Art History Careers: 2025 Guide to Career Paths, Options & Salary

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Art history is a branch of history that focuses on the progression of culture as expressed through art forms, including painting, drawing, sculpture, architecture, and performing arts. This expansive field is connected to other areas of study such as the visual arts and philosophy (IESA, n.d.). It is also an integral part of liberal arts education, which provides an ideal foundation for various art-related professions.

What can you do with an art history degree? Art history students who graduate will have a strong foundation of social, cultural, and intellectual history. This allows them to gain insight into the motivations and intentions behind artifacts and documents from the past. Upon completing their degree, these students will have the skills necessary to pursue art history major jobs focused on curation, archiving, or education.

Let this guide help you explore the possible options, outlook, and salary range of the art history degree jobs.

Table of Contents

1. Why pursue a career in art history?
2. Art History Career Outlook 
3. Required Skills for Art History
4. How to Start Your Career in Art History
5. How can I advance my career in art history?
6. What are the emerging trends in art history careers?
7. Alternative Career Options for Art History
8. Can trade school education enhance art history career prospects?
9. What role does digital innovation play in art history careers?
10. How can art history be applied in corporate and commercial settings?
11. How can I enhance my qualifications for a career in art history?
12. What is the impact of online education on art history careers?
13. Can data science revolutionize art history research?
14. How can artificial intelligence transform art history careers?
15. How can blending technical skills enhance art history careers?
16. How can advanced interdisciplinary programs reshape art history careers?

Why pursue a career in art history?

Jobs for art history majors span a range of careers, whether in schools, museums, or archives. These careers can be mostly performed indoors or inside an office.

Aside from being analytical thinkers and excellent communicators, art historians are successful researchers and keen artworks and historical documents evaluators. They are also known for being organized, creative, and self-reliant.

Art History Career Outlook 

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 9% job growth for museum workers, curators, and archivists between 2018 and 2028. The art historian salary generates a yearly average income of $49,850. Qualifications for art related careers often require at least a bachelor’s degree, but some require a master’s degree (Payne, 2021).

The table below answers the question “How much do art historians make?"

Required Skills for Art History

When studying historical pieces, students will be introduced to various artistic approaches, historical timelines, and world cultures. On that note, art history fosters many abilities, some of which are visual analysis and cultural awareness.

Essential Skills for Art Historians

• Visual Analysis. Students will be taught how to identify the artist, period, medium, and meaning of an artwork. These activities will soon aid art history professionals in assisting art buyers and consultants in estimating art value.
• Critical Reading. The ability to incorporate and express arguments is also an essential skill for future art historians.
• Original Interpretation. Independent thought, instead of memorization, must be taught to art history students.
• Cultural Awareness. Art history programs explore artworks, history, and cultures from different locations, namely the U.S., China, Spain, Rome, Greece, and more. Students then gain the knowledge necessary for art museum roles.

General Skills for Art Historians

• Attention to Detail. To examine a piece of art, students need to note even its smallest details. For instance, variations in color may bring a different meaning into a painting. Attention to detail can also guide art buyers and museum workers in looking for damages in artworks.
• Communication. Art history entails writing papers and delivering presentations about certain artworks, artists, timelines, and geographic areas.
• Research. Research delves into the historical and cultural components of an artwork. It also helps students in understanding how artists do their work, the relationship between different periods, and more.
• Technology. Technological skills are also becoming a sought-after attribute in this field. In 2020, Alexandros Teneketzis published the article “Exploring the Emerging Digital Scene in Art History and Museum Practice" in Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) Journal Portal. The paper addresses the present-day digital situations of art history and museology fields, both in Greece and worldwide. “In the era of ‘image worshipping’ that we live in, it is not enough for someone to appear to be just an art historian, or even an image historian. Within the framework of imagining science, one must also be a historian, a public historian, a digital historian, and a digital art historian; one must possess computer and communication skills, and so on, and so forth…"

How to Start Your Career in Art History

Careers in art history vary in educational requirements. Some positions only need a bachelor’s degree, while others need a master’s-level or doctorate degree.

Volunteer works and internships can also help you find your place in this field. Moreover, there are organizations that prioritize practical experience over obtained degrees (Payne, 2021).

What can I do with an Associate’s Degree in Art History?

Photographer

Photographers capture photographs to contribute to news sections or sell as artworks. Their responsibilities are designing photo session sets and editing photos using specific software. They may also organize photo sessions. While this job does not usually require a degree, an associate in art history can add more knowledge and skills to photography enthusiasts.

Median salary: $45,000

Desktop Publisher

Desktop publishers create layouts both for virtual and print materials. Sometimes, they team up with writers and designers and use software to place photos. This role requires an associate degree.

Median salary: $53,825

What can I do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History? 

