An Archivist is a professional responsible for the preservation, organization, and management of collections of historical records and documents. They ensure that these valuable materials are accessible for research, educational purposes, and posterity.
Education: Master's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 8.2% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 1 100
Direct AI exposure: 23% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 77% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Archivists. According to the wage tables, average income is $82K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $42K per year | $70K per year | $82K per year | $96K per year | $113K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $17K above the national average. | ||||
Archivists typically work in settings such as museums, historical sites, government institutions, colleges, and universities. Their work environment often includes storage areas for archives, research rooms, and offices. They may also work with digital archives, necessitating time spent on computers and digital storage systems.
Archivists play a critical role in preserving the cultural and historical legacy encapsulated in documents and records. They are skilled in appraising, cataloging, and maintaining these materials, ensuring they remain intact and accessible for future generations. The job requires a deep understanding of preservation techniques and archival standards, as well as the ability to navigate both physical and digital archives.
The role of an Archivist is multifaceted, involving tasks ranging from hands-on preservation work to facilitating research access to collections. They often collaborate with other professionals like historians, librarians, and educators. Their work is essential in supporting historical research, educational programs, and public access to history.
Digital archiving has become increasingly important, requiring Archivists to be proficient in digital preservation techniques and technologies. As such, the profession is evolving, blending traditional archival practices with modern digital methodologies, ensuring the longevity and accessibility of both physical and digital collections.
A master's degree in archival science, library science, history, or a related field is commonly required, involving 6-7 years of post-secondary education, including undergraduate and graduate study.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.