So, you’ve got a PhD in History, but the thought of being stuck in a classroom teaching 101 just ain’t your vibe. No sweat! Having a History PhD is like holding a golden ticket to a ton of cool career paths outside the traditional academic grind. History grads have killer skills—research ninjas, storytelling gurus, and master analyzers of human events and patterns. These talents open doors in industries from nonprofits to media to business. This article gives you a down-to-earth, expert guide on 10 non-academic jobs for History PhDs, packed with practical tips, clear examples, salary stats, and career insights that anyone—from college students to working pros—can use to navigate their next move.
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Why Consider Non-Academic Careers With a History PhD?
Let’s be real—academic jobs can be super tough to lock down. Tenure-track gigs? Rare as hen’s teeth. But your History PhD skills are seriously valuable outside university walls. Employers dig your ability to break down complex info, spot trends, and tell compelling stories. Whether it’s analyzing policy, managing cultural heritage, or writing grant proposals, your training matters big time.
Plus, many of these roles offer better work-life balance, solid pay, and fresh opportunities to grow outside traditional academia. So if teaching isn’t your dream, don’t sweat it—your degree’s got lots of life beyond the lecture hall.
Key Highlights of 10 Non-Academic Jobs for History PhDs
| Job Role | Average Salary* | Skills Used | Career Outlook** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Writer | $57,266 / year | Research, Writing | Strong demand in nonprofits and museums |
| Public Affairs Specialist | $42,404 / year | Communication, Strategy | Growing roles in government and corporate sectors |
| Museum Curator | $58,000 / year | Curation, Research | Competitive but rewarding; arts and culture thriving sector |
| Archivist / Librarian | $55,000 / year | Organization, Research | Stable jobs growing in digital archiving |
| Business Consultant | $80,000+ / year | Analysis, Strategy | Increasing use of historical insights for business strategy |
| Technical Writer | $72,850 / year | Writing, Analytical | High demand in tech and science industries |
| Journalist | $49,300 / year | Writing, Storytelling | Varied media opportunities — print, digital, broadcast |
| Policy Analyst | $63,000 / year | Research, Critical Thinking | Solid demand in government and think tanks |
| Historical Consultant | Varies | Research, Communication | Project-based in film, museums, legal cases |
| Nonprofit Program Manager | $53,000 / year | Leadership, Planning | Growing nonprofit sector values experienced PhDs |
Having a History PhD isn’t just about teaching—it’s a powerful toolkit for diverse careers. From grant writing and museum curation to business consulting and policy analysis, your skills unlock doors far and wide. The trick is to explore these fields, gain targeted experience, and confidently market your expertise as a storyteller, researcher, and problem solver.
The future’s wide open—you just have to pick your path.
1. Grant Writer: Your Ticket to Funding Cool Projects
Do you like writing but with a purpose? Nonprofits, cultural institutions, and museums constantly need grant writers to help them secure funding. You’ll combine your research skills and knack for storytelling to build proposals that get grants rolling in. This role is perfect for History PhDs who enjoy crafting detailed yet persuasive written pitches.
Pro tip: Volunteer for local nonprofits or take certificate courses in grant writing to beef up your resume.
2. Public Affairs Specialist: Managing Public Image & Info
Got a way with words and people? Government agencies, nonprofits, and big companies rely on public affairs specialists to handle press releases, social media, and community relations. Your ability to analyze complex social issues and communicate clearly gives you an edge here.
This role is dynamic and often fast-paced—you’ll be the go-to for accurate, engaging information dissemination.
3. Museum Curator: Bringing History to Life
Love artifacts and stories? Museum curators are the folks who pick the pieces that tell history’s tales. You’ll design exhibits, manage collections, and educate the public—making history tangible and memorable.
While further credentials (like museum studies) help, your PhD’s deep context-setting is invaluable.
4. Archivist / Librarian: The Keepers of Knowledge
Archives and libraries house our collective memory. Archivists organize and preserve materials from years gone by—manuscripts, photos, records—making them accessible for future generations. Librarians manage resources and assist researchers.
This is a highly stable field with digital archiving opening new doors.
5. Business Consultant: Strategy Meets History
Did you know business consultants sometimes use historical insights to help companies plan better? Markets often repeat patterns, and cultural understanding shapes customer behavior. Your strong research and critical thinking skills translate well here.
This lucrative career path could benefit from an added business education, but your analytical skills give you a solid leg up.
6. Technical Writer: The Translator of Complexity
Technical writers turn complicated concepts—software manuals, scientific reports, product guides—into easy-to-understand language. Your ability to analyze and organize information is a perfect fit. Various industries, especially tech and pharma, are on the lookout for clear communicators.
7. Journalist: Storytelling with a Historical Twist
Journalists who specialize in history make the news richer and more insightful by linking past events to current affairs. Whether writing for newspapers, blogs, or radio, your storytelling skills bring much-needed context to today’s headlines.
Pick up multimedia skills (video editing, podcasting) to amplify your reach.
8. Policy Analyst: Influencing Real-World Decisions
Policy analysts research and evaluate proposed laws and policies. Your background in researching and understanding historical contexts helps predict impacts and craft recommendations. These roles exist in federal, state, and local governments as well as think tanks.
9. Historical Consultant: The Fact-Checker for Media and Law
Historical consultants consult on films, TV documentaries, museums, and courtroom cases to verify facts and interpret contexts. This project-based work puts you in the spotlight in a different way—making sure the past is represented accurately.
10. Nonprofit Program Manager: Ship the Mission with Leadership
Nonprofit program managers oversee initiatives that promote culture, education, and history. You’ll manage teams, budgets, and timelines—making sure that mission-driven projects succeed.
Leadership skills alongside your expertise in history make you perfect for this role.
Bonus Tips for Navigating Non-Academic Careers
Networking: Don’t Sleep on It
Like any career, connections matter. Join professional organizations like the American Historical Association, Society of American Archivists, and specialized LinkedIn groups. Attend conferences and pop into webinars.
Brand Your Transferable Skills
On resumes and LinkedIn, highlight your research, writing, and critical analysis skills. Use examples from your dissertation, publications, or any outreach work. Employers love to see how your history expertise solves modern problems.
Be Open to Learning New Tools
Digital archiving software, data analysis programs, and communication platforms are standard in many non-academic jobs. Take free or low-cost online courses to familiarize yourself.
FAQs
Q: Do History PhDs need extra degrees for these careers?
A: Some roles, like archivists or curators, may prefer additional credentials but most non-academic paths value your PhD with relevant experience or certifications.
Q: What salary range can I expect?
A: Salaries range widely—from around $40K in entry nonprofit roles to $80K+ for consulting and specialized writing.
Q: How do I find job openings?
A: Use Indeed, LinkedIn, specialized boards for grants or museums, and professional associations. Networking is key.
Q: Can I freelance in these careers?
A: Yes! Grant writing, consulting, historical advising, and writing all offer freelance or contract work.