Museum Technician

Museum technicians keep museum pieces safe at all times. They take care of the insurance matters, gauge the risk of transferring artworks from one place to another, and maintain proper documentation. They may also deal with other museums regarding borrowing artworks. This role normally requires a bachelor’s degree in any field relevant to museum work.

Median salary: $46,339

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner

Meeting, convention, and event planners organize events that present or target different consumer needs. They assess schedules, budgets, locations, and meals for events such as corporate meetings and special family occasions. They may be hired in museums to kick off new exhibits or programs. These roles often require a bachelor’s degree.

Median salary: $62,227

Can you get an art history job with just a certificate?

In the art history specialization, certifications only offer interdisciplinary curricula that support and broaden a student’s art history majorship. They can only hone certain skills and serve as a gateway to pursue other art-related studies.

How can I advance my career in art history?

Employers look into experience during promotions. But you can actually take advantage of other ways to make progress with your art history major salary and career development plan. Continuing education or certification can make you more in-demand to organizations. Doing this can also qualify you for salary upgrades (Payne, 2021).

What can I do with a Master’s in Art History?

Museum Archivist

Museum archiving is one of the highest paying jobs with art history degree. Museum archivists maintain and organize museum records. They may also be tasked to administer museum programs, assist museum employees during exhibits, and develop policies concerning museum artworks. These roles usually require a master’s degree in a related field such as archival science or history.

Median salary: $53,950

Museum Curator

Museum curators manage artworks and other objects inside a museum. They purchase new items and arrange exhibits. They may also lend pieces to other museums, manage museum research, and serve as a spokesperson at some events. These roles usually require a master’s degree in a related field.

Median salary: $46,948

What kind of job can I get with a Doctorate in Art History?

Postsecondary Education Administrator

Postsecondary education administrators may take the roles of deans and provosts, taking care of policies and budgets. This role typically needs a master’s or doctorate degree, and this is one of the highest paying jobs with art history degree.

Median salary: $52,675

Postsecondary Teacher

Postsecondary teachers teach courses in college. Generally, they develop syllabi, give feedback on student outputs, and guide students during course registration. They may also recommend changes to certain academic programs and publish studies. Higher academic institutes often require postsecondary teachers to earn a doctorate degree.

Median salary: $52,061

Which certification is best for art history?

The Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) has certification programs for professional archivists. ACA requires applicants to take an exam about archival standards and practices. This body imposes an examination charge and certification charge for the passers. Certification is renewable and spans five years (Payne, 2021).

What are the emerging trends in art history careers?

As the world evolves, art history careers are also adapting to new technologies and societal shifts. Staying ahead of these trends can help professionals thrive in the field:

• Digital Art Preservation: With the rise of digital media, there is a growing demand for experts who can preserve and archive digital art and media, ensuring its longevity for future generations.
• Virtual Museum Curation: Many museums are now offering virtual tours and online exhibitions. Art historians with tech-savvy skills can curate and manage these digital experiences.
• Art Conservation and Sustainability: As environmental consciousness increases, the need for sustainable practices in art conservation is growing. Art historians who specialize in eco-friendly methods can offer valuable insights into the preservation of art with minimal environmental impact.
• Interdisciplinary Collaborations: Art historians are increasingly working with fields like technology, anthropology, and psychology to offer new perspectives on art interpretation and cultural studies.

Alternative Career Options for Art History

Life happens so fast and, sometimes, our decisions and wants, too. Here are some alternative jobs for those whose career goals in art history have changed.

What else can an art historian do?

Fine Artist

Fine artists make pieces for art galleries, exhibitions, and online stores. Art history majors can use the techniques they learned from their undergraduate studies to create original works, be it in weaving, painting, or sculpting.

Writer

Art history graduates are no strangers to quality research and writing. Writing positions can be taken full-time or part-time in office-based or remote working arrangements.

Can trade school education enhance art history career prospects?

Incorporating vocational training into an art history career can provide practical, hands-on expertise that complements traditional academic pathways. Specialized programs in conservation, restoration, and museum operations not only deepen technical skills but also offer immediate applicability in roles requiring precision and craftsmanship. These programs often emphasize real-world problem-solving, bridging the gap between theoretical research and operational excellence. For professionals seeking alternative pathways or supplemental credentials, exploring options available in the trade school careers list can diversify their qualifications and potentially lead to enhanced career opportunities within and beyond the art sector.

What role does digital innovation play in art history careers?

Digital innovation is redefining how art history is practiced and applied, with professionals increasingly leveraging technology to create immersive and interactive experiences. Advances in virtual reality, digital restoration, and multimedia curation not only preserve historical narratives but also transform them into engaging, accessible formats. This trend enables art historians to collaborate with technology experts and enter emerging sectors where art meets digital media, such as interactive design and digital exhibitions. For those considering a cross-disciplinary approach, exploring opportunities at the best online game design schools can provide valuable skills that bridge creative expression with innovative technological applications.

