How to Become an Archivist Assistant in 2025

As an archivist assistant, you play a critical role in preserving and organizing historical records, manuscripts, and digital materials. Your primary focus is supporting archivists in managing collections so they remain accessible for researchers, institutions, and the public. This work requires physical and analytical tasks: you might sort decades-old documents into chronological order, create detailed inventories using spreadsheets, or repackage fragile letters into acid-free folders. For example, a typical day could involve assessing the condition of 19th-century land deeds, labeling archival boxes with precise metadata, or entering collection details into databases like ArchivesSpace to create searchable records.

Your responsibilities extend beyond physical handling. You’ll often verify the accuracy of catalog entries, cross-referencing names or dates in library databases such as OCLC. Preservation tasks might include making photocopies of deteriorating newspapers or preparing materials for digitization. In some roles, you’ll interact directly with researchers—retrieving requested materials from storage, explaining collection protocols, or identifying relevant resources for academic projects. Physical stamina matters: lifting 50-pound boxes, climbing ladders to access high shelves, or standing for hours while sorting materials are common demands.

Success hinges on specific skills. Attention to detail ensures items aren’t misfiled or mislabeled, while organizational abilities help you manage multi-step projects like processing a donor’s unsorted papers. Basic tech proficiency is essential for using specialized software, scanning equipment, or content management systems. Communication skills come into play when explaining access policies to visitors or collaborating with preservation specialists. You’ll often work independently but need to flag issues—like discovering water damage in a collection—to supervisors promptly.

Most positions exist in universities, government agencies, museums, or corporate archives. Environments vary: you could work in climate-controlled rare book rooms, basement storage areas requiring dust masks, or modern digitization labs. The job’s impact is tangible—preserving community histories, enabling academic discoveries, or maintaining legal records. If you value structure, enjoy problem-solving with limited supervision, and find satisfaction in protecting tangible history, this role offers steady, meaningful work. Be prepared for repetitive tasks and occasional exposure to dust or mold, but also moments of discovery, like uncovering a previously unknown Civil War diary in a donated estate collection.

As an archivist assistant, your salary will typically range between $29,000 and $65,000 annually in the United States, depending on experience and job title. Entry-level positions start around $29,000 to $41,000 based on data from Comparably, with roles like archival assistant averaging $41,740 annually according to Glassdoor. Mid-career professionals with 3-5 years of experience earn $45,000 to $55,000, while senior-level roles or specialized positions in institutions like universities or government agencies can reach $65,000 or higher.

Location significantly impacts earnings. Major metropolitan areas like Washington D.C., New York, and San Francisco offer salaries 15-25% above national averages due to higher demand and cost of living. Rural or smaller institutions often pay closer to the lower end of the range. Employer type also matters: government and corporate archives typically pay more than nonprofits or small historical societies.

Benefits often include health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees or certifications like the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) credential, which can boost salaries by 8-12%. Digital archiving skills, such as metadata management or familiarity with preservation software, also increase earning potential.

Salary growth tends to be steady but gradual. Starting near $40,000, you could reach $55,000 within 5-7 years with promotions to roles like lead archivist assistant or collections manager. By 2030, demand for digitization projects and electronic records management may push senior salaries toward $70,000 in high-cost regions. However, budget constraints in public-sector roles may slow growth compared to private-sector opportunities.

Part-time or contract positions are common early in your career, often paying $18-$25 hourly. Full-time roles provide more stability, with 60% of employers offering retirement plans according to industry surveys. While archivist assistant salaries aren’t among the highest in cultural heritage fields, combining certifications, technical skills, and strategic location choices can help maximize your compensation over time.

To become an archivist assistant, you’ll typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, with history, library science, or art history being common majors. However, most employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in library science (MLIS) or archival studies, especially for roles involving collection management or digitization. Graduate programs accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) provide the strongest foundation, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on training. If you pursue a related field like public administration or information technology, ensure your coursework includes archival methods or digital preservation to meet employer expectations. According to the Society of American Archivists, entry-level positions increasingly require both undergraduate and graduate education, along with practical experience.

Develop technical skills in archival databases like ArchivesSpace or digital asset management systems such as Omeka through coursework or self-guided training. Courses in metadata standards, records management, and preservation techniques directly prepare you for tasks like organizing collections or digitizing materials. Soft skills matter equally: build communication abilities through public-facing roles, and strengthen attention to detail by volunteering to catalog materials at local historical societies. Proficiency in a second language—particularly Spanish or Portuguese—can be valuable for specialized roles, as seen in positions requiring interaction with Latin American art collections.

