Archivist Salary Guide

Archivists in Education, E‑learning & Research collect, preserve, organize, and provide access to historical records and special collections. They appraise materials, manage physical and digital archives, implement metadata and preservation standards, support research and teaching, and often develop outreach and digitization projects.

What is the average Archivist salary?

Entry Level

$40,000 - $55,000

Mid Level

$55,000 - $75,000

Senior Level

$75,000 - $100,000+

How does Archivist salary grow with experience?

$40,000 - $50,000

0-2

$50,000 - $65,000

3-5

$65,000 - $80,000

6-10

$80,000 - $100,000++

10+

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

Max: $100k

Archivist salary by location

San Francisco Bay Area, CA$65,000 - $110,000

New York City Metro, NY$60,000 - $105,000

Washington, D.C. Metro$60,000 - $100,000

Boston, MA$55,000 - $95,000

Chicago, IL$50,000 - $90,000

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

What factors affect a Archivist's salary?

Education and certifications (MA, MLIS/MLS, archival credentials)
Technical skills (digital preservation, metadata schemas, DAM systems)
Type of employer (university/research institution, government, nonprofit, private sector)
Leadership/management responsibilities and project scope
Location and cost of living

Frequently Asked Questions About Archivist Salaries

What is the average salary for an archivist in the U.S.?

In the U.S., archivist salaries typically range from about $40,000 at entry level to $100,000+ for senior roles; the overall median is often in the $55,000–$70,000 range depending on sector and location.

How does location affect archivist pay?

Location strongly affects pay: major hubs like the Bay Area, New York, and Washington, D.C. generally offer higher salaries (often 10–40% above national ranges) due to cost of living and institutional budgets.

What qualifications raise an archivist's salary?

Advanced degrees (MA/MLIS/MLS), professional credentials (e.g., ACA, CA), specialized technical skills (digital preservation, metadata standards), and supervisory experience typically increase pay.

Can archivists in education and research expect progression?

Yes — archivists often progress from assistant or technician roles to archivist, senior archivist, and archive manager/director positions, with predictable salary increases as responsibilities and leadership grow.