How can art history be applied in corporate and commercial settings?

Art history is not confined to academia, museums, and galleries—it also finds valuable applications in corporate and commercial environments. Graduates with a strong foundation in art history, including those who may have pursued a history degree online, bring unique perspectives and skills to the business world. These applications are often overlooked but offer exciting opportunities for art history enthusiasts.

• Corporate Art Curation: Many corporations invest in art collections to enhance their workplace aesthetics and reflect their brand identity. Art history graduates are often employed as corporate curators to select, manage, and preserve these collections.
• Brand Storytelling and Marketing: Art history’s focus on cultural and historical contexts enables graduates to craft compelling narratives for brands. They can contribute to marketing campaigns by analyzing visual trends and advising on design choices that resonate with target audiences.
• Cultural Consultancy: Businesses expanding into global markets rely on cultural consultants to navigate cross-cultural dynamics. Art history professionals bring valuable expertise in understanding visual and cultural elements relevant to specific regions.
• Auction Houses and Commercial Art Sales: Auction houses and art dealerships value art history graduates for their ability to authenticate and appraise artworks, ensuring clients make informed investments.
• Interior Design and Space Planning: Knowledge of historical art and design styles allows art historians to collaborate with interior designers, contributing to spaces that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal.

How can I enhance my qualifications for a career in art history?

Enhancing your qualifications for a career in art history can set you apart from other candidates and open up higher-level opportunities. Here are some strategies to help boost your qualifications:

• Pursue advanced degrees: While a bachelor’s degree is typically the starting point, a master's or Ph.D. in art history can significantly improve your chances for higher-paying and prestigious roles, such as museum curator or professor.
• Gain hands-on experience: Internships and volunteer opportunities in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions can provide valuable practical experience, which is often a requirement for advanced positions.
• Specialize in niche areas: Focusing on a specific art movement, region, or era—such as contemporary art, Renaissance, or Asian art—can make you more marketable to employers looking for expertise in particular fields.
• Develop digital skills: Familiarity with art-related software and digital tools for archiving, cataloging, or research (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, museum management systems) can be a significant asset in today’s job market.
• Pursue certifications: While a degree is essential, certifications in areas like museum management or digital preservation can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.
• Consider interdisciplinary studies: Combining art history with fields like anthropology, archaeology, or digital media can make you more versatile and prepare you for a broader range of career opportunities.

For those interested in blending creativity with advanced studies, pursuing online MFA programs creative writing might also enhance skills that complement an art history career, particularly in areas like writing about art or creating educational materials.

What is the impact of online education on art history careers?

The rise of online education has significantly impacted art history careers, making advanced learning more accessible and flexible for aspiring professionals. Online programs allow students to pursue specialized degrees in art history without geographic constraints, broadening opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds and commitments.

• Flexibility and Accessibility: Online art history degrees cater to working professionals and individuals seeking a career change, offering asynchronous classes and flexible schedules. This convenience enables learners to balance education with personal and professional responsibilities.
• Diverse Learning Opportunities: Online programs often provide access to a wide range of specializations, such as museum studies, digital curation, and historical preservation. These options allow students to tailor their education to specific career goals.
• Skill Development in Digital Tools: Many online courses integrate training in digital tools and technologies essential for modern art history careers, such as digital archiving, virtual exhibition design, and data visualization.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Online programs tend to be more affordable than traditional on-campus options. For instance, exploring the cheapest online history masters degree can provide a cost-effective path to gaining advanced qualifications and enhancing career prospects in art history.
• Networking and Collaboration: Virtual platforms facilitate global connections, enabling students to collaborate with peers, faculty, and industry professionals from different cultural and academic backgrounds.

Incorporating online education into art history pathways offers a modern, inclusive, and versatile approach to building expertise, paving the way for successful careers in academia, museums, and beyond.

Can data science revolutionize art history research?

Integrating data science methodologies with art historical research opens new avenues for quantitatively analyzing visual elements, provenance, and artifact relationships. This approach uses statistical techniques and predictive modeling to uncover hidden patterns and support more data-driven curation and conservation strategies. Such innovative applications enhance interpretative frameworks without replacing traditional research methods. Professionals seeking to enrich their art history expertise may benefit from advanced studies, such as a cheap master in data science, to bridge qualitative insights with quantitative rigor.

What other fields can art history professionals transition into?

Art history professionals can transition into various fields, including graphic design, where they can apply their knowledge of art and history to create visually stunning and historically informed designs. For those interested in this field, pursuing an online graphic design degree can provide the necessary skills and training to succeed. Additionally, art history professionals can also transition into fields like writing, editing, and publishing, where their research and writing skills can be valuable assets.

