Museum Technicians and Conservators

People in this career handle, identify, and document a wide variety of museum objects, ranging from fossils and skeletal parts to textiles, art, and historical documents. Daily activities require individuals to make decisions, solve complex problems, and think creatively while organizing, planning, and prioritizing their work. They must carefully monitor their surroundings and materials to ensure delicate artifacts are preserved correctly.

Success in this field relies on strong skills in reading comprehension, active listening, critical thinking, and coordination. Workers need deep knowledge in chemistry, fine arts, history, archeology, and design to safely restore and maintain items. This role fits people with realistic interests who enjoy hands-on, practical work. Important work styles include extreme attention to detail, cautiousness, dependability, and intellectual curiosity, as conservators must be highly precise and cooperative when preserving valuable collections.

To enter this career, the typical education level required is a bachelor's degree. Common college majors that lead to this field include history, museology or museum studies, and fine and studio arts.

While a bachelor's degree is the standard entry point, most professionals in this field require extensive preparation. To fully qualify for many positions, individuals typically need to earn a graduate degree, such as a master's degree or a PhD.

In 2025, the median annual pay for museum technicians and conservators was $51,440. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% of workers earning less than $33,780 and the highest 10% earning more than $87,530.

Between 2025 and 2035, employment in this field is projected to grow by 3.6%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. There are approximately 1,600 job openings expected each year.