10 Careers for Art History Majors

Art has continued to be a major part of cultures all over the world for a very long time.

Quality art is not only a great decoration, but it can be a good investment as well.

For those that are interested in art, pursuing a degree in art history can be a good idea.

Those that do pursue a degree in art history will find there are various occupations and career paths to consider once they have completed their education.

1. Archivist

Archivist

Why Become an Archivist?

An art archivist is responsible for preserving the documentation related to valuable art.

Museums, art studios, and other collectors frequently hire them.

They are often responsible for documenting and collecting any information that can be used to validate the value and authenticity of art.

Professionals in this career path can be well-compensated as there is a median income of around $58,000 per year and there is a positive outlook for professional growth.

Archivist Key Stats
Education 4+ Years
Outlook 14.7%

2. Diplomat

Diplomat

Why Become a Diplomat?

For those that have an art history degree, becoming a diplomat is another possible career path.

A focus of any art history program will include understanding cultures all over the world.

This can include understanding international relations.

A diplomat is responsible for forming relationships with government personnel with other countries while holding the United States’ best interests in mind during discussions.

Diplomats are typically hired directly by the government and receive annual compensation of around $120,000 on average.

Diplomat Key Stats
Education 4+ Years
Outlook 0%

3. Historian

Historian

Why Become a Historian?

Becoming an art historian is a natural career path for anyone with an art history degree.

Art historians are responsible for studying art history, interpreting art created in the past, and documenting their findings.

The work done by art historians can be used to better understand history and cultures all over the world.

Historians earn nearly $70,000 per year on average and are often hired by universities, museums, non-profits, and other organizations.

Historian Key Stats
Education 4+ Years
Outlook 6.1%

4. Librarian

Librarian

Why Become a Librarian?

The librarian profession has continued to evolve over time and today’s librarians take on a variety of different roles.

These roles include administering the library, overseeing research, and helping collect and manage information.

Those that have an art history degree could be a good fit for this role, particularly if the library has a vast collection of art or history books.

Librarians earn a median income of around $60,000.

Librarian Key Stats
Education 4+ Years
Outlook 9%

5. Tour Guide

Tour Guide

Why Become a Tour Guide?

For anyone that has a passion for art and art history, becoming a tour guide is a great option.

Tour guides can be hired by museums and art galleries or run their own independent tour agency.

An art tour guide is a great starting role with a starting income of around $30,000, but there is a lot of room for growth and many will earn additional tips.

This can also be a great career for someone that wants to share their passion and interests with others.

Tour Guide Key Stats
Education 3-4 Years
Outlook 10%

6. Fashion Designer

Fashion Designer

Why Become a Fashion Designer?

When most people think of art, they think of paintings and sculptures.

However, art is also a major driver for the fashion industry and those that would like to express themselves through stylish clothing should consider becoming fashion designers.

These individuals are responsible for helping to design new clothing for a variety of designers.

The median income for fashion designers is around $85,000.

Fashion Designer Key Stats
Education 2-4 Years
Outlook 6%

7. External Auditor

External Auditor

Why Become an External Auditor?

An external auditor is an individual that is responsible for reviewing and confirming information reported by another organization.

While most people will think of the financial services industry when it comes to auditors, they can also exist in the art industry.

Many museums, auction houses, and private collectors will hire art auditors from time to time to review information prepared by historians, appraisers, and other art professionals.

External Auditor Key Stats
Education 4+ Years
Outlook 10%

8. Social Worker

Social Worker

Why Become a Social Worker?

For those that are looking for a career path where they can help others, becoming a social worker is a great career to follow.

A social worker is tasked with helping children, families, and people of all ages manage challenging mental health problems and navigate difficult situations.

Schools, hospitals, and other care facilities frequently hire social workers.

The typical social worker will earn around $62,000 per year and there is continued growth expected in the field.

Social Worker Key Stats
Education 3-4 Years
Outlook 8.3%

9. Architect

Architect

Why Become an Architect?

An architect is an individual that is responsible for designing new and renovated structures.

While it requires technical knowledge, there is an artistic side to the profession as well.

Those with art history backgrounds and an architecture degree will have the skill necessary to develop unique design ideas.

Architects can earn an average of around $90,000 per year and continue to have a positive job outlook.

Architect Key Stats
Education 4+ Years
Outlook 8%

10. Public Relations Manager

Public Relations Manager

Why Become a Public Relations Manager?

A public relations manager plays a critical role for any organization as they help to promote good news, manage controversy, and ultimately improve the reputation of the company they represent.

Public relations managers tend to be well compensated as the median income is well over $100,000 per year.

There continues to be a positive outlook for this career path as social media continues to alter the needs of this role.

Anyone with a passion for art should consider pursuing a degree in art history.

This education and career path offer a range of professional opportunities.

There are various careers and jobs in particular that people could pursue once they have earned their art history degree.

These career paths offer good compensation, career growth potential, and plenty of job satisfaction that comes with being in a field that you are passionate about.

Public Relations Manager Key Stats
Education 4+ Years
Outlook 13%

Jamie Willis
Career Specialist at BecomeopediaHi, my name is Jamie Willis, and I have been helping students find their perfect internships and education paths for the last ten years. It is a passion of mine, and there really is nothing better than seeing students of mine succeed with further studies.

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