We surveyed 839 archivists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical archivist. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as an archivist?

Low

High

Working as an archivist typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.

Can I learn to become an archivist?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as an archivist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as an archivist?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically difficult to find a job as an archivist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for archivists.

Info

Do archivists work full-time or part-time?

37% of archivists work in full-time roles while 63% work part-time.

Is being an archivist stressful?

Low

High

Archivists tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.

Is being organized important as an archivist?

Low

High

Some level of organization is generally required to be an archivist.

How competitive is the workplace for archivists?

Low

High

Competition at work is not common for archivists.

Does being an archivist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for archivists.

Are archivists allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Archivists rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.

Do archivists have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

Archivists tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.

Is being an archivist physically demanding?

Low

High

Work as an archivists is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.

Are archivists exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Archivists tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being an archivist require attention to detail?

Low

High

As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for archivists.

Does being a good archivist require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as an archivist.