History
What History Graduates Do
Your study of history builds powerful skills in research, analysis, and communication that are in demand across education and management. Many graduates begin as secondary school teachers, where your day involves designing lesson plans, leading classroom discussions with digital tools and primary sources, and mentoring students. You’ll start by managing your own classroom and can advance to a department head or into school administration.
Alternatively, your analytical abilities are a strong foundation for a career in management. You might start as a program coordinator for a non-profit or government agency, using your research skills to write reports and analyze data. With experience, you’ll progress to managing budgets and teams, a path where senior roles command six-figure salaries. While niche roles like curator or archivist are growing, competition for these few positions is intense. AI tools may help generate reports or lesson ideas, but the core work of interpreting complex events, leading teams, and mentoring students remains fundamentally human.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 2 registered apprenticeship occupations related to History. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Health Information Management Privacy And Security Officer
RAPIDS 2073CB |
Competency | Competency | $100K – $136,550 – $179K | 4.5% |
|
Historian (Military Only)
RAPIDS 1074CB |
Competency | Competency | $55K – $74,050 – $96K | 2.2% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Best Schools for History
1 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.
| # | School | Score | EarningsEarn | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI |
43 39–45 |
$24,206/yr | 15.5x |
Highest Earning History Programs
Schools where History graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Valley State University | $24,206/yr | 43 |
Best ROI for History
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for History.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Valley State University | 15.5x | $24,206/yr | 43 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how History degree programs stack up on earnings, AI disruption risk, and ROI.