Average Archivists Salary in California
Archivists in California earn an average annual salary of $69,140, surpassing the national average of $64,670. This higher compensation is largely driven by California's robust economy and the specialized nature of archival work within its diverse cultural and historical institutions. The demand for skilled professionals to manage and preserve valuable records contributes to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $117,400.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 860 Archivists, California demonstrates a stable, albeit niche, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.05 indicates a concentration of Archivists slightly above the national average, suggesting a consistent demand for their expertise within the state's institutions. This level of concentration points to a healthy and established presence of archival roles.
Salary Overview
The average Archivists in California earns+6.9%above the national average.
$33.2
$1,330
$5,762
Archivists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Archivists in California have seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and increasing recognition of the value of preserved historical information. Factors such as inflation, evolving digital archiving technologies, and increased demand for specialized skills likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Archivists Salary Distribution in California
The salary progression for Archivists in California typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience in areas like digital preservation, collections management, or specialized historical periods can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify career advancement and the accumulation of valuable expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $38,980 | $18.7 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $51,855 | $24.9 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $62,160 | $29.9 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $86,425 | $41.6 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $117,400 | $56.4 |
Detailed Archivists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,921
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the nominal salary of $69,140 for Archivists in California appears attractive, it must be considered against the state's high Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that the purchasing power of an Archivist's salary in California is considerably lower than in a national average location, requiring careful financial planning for those considering a move to the Golden State.
Job Market Context
860
Total Jobs
0.048
Per 1K Jobs
1.05
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.05, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Archivists roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.05 for Archivists in California suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy, established demand for archival professionals within the state, but not an oversaturated market. It implies that while opportunities exist, competition may be present, especially for specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Archivistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Archivists make in California?
The median annual salary for a Archivists in California is $69,140. This typically ranges from $38,980 for entry-level positions to $117,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 6.9% higher than the national median of $64,670.
Is California a lucrative place for Archivists?
Yes, but with caveats.California offers a higher average salary for Archivists than the national average, but the significantly higher cost of living means the real value of that salary is reduced. Careful financial management is essential for Archivists working in the state.
Is California a good place to live for Archivists?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
What is the average salary for an entry-level Archivist in California?
Entry-level Archivist salaries in California typically fall in the lower percentiles, likely starting below the state average and potentially closer to or slightly above the national average, before experience-based increases.
How does experience impact an Archivist's salary in California?
Experience is a major driver of salary growth for Archivists in California. Senior roles with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than the state average.
Are there many job openings for Archivists in California?
With a workforce of 860 and a Location Quotient of 1.05, California has a steady presence of Archivist roles, indicating consistent opportunities for qualified professionals.
How does the cost of living affect the Archivist salary in California?
The high cost of living in California significantly impacts the purchasing power of an Archivist's salary. While the nominal wage is higher, the effective disposable income may be less than in lower-cost states with similar or slightly lower salaries.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 860 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.048 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Archivists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in California
- All Occupations Salary in California
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in California
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in California
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in California
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in California
- Management Occupations Salary in California
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in California
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in California
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in California
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in California
- Browse All Jobs in California →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Archivists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California