Curators

Curators are responsible for managing, preserving, and documenting valuable collections, which can include fine art, historical artifacts, and scientific specimens. On a daily basis, these professionals identify objects, record detailed information, and make decisions regarding the acquisition and display of items. The role requires strong creative thinking to design exhibits and plan public service or instructional activities.

To succeed in this field, individuals need a strong foundation in history, archeology, fine arts, and sociology. Excellent communication skills are essential, as curators regularly interact with colleagues, supervisors, and the general public. They must be skilled in reading comprehension, active listening, and critical thinking to research and analyze collection pieces. The work suits those with a conventional interest area who value organization, dependability, and close attention to detail. Curators also need strong administrative skills to coordinate projects and manage museum databases.

Entering this career typically requires a high level of formal education. Most professionals in this field need a graduate degree, such as a master's degree, PhD, MD, or JD. Students preparing for this career often major in museum studies, history, fine and studio arts, or digital humanities and textual studies.

In addition to academic degrees, professionals can seek voluntary certifications to demonstrate their expertise. The National Association for Interpretation offers credentials such as the Certified Heritage Interpreter, Certified Interpretive Planner, and Certified Interpretive Trainer. These certifications help candidates show specialized skills in presenting and explaining collections to the public.

In 2025, the median annual pay for curators was $63,420. This means half of the workers in this occupation earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less. The lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $40,470, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $107,140.

There are 12,150 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 4.9 percent, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth, combined with the need to replace workers who leave the field, is expected to result in approximately 1,600 job openings each year.