How to Become a Archivists in California
Archivists in California earn a median salary of $62,160/year, which is 1% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~3.3%. After taxes and rent, a archivists takes home approximately $2,747/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a archivists can afford in California
Becoming a archivists in California
Meet education requirements
Archivists positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many archivists positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for archivistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 860 archivists. The highest concentrations are in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom.
Archivists salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $74K | $35.7/hr | 150 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $73K | $35/hr | 30 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $71K | $34.29/hr | 40 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $62K | $29.66/hr | 50 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $61K | $29.46/hr | 420 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $47K | $22.73/hr | 60 |
Archivists salary range in California
Archivists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a archivists make in California?▼
The median archivists salary in California is $62,160 per year ($29.88/hr). This is 1% above the national median of $61,570. Salaries range from $38,980 to $117,400.
What are the requirements to become a archivists in California?▼
Archivists positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a archivists afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $62,160, a archivists in California would take home approximately $4,159/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 34% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for archivists in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for archivists in California are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($74,250), Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom ($72,790), Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura ($71,310). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for archivists?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.3%. On a $62,160 salary, this means roughly $2,071/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.