Art has continued to be a major part of cultures all over the world for a very long time.
Quality art is not only a great decoration, but it can be a good investment as well.
For those that are interested in art, pursuing a degree in art history can be a good idea.
Those that do pursue a degree in art history will find there are various occupations and career paths to consider once they have completed their education.
1. Archivist
Why Become an Archivist?
An art archivist is responsible for preserving the documentation related to valuable art.
Museums, art studios, and other collectors frequently hire them.
They are often responsible for documenting and collecting any information that can be used to validate the value and authenticity of art.
Professionals in this career path can be well-compensated as there is a median income of around $58,000 per year and there is a positive outlook for professional growth.
| Archivist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $61,880 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $29.75 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 14.7% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Archivist
2. Diplomat
Why Become a Diplomat?
For those that have an art history degree, becoming a diplomat is another possible career path.
A focus of any art history program will include understanding cultures all over the world.
This can include understanding international relations.
A diplomat is responsible for forming relationships with government personnel with other countries while holding the United States’ best interests in mind during discussions.
Diplomats are typically hired directly by the government and receive annual compensation of around $120,000 on average.
| Diplomat Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $120,430 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $57.90 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 0% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Diplomat
3. Historian
Why Become a Historian?
Becoming an art historian is a natural career path for anyone with an art history degree.
Art historians are responsible for studying art history, interpreting art created in the past, and documenting their findings.
The work done by art historians can be used to better understand history and cultures all over the world.
Historians earn nearly $70,000 per year on average and are often hired by universities, museums, non-profits, and other organizations.
| Historian Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $72,130 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $34.68 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 6.1% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Historian
4. Librarian
Why Become a Librarian?
The librarian profession has continued to evolve over time and today’s librarians take on a variety of different roles.
These roles include administering the library, overseeing research, and helping collect and manage information.
Those that have an art history degree could be a good fit for this role, particularly if the library has a vast collection of art or history books.
Librarians earn a median income of around $60,000.
| Librarian Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $64,180 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $30.86 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 9% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Librarian
5. Tour Guide
Why Become a Tour Guide?
For anyone that has a passion for art and art history, becoming a tour guide is a great option.
Tour guides can be hired by museums and art galleries or run their own independent tour agency.
An art tour guide is a great starting role with a starting income of around $30,000, but there is a lot of room for growth and many will earn additional tips.
This can also be a great career for someone that wants to share their passion and interests with others.
| Tour Guide Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $33,200 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $15.96 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 10% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Tour Guide
6. Fashion Designer
Why Become a Fashion Designer?
When most people think of art, they think of paintings and sculptures.
However, art is also a major driver for the fashion industry and those that would like to express themselves through stylish clothing should consider becoming fashion designers.
These individuals are responsible for helping to design new clothing for a variety of designers.
The median income for fashion designers is around $85,000.
| Fashion Designer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $83,650 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $40.22 |
| Education | 2-4 Years |
| Outlook | 6% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Fashion Designer
7. External Auditor
Why Become an External Auditor?
An external auditor is an individual that is responsible for reviewing and confirming information reported by another organization.
While most people will think of the financial services industry when it comes to auditors, they can also exist in the art industry.
Many museums, auction houses, and private collectors will hire art auditors from time to time to review information prepared by historians, appraisers, and other art professionals.
| External Auditor Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $83,980 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $40.37 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 10% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an External Auditor
8. Social Worker
Why Become a Social Worker?
For those that are looking for a career path where they can help others, becoming a social worker is a great career to follow.
A social worker is tasked with helping children, families, and people of all ages manage challenging mental health problems and navigate difficult situations.
Schools, hospitals, and other care facilities frequently hire social workers.
The typical social worker will earn around $62,000 per year and there is continued growth expected in the field.
| Social Worker Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $63,010 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $30.29 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 8.3% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Social Worker
9. Architect
Why Become an Architect?
An architect is an individual that is responsible for designing new and renovated structures.
While it requires technical knowledge, there is an artistic side to the profession as well.
Those with art history backgrounds and an architecture degree will have the skill necessary to develop unique design ideas.
Architects can earn an average of around $90,000 per year and continue to have a positive job outlook.
| Architect Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $91,900 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $44.19 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 8% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Architect
10. Public Relations Manager
Why Become a Public Relations Manager?
A public relations manager plays a critical role for any organization as they help to promote good news, manage controversy, and ultimately improve the reputation of the company they represent.
Public relations managers tend to be well compensated as the median income is well over $100,000 per year.
There continues to be a positive outlook for this career path as social media continues to alter the needs of this role.
Anyone with a passion for art should consider pursuing a degree in art history.
This education and career path offer a range of professional opportunities.
There are various careers and jobs in particular that people could pursue once they have earned their art history degree.
These career paths offer good compensation, career growth potential, and plenty of job satisfaction that comes with being in a field that you are passionate about.
| Public Relations Manager Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $132,800 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $63.85 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 13% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Public Relations Manager