Certifications like the Digital Archives Specialist (DAS) or Arrangement & Description (A&D) certificates from professional organizations demonstrate specialized knowledge. While not always required, they make you more competitive. Practical experience is critical: aim for 1-2 internships or part-time roles in archives, libraries, or museums during your studies. Many graduate programs include a mandatory practicum, but you can also seek opportunities through institutions like the Metropolitan New York Library Council, which offers hands-on roles in processing collections.

Entry-level roles often expect 1-2 years of experience, which can include volunteer work or project-based positions. Be prepared to spend 6-7 years on education (4 years for a bachelor’s, 2-3 for a master’s) plus additional time gaining practical skills. Competition can be strong, so start building relevant experience early through campus archives, digitization projects, or community heritage initiatives. Employers value candidates who show adaptability with both physical and digital collections, so prioritize learning emerging tools and staying current with archival standards.

You’ll enter a field with steady growth but moderate competition. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for archivists, curators, and museum workers—including assistants—are projected to grow 11% through 2033, faster than average for all occupations. This translates to roughly 4,700 annual openings, many due to retirements or career changes. Demand is strongest in universities, government agencies, museums, and corporations managing large digital or physical collections. Major employers include the National Archives, Smithsonian Institution, and universities like Harvard or Stanford, alongside companies like Disney and Google expanding their corporate archives.

Geographically, positions cluster in urban areas with historical, cultural, or government hubs. Washington D.C., New York City, Boston, and Chicago offer high concentrations of opportunities. Regions with active preservation initiatives, like California or the Midwest’s historical societies, also hire regularly. Remote work remains limited due to hands-on collection management, though hybrid roles for digital cataloging are rising.

Technology reshapes daily tasks: digitizing physical records, managing cloud-based archives, and using AI tools for metadata tagging. You’ll need skills in platforms like Preservica or Archivematica, along with understanding blockchain for document authentication. Specializing in digital preservation, data privacy compliance, or multimedia archiving (audio/video) can make you more competitive. Emerging niches include climate-driven archival needs, like protecting collections from environmental damage, and supporting AI training datasets.

Advancement typically requires a master’s degree in archival studies or library science. Starting as an assistant, you could progress to lead archivist, collections manager, or director roles. Certifications like the Academy of Certified Archivists or ARA’s Registered Membership strengthen credentials. Transitioning to related fields like records management, information governance, or museum curation is possible with additional training.

Job competition varies by sector. Prestigious institutions attract many applicants, while government roles or corporate archives face fewer candidates. Building experience through internships or volunteer work at local historical societies improves prospects. Private sector roles in tech or healthcare—fields requiring organized data retention—are growing faster than traditional niches but may demand familiarity with industry-specific regulations.

While automation handles routine tasks like scanning, human judgment remains critical for contextualizing materials. Balancing tech proficiency with traditional preservation knowledge will position you well in this evolving field.

Your mornings often begin with reviewing requests from researchers or staff needing access to specific materials. You might spend an hour responding to emails, then move to processing incoming collections—sorting through boxes of documents, photographs, or artifacts. Tasks like labeling folders, entering metadata into databases such as ArchivSpace, or digitizing fragile letters using flatbed scanners fill your morning. One day you might stabilize a 19th-century ledger by placing it in acid-free housing; another day, you could create a digital exhibit showcasing a local civil rights organization’s records. Physical work is common: lifting boxes, adjusting temperature controls in storage areas, or wearing gloves to handle delicate materials.

Work environments vary between institutions but typically involve quiet spaces like climate-controlled storage rooms or shared offices. You’ll adapt to the rhythm of institutional priorities—some weeks focus on backlog reduction, others on preparing materials for an upcoming exhibit. Collaboration happens regularly: consulting with conservators about preservation techniques, training interns on cataloging standards, or assisting a historian seeking primary sources for a book. Deadlines can create pressure, especially when balancing multiple projects. A 2024 survey of early career archivists found that 40% of temporary workers reported juggling two or more part-time roles to maintain steady income, highlighting job stability challenges in the field.

Most positions follow standard 9-to-5 schedules, though project-based roles may require occasional evenings or weekends. Flexibility depends on the employer: universities often offer predictable hours, while grant-funded roles might demand bursts of intense work. The repetitive nature of tasks like rehousing documents or transcribing metadata can feel monotonous. To stay motivated, you’ll learn to focus on incremental progress—completing one box of a collection feels like a small victory. The most rewarding moments come when your work connects people to history, like locating a veteran’s photo for their family or hearing a researcher’s excitement over newly accessible records. Challenges include limited advancement opportunities without advanced degrees and the physical demands of handling aged materials. You’ll leave each day knowing you’ve preserved pieces of the past, even if the work sometimes feels invisible.