Customize Your Journey
For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Curators

Median Salary
61,750
Job Outlook
+11%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of archivists, curators, and museum workers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 4,700 openings for archivists, curators, and museum workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$41,390

10%

$61,750

Median

$84,210

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Master's degree

    44%

  • Doctoral degree

    34%

  • Post baccalaureate

    8%

  • Bachelor's degree

    6%

  • Some college

    3%

  • Post-doctoral training

    2%

  • Associate's degree

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Art History, Criticism and Conservation
  • Public/Applied History
  • Museology/Museum Studies
  • Digital Humanities

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • History and Archeology
  • English Language
  • Fine Arts
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Education and Training

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

Related Occupations

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.