Making Money as a Genealogist
People that enter the field of professional genealogy do so because they are drawn to the work that is done and because there is a high demand in this field. However, everyone that is involved or wants to become involved in professional genealogy wonders what he or she will do to actually make a living. They wonder what they will end up doing on a day-to-day basic to make ends meet and pay for their education. There are several ways for a genealogist to make money in this high market for family history. Many professional genealogists also function in more capacities than just one, drawing income from several places. Here is a synopsis of several different ways current professional genealogists make their living.
One thing you can do is conduct genealogical research for others. When people decide they would like to find out more about their own family history, they often have no idea where to start. Also, without access to local history in the area they are researching, they are at a loss. There will always be a market for researchers with solid knowledge of local sources.
You could also do research for asset recovery firms and heir tracers. When people lose track of their relatives before their death, the estate they leave behind will be unclaimed. Recovery firms try to match unclaimed estates, stocks, bonds and real estate with the rightful heirs. They do this by doing research death certificates, more recent census schedules, city directories, phone books, probates, obituaries, land records, cemetery files and any other record that may divulge biographical information and prove relationships to locate the nearest living relative.
Another outlet for a professional genealogist is to write family history articles and books and enter the world of genealogical publishing. There are more than 30 book-publishing companies and four magazines in the field. Also, with this demand there will be a need for editors, designers, marketers and other publishing jobs that will require a background in genealogy.
There are an estimated 2,000 genealogical societies in the United States. All of these societies are looking for new people to discuss new topics with the members. These societies will usually pay a fee to a lecturer. However, it might be beneficial to start on a smaller circuit with Lions Clubs and church groups to get practice in public speaking on your particular subject area expertise.
Teaching classes in genealogy at local colleges and universities is a steady form of income. This growing field has students interested in many subtopics in the field of genealogy and therefore, the need for teachers in these fields are also growing.
Lastly, you could work as an archivist, librarian or society administrator. These jobs are located within local libraries, university libraries, museums and even the National Archives. Certain genealogical societies also have paid positions in management that require a background in genealogy as well.
This is just a few of the ways to get paid in the field of genealogy. There are other positions and income producing work that can be done. This work is rewarding, but professional genealogists work hard so they can do what they love to do.