How can artificial intelligence transform art history careers?

Emerging artificial intelligence technologies offer art history professionals new methods to analyze visual patterns, authenticate artworks, and uncover nuanced stylistic trends that traditional approaches may overlook. Advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms are increasingly used to streamline research methodologies and digital curation processes, thereby expanding the interpretive boundaries of art history. Integrating AI can also foster interdisciplinary collaborations, enabling art historians to enhance archival precision and exhibition design. For those seeking to build digital expertise that complements traditional art historical methods, exploring the cheapest online masters in artificial intelligence may provide a competitive advantage in this evolving field.

How can blending technical skills enhance art history careers?

Integrating technical expertise with art history knowledge broadens research methodologies and opens innovative career pathways. Professionals who incorporate digital imaging, data analysis, and conservation technologies can refine art authentication and preservation processes. This interdisciplinary approach not only improves archival management and interactive exhibit design but also meets the evolving demands of modern cultural institutions. Supplementing art history credentials with targeted technical studies—through resources like the cheapest online electrical engineering degree—demonstrates an adaptable skill set aligned with current industry standards.

How can advanced interdisciplinary programs reshape art history careers?

Advanced interdisciplinary programs allow art history professionals to merge traditional analytical methods with emerging technical skills, paving the way for innovative approaches in artifact analysis, conservation, and exhibition design. By integrating courses that focus on digital tools, data analytics, and evolving technologies, art historians can expand their expertise and adapt to the shifting demands of cultural institutions. Enrolling in advanced programs such as the fastest online AI masters ensures that professionals gain relevant, cutting‑edge skills while reinforcing their deep understanding of historical practices, ultimately enhancing career potential and industry impact.

Art History: A Career of Lifelong Learning and Enlightenment

All pieces of art carry their own history. Other people may only value these artworks for aesthetic reasons, but art history professionals know the real essence behind them. In art history, you can understand every story an art tells, widen your perspective of your surroundings, and solve every puzzle that leads back to the past. Lifelong learning and enlightenment—these are what professionals gain in the field of art history (IESA, n.d.).

Key Insights

• Interdisciplinary Connections: Art history is closely linked to other disciplines such as visual arts, philosophy, and cultural studies, offering a comprehensive understanding of historical and cultural contexts.
• Diverse Career Opportunities: Graduates with an art history degree can pursue various roles, including curation, archiving, education, and event planning, in settings such as museums, galleries, and educational institutions.
• Positive Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% job growth for museum workers, curators, and archivists from 2018 to 2028, reflecting steady demand in these fields.
• Competitive Salaries: Art history-related careers offer competitive salaries, with museum curators earning a median salary of $46,948 and postsecondary teachers earning around $52,061.
• Essential Skills Development: Students develop crucial skills such as visual analysis, critical reading, cultural awareness, and research, which are valuable across various professions.
• Advanced Education Benefits: Higher academic qualifications, such as master's and doctoral degrees, open doors to more advanced and higher-paying roles like museum archivists, curators, and postsecondary administrators.
• Alternative Career Paths: Art history majors can also transition into roles such as fine artists and writers, leveraging their creative and research skills in different industries.

FAQ

1. What educational qualifications are needed to start a career in art history? To start a career in art history, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree in art history or a related field. Advanced positions often require a master's degree or Ph.D.
2. What skills are essential for a successful career in art history? Essential skills for art historians include visual analysis, critical reading, cultural awareness, attention to detail, communication, research, and technological proficiency.
3. What are some high-paying jobs in the field of art history? High-paying jobs in art history include roles such as museum archivists, museum curators, postsecondary education administrators, and postsecondary teachers. These positions often require advanced degrees.
4. Can I get an art history job with just a certificate? Certifications can enhance your skills and knowledge but are typically not sufficient on their own for securing a job in art history. Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree.
5. How can I advance my career in art history? Advancing your career in art history often involves pursuing higher education, gaining practical experience through internships or volunteer work, and obtaining certifications. Continuing education and specialized training can also enhance your career prospects.
6. What are some alternative career options for art history graduates? Alternative career options for art history graduates include roles such as fine artists, writers, desktop publishers, and event planners. These positions utilize the analytical, creative, and research skills developed during art history studies.

References:

• IESA. (n.d.). What jobs can you get with a degree in art history? IESA.
• IESA (n.d.). Why study art history? IESA.
• Payne, C. (2021, August 13). Art History Careers. Best Colleges.
• Teneketzis, A. (2020). Exploring the Emerging Digital Scene in Art History and Museum Practice. UFSC Journal Portal.
• UC Davis. (n.d.). Art History Careers. UC Davis.
• University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Art History. (n.d.). Undergraduate Program Why Major in Art History? University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Art History.