Also called: Autograph Authenticator, Manuscript Dealer
Authenticates and sells letters, signed documents and manuscripts written by presidents, scientists and other historical figures.
A letter signed "A. Lincoln" arrives from a family attic. You compare the ink, paper, handwriting and the letter's facts with known examples and research where it has been for 150 years. If it is real, you write a description and sell it to a collector or library; if it is a fake, you have to tell the family.
Commission-based; top dealers earn much more.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in history; trained for years under an experienced dealer.
Ways in: 4-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: History, American Studies, Art History.
Growing about average. A tiny trade; online auctions keep it busy.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI can compare handwriting images; judging paper, ink and history together and vouching for an item stay human.
Classes: AP US History, Chemistry, Business.
Official data: O*NET occupation 41-2031.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.