Historic Preservation and Conservation: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Historic Preservation and Conservation is a specialized field dedicated to the study, documentation, and stewardship of culturally significant buildings, landscapes, and artifacts. This program equips students with the technical, historical, and ethical frameworks needed to maintain and restore heritage environments while respecting their original character and context.
- Historic Building Analysis: In-depth examination of construction methods, materials, and design principles used in past architectural eras to inform accurate restoration practices.
- Conservation Ethics and Standards: Exploration of professional guidelines and ethical responsibilities governing the treatment of historic resources, including compliance with national and international preservation codes.
- Architectural Documentation: Mastery of techniques such as measured drawing, photogrammetry, and digital modeling to record existing conditions and support preservation planning.
- Restoration and Adaptive Reuse: Application of design strategies that balance authenticity with functional modernization, ensuring historic structures remain viable for contemporary use.
- Material Science and Craft Techniques: Study of traditional building materials—such as masonry, timber, and plaster—and the skilled craftsmanship required for their repair and replication.
- Heritage Policy and Planning: Engagement with regulatory frameworks, zoning laws, and public policy that influence the protection and development of historic districts and sites.
Historic Preservation and Conservation Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Historic Preservation and Conservation Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Historic Preservation and Conservation degrees, including Facilities Managers, Postsecondary Teachers, All Other and Historians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 302,810 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facilities Managers 11-3013 | $104,690 | $62,550 - $173,080 | 141,090 | $50.33 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other 25-1199 | $78,490 | $39,720 - $172,850 | 151,530 | N/A |
| Historians 19-3093 | $74,050 | $38,630 - $128,500 | 3,140 | $35.60 |
| Archivists 25-4011 | $61,570 | $39,330 - $104,780 | 7,050 | $29.60 |
Historic Preservation and Conservation Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $57,960 in Utah to $116,745 in Nebraska—a 101% difference. The highest-paying states include Nebraska, Hawaii, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 302,810 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Historic Preservation and Conservation by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Historic Preservation and Conservation programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Historic Preservation and Conservation is found at University of Minnesota (UMN), Twin Cities (7 graduates), Salish Kootenai College (SKC) (5 graduates), University of Arizona (2 graduates), and University of Delaware (UD) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 15 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Master's
|
7 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| Salish Kootenai College (SKC) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
5 | Pablo, Montana | Public | skc.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Historic Preservation and Conservation programs
How much can I earn with a Historic Preservation and Conservation degree?
Salaries for Historic Preservation and Conservation graduates vary by role and location. Facilities Managers earn a median of $104,690 annually, while Postsecondary Teachers, All Other earn around $78,490. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Nebraska average $116,745 compared to $57,960 in Utah. Approximately 302,810 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Historic Preservation and Conservation programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Historic Preservation and Conservation degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Minnesota (UMN), Twin Cities (7 graduates), Salish Kootenai College (SKC) (5 graduates), and University of Arizona (2 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Historic Preservation and Conservation growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 1 in 2010 to a peak of 32 in 2020, before declining slightly to 15 in 2023-24. This represents a 1,400% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Historic Preservation and Conservation degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Facilities Managers, Postsecondary Teachers, All Other, and Historians. Related occupations employ approximately 302,810 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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