What professional genealogy research actually costs in 2026 — hourly rates, project pricing, and a flat-rate alternative that includes the written history.
Professional genealogists typically charge $100–$200 an hour. Full-service research firms sell projects in blocks of hours — a 25-hour project runs around $2,700, and a large multi-generation project can reach $10,000 or more. Ancestry's own ProGenealogists start around $2,500–$3,800 per project.
What you usually get for that
Most of that money buys a written report. There is typically no book, no website, and nothing designed to be passed down to the rest of the family.
A flat-rate alternative
HeartlandAncestry Research works differently: a flat price agreed up front that includes the whole deliverable — a custom-written family history book, an interactive family site, and the complete document archive. No DNA test required, and every claim is sourced to an original record.
See what's included and the flat pricing →
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a genealogist?
Most professional genealogists charge $100–$200 per hour, and full research projects commonly run $3,000–$10,000+. HeartlandAncestry offers a flat-rate alternative starting at $1,295 that includes the written family history, not just a report.
Is a professional genealogist worth it?
If you value the time saved and want a documented, written family history to keep, yes. The key is a clear, flat scope up front so you know exactly what you'll get and what it costs.