Creative & Education Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #23 of 50

Archivist Salary in Pennsylvania

The median archivist salary in Pennsylvania is $56,294 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $58,640.

Median Salary
$56,294
vs National
$-2,346
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Archivist Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for archivist compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for archivist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $56,294 per year, archivists in Pennsylvania earn $2,346 less than the national median of $58,640.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning archivist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: archivists at the 10th percentile earn $34,560, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $90,240 — a $55,680 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $59,813.

Nationally, archivist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for archivists across the country.

Archivist Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level archivist earns around $36,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,480 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,480
$-1,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,600
$-2,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,480
$-3,520 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $34,560
25th Percentile $44,160
Median (50th) $56,294
75th Percentile $72,960
90th Percentile $90,240

Archivist Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for archivists in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Archivist in Pennsylvania

Education

Most archivist positions require a master's degree. Pennsylvania has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Archival ScienceCatalogingDigital PreservationResearchDatabase ManagementMetadata

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

Nationally, archivist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Pennsylvania's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Archivist Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Archivist make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median archivist salary in Pennsylvania is $56,294 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $58,640. Salaries range from $34,560 (10th percentile) to $90,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Archivist make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,294, a archivist in Pennsylvania earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for archivists? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for archivist pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level archivists earn $36,480, while senior professionals earn $84,480.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for archivist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for archivists is Hawaii at $99,688. Pennsylvania's median of $56,294 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($56,881) and Utah ($56,881).
What is the entry-level archivist salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level archivist in Pennsylvania earns approximately $36,480 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $84,480.
What city in Pennsylvania pays archivists the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for archivists, with a median salary of $59,813. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.