How Much Does Genealogy Cost?

Anyone starting a new hobby, including genealogy, should ask, “How much will it cost?” And anyone who has been doing genealogical research for a while knows that the costs can quickly add up.

From subscription services, fees for record copies, travel to do on-site research, DNA tests, courses, institutes…genealogy can be an expensive past-time! I also highly recommend a number of free and low-cost resources.

Some may decide that it is time to hire a professional genealogist. This may be because they’ve hit a brick wall, or because traveling to the location to research is not feasible. It may also be because the cost of subscriptions, education, travel, etc. may cost more than the cost of hiring a professional.

How much does a professional genealogist cost?

A professional genealogist has the knowledge and experience to use the most appropriate available records, on and offline. This can make the best use of your time and money. So, how much will a professional genealogist cost? Each situation is different, so it is important to accurately estimate how many hours of research are needed. On average, at least:

• 5 Hours per generation for anyone born after 1850
• 10 hours per generation for anyone born before 1850
• Someone you consider a “Brick Wall” may take 20 hours or more.

It also depends on the amount of research you have already completed. You will want to share any research you or another researcher has done on your behalf. You don’t want to pay for previously completed research.

When you hire a professional genealogist, he or she will conduct reasonably exhaustive research to answer your question. Of course, you should always be able to set a cap on hours or dollars. That way you know your genealogy cost won’t exceed your budget.

Hiring a professional genealogist does not guarantee an answer to your research question. A professional will have experience correlating indirect evidence, so the answer to your question may not be obvious. Yet, some ancestors don’t seem to want to be found…at least not within a reasonable amount of time. Many genealogists have spent thousands of hours on their own research before finding an answer.

If a professional genealogist can’t answer your research question, you will still receive a fully cited research report. This report will contain suggestions for further research. You may choose to conduct this research on your own. You may also add hours to your contract with the professional genealogist.

Services

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