Biographers


Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics > Biographers > At a Glance
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Biographers

Biographers - At a Glance

Historians research, analyze, and explain past events and people.

Quick Facts:  Historians
WagesEarn $62,175 per year
EmploymentVery small occupation
10 Year GrowthAverage growth
Annual OpeningsVery few

Preparation 

A historian typically needs to:

  • have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • have a bachelor's degree
  • have a master’s degree in history

Working Conditions 

In a typical work setting, historians:

  • Have a high level of social contact. They spend a considerable amount of time interviewing people.
  • Almost always work indoors. They sometimes may work in places that don't have heat or air conditioning, especially when traveling to historical sites.
  • Must be very exact in performing their job. Leaving out information could cause people to misunderstand events.
  • Most work 40 hours per week. May work overtime to meet research or publication deadlines.

Wages 

In Illinois, historians earn a median wage of $62,175 per year.

$0 $50 $100 $150 $200
Illinois

$ amounts are in thousands of dollars.

Employment and Outlook 

In Illinois, 67 historians work in this very small occupation.

LocationEmployment10 Year GrowthAnnual Openings
Illinois67
Very small
10.4%
Average
8
Very few
Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.