Family history researcher for hire

Individuals and families curious about their roots, people with stalled family trees, and those wanting a keepsake family history book or chart.

Hourly rate or a fixed fee per research project, with extra income from written reports, tree charts and printed family history books.

• Patient, detail-focused research
• Clear writing and report building
• Reading old records and handwriting
• Good record keeping

• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance, check what suits research work
• Privacy rules when handling living people's information, check the Privacy Act and state records access rules
• Access restrictions and fees on some state registry and archive records
• Set clear expectations, as some trails run cold and results can't be guaranteed

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on the database subscriptions, equipment and insurance you choose. This is an estimate. Most work is done from home using online databases and email.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $2,500, depending on how many clients you take on and the type of reports you offer. Estimates suggest at least around 5 hours a week. Some trails run cold, so set clear expectations.

Check insurance options, including public liability and professional indemnity. Also check privacy rules for handling living people's information, including the Privacy Act and state records access rules, and any access restrictions or fees on registry and archive records.