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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Median Salary
48,670
Job Outlook
+11%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

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?

$28,620

10%

$48,670

Median

$73,610

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Master's degree

    41%

  • Bachelor's degree

    24%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    20%

  • Associate's degree

    7%

  • Post-master's certificate

    5%

  • High school

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

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

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Fine Arts
  • History and Archeology
  • Administration and Management
  • English Language
  • Chemistry

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

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

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

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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.