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Curators

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.

Median salary

$61,770

Typical range

$37k – $106k

Job outlook

+7% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Curators

Education

Typical entry: Master's degree

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Typical progression

  1. Junior Curators

    Entry / Junior

    $37,110

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Curators

    Established

    $61,770

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Curators

    Senior

    $83,645

Key skills

A typical day

  • Plan and organize the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of collections and related materials, including the selection of exhibition themes and designs, and develop or install exhibit materials.
  • Develop and maintain an institution's registration, cataloging, and basic record-keeping systems, using computer databases.
  • Plan and conduct special research projects in area of interest or expertise.
  • Provide information from the institution's holdings to other curators and to the public.
  • Negotiate and authorize purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections.

Fields of study

Any field

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