We surveyed 933 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.
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
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally archivists will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
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.