Graduate Degree to Advance in a History-Related Career?

A graduate degree isn't necessary for every high-paying history-related career, but it's often required for specific paths like law, academia, or museum curation at senior levels. Fields like policy analysis or business often reward experience and additional skills over an advanced history degree specifically. Whether graduate school makes sense typically depends on the exact career path you're pursuing.

Which Industries Value a History Degree Outside of Academia?

Law, government, publishing, and business consulting all regularly hire history graduates for their strong research, writing, and analytical skills. Nonprofit organizations and cultural institutions, including museums and historical societies, also value the subject-matter expertise history graduates bring to their work. Researching how a specific industry uses these skills can help you tailor your resume and highlight the most relevant parts of your education.

Is a History Degree Worth It Financially?

A history degree can offer strong financial returns, particularly for graduates who pair it with additional credentials, internships, or a complementary skill set like data analysis or a foreign language. Many of the highest-paying careers accessible with a history degree require an additional professional or graduate credential, such as a law degree, rather than the history degree alone. Approaching your undergraduate years strategically, with an eye toward your eventual career path, can meaningfully affect your long-term earning potential.

Should You Pair a History Degree With a Minor or Double Major?

Pairing a history degree with a complementary minor or double major, such as political science, business, or a foreign language, can strengthen your qualifications for a wider range of careers. This combination signals to employers that you can apply historical research and analysis skills to a specific practical field. Choosing a pairing that aligns with your intended career path tends to offer more value than choosing based on convenience alone.

Explore History Degree Programs

Choosing to study the past doesn't mean your hopes of a high-paying job are also history. Whether you choose to pursue an advanced degree or get to work right out of college and rise through the ranks, there are many great options for history majors. When you're ready to begin your history degree, reach out to one of the accredited schools featured on Learn.org and see when you can start.