Why We Love It
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$61,120Potential Avg. Salary
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Creativity FocusedCareer Attribute
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Get to TravelCareer Attribute
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High Job SatisfactionCareer Attribute
Genealogists research and study family histories and background in order to establish a genealogical history, establish descent and identify individual family members.
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What is a Genealogist?
The following job responsibilities are common for Genealogists:
- Consults American and foreign genealogical tables, publications and documents to trace lines of descent or succession
- References church records, vital statistics, marriages, deaths, divorces and any other public records
- Organizes and evaluates data collected and organizes on the basis of relevancy, significance and authenticity
- Gathers any available physical evidence such as photographs and letters
- Constructs charts, graphs and reports showing family lines and relationships
A Day In The Life
Genealogist are professional researchers who gather and compile and report on data they gather about family histories. Through their research someone can learn who they are and where they came from.
Every genealogical project is different. They could be asked to find a long lost relative for someone or they may have to search for a possible heir to settle an estate dispute. Most of their time is spent doing meticulous research of vital records, marriage records, birth certificates, death records, immigration records, reading hand written documents and letters, looking for photographs, etc. Once all the necessary information is discovered it must then be put into comprehensive charts, graphs and reports.
Typical Work Schedule
This is a full-time position, typically fulfilled in an office environment. Some travel is required for this job.
Projected Job Growth
This job is expected to stay at a relatively steady pace. But with individuals becoming more and more interested in their heritage and family chronicles is could increase significantly.
Typical Employers
Typically a genealogist works for the government in asset recovery. They can also work for private asset recovery firms as consultants.
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How To Become a Genealogist
Many individuals are interested in their own family tree, which sparks their curiosity and interest in genealogy. To become a genealogist there are no educational requirements. The best way to learn is to attend work-shops, online courses, and conferences. Also joining genealogical societies and communities is recommended.
To become a professional you must become certified. The certification board establishes standards that ensure genealogists compile the most accurate information possible. Certification also allows them to receive a higher fee for the work conducted.
Genealogist Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$36,760Average
$61,120High Range
$101,880National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$18/hrAverage
$29/hrHigh Range
$49/hrHow do Genealogist salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Genealogist's can make an average annual salary of $61,120, or $29 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $36,760 or $18 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#257 Nationally for All Careers
Above Average Salary Nationally
Highest Education Among Genealogists
- 17% Doctorate
- 37% Masters
- 36.8% Bachelors
- 3.9% Associates
- 4.8% College
- 0.3% High School
- 0.2% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
3,5002024 Est. Jobs
3,500Job Growth Rate
---Est. New Jobs
---How does Genealogist job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of --- jobs for a total of 3,500 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a --- change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#594 Nationally for All Careers
Above Avg. Growth Nationally
What Companies Employ The Most Genealogists
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 900 | --- | --- |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 800 | -100 | 0% |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 500 | --- | --- |
