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.
Curators
SOC: 25-4012 O*NET: 25-4012.00
Median Salary
$63,420
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.9%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
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 does a Curators do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$40,470
10th percentile
Early Career
$48,870
25th percentile
Median
$63,420
50th percentile
Experienced
$83,080
75th percentile
Top Earners
$107,140
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$40,470
25th
$48,870
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$63,420
Mean: $71,560
75th
$83,080
90th
$107,140
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $66,670 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $48,870 and $83,080
- •Salary spread is 53.9% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 12,150 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:14,200
Top Industries
Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions55.1%
Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions55.1%
Educational Services8.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.9%
Annual Openings:1,600
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)14,200
Current
2035 (Projected)14,900
+4.9%
+700
Employment Change
+4.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Curators professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 49 locations
New York
1,330 jobs$79,1201.76x
California
1,140 jobs$78,7400.80x
Texas
690 jobs$59,9900.63x
North Carolina
600 jobs$49,4701.56x
Pennsylvania
520 jobs$62,1001.10x
Virginia
450 jobs$58,2001.41x
Florida
420 jobs$59,5000.54x
Illinois
410 jobs$63,0600.86x
Massachusetts
370 jobs$77,7901.32x
Ohio
370 jobs$63,6400.84x
Michigan
360 jobs$63,1901.03x
Colorado
300 jobs$73,6301.32x
Wisconsin
300 jobs$64,3701.30x
Washington
260 jobs$74,0300.93x
Oregon
260 jobs$62,7901.69x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
English Language
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
100%
#3
Oral Comprehension
100%
#4
Speaking
94%
#5
History and Archeology
94%
#6
Oral Expression
92%
#7
Writing
86%
#8
Fine Arts
86%
#9
Written Comprehension
82%
#10
Active Listening
80%
Skills Overview
English Language
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Speaking
advanced4.7
94%
History and Archeology
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Expression
advanced4.6
92%
Writing
intermediate4.3
86%
Fine Arts
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
English Language
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Speaking
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
History and Archeology
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Fine Arts
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Written Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Administration and Management
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Sociology and Anthropology
intermediateImportance74%
knowledge
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists100%
5 shared skills
Information Security Analysts100%
5 shared skills
Search Marketing Strategists100%
5 shared skills
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers82%
5 shared skills
Precision Agriculture Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Urologists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓English Language
- ✓History and Archeology
Learn on the Job:
- →Communications and Media
- →Administrative
- →Education and Training
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓English Language
- ✓History and Archeology
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Writing
- ★Active Listening
- ★English Language
- ★History and Archeology
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Curators
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
SAS
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechAdobe InDesign
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Studio
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechExtensible markup language XML
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Creative Cloud software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Illustrator
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Photoshop
🔥 Hot TechPerl
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
SAS
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Access
Adobe InDesign
Microsoft Visual Studio
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
Extensible markup language XML
Adobe Creative Cloud software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Perl
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
15
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (5)General Responsibilities (6)Analysis & Evaluation (2)Management & Supervision (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Develop and maintain an institution's registration, cataloging, and basic record-keeping systems, using computer databases.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Provide information from the institution's holdings to other curators and to the public.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Inspect premises to assess the need for repairs and to ensure that climate and pest control issues are addressed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation94% perform96%
4
Train and supervise curatorial, fiscal, technical, research, and clerical staff, as well as volunteers or interns.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision91% perform94%
5
Negotiate and authorize purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Plan and conduct special research projects in area of interest or expertise.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Confer with the board of directors to formulate and interpret policies, to determine budget requirements, and to plan overall operations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Attend meetings, conventions, and civic events to promote use of institution's services, to seek financing, and to maintain community alliances.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Schedule events and organize details, including refreshment, entertainment, decorations, and the collection of any fees.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Write and review grant proposals, journal articles, institutional reports, and publicity materials.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- •47% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Curators
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Curators professionals typically have a CES Holland code and highly value independence
CConventional
EEnterprising
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Curators
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.70
Initiative
CriticalInitiative
Importance Level4.70
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.55
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.42
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.32
Leadership
Very ImportantLeadership
Importance Level4.31
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.7
Initiative
4.7
Integrity
4.5
Dependability
4.4
Cooperation
4.3
Leadership
4.3
Analytical Thinking
4.3
Persistence
4.2
Independence
4.2
Innovation
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Curators.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Curators
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
1.3k program completions/year
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH
735 program completions/year
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
336 program completions/year
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM
263 program completions/year
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT
256 program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
233 program completions/year
Alamance Community College
Graham, NC
228 program completions/year
Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, WI
227 program completions/year
Fox Valley Technical College
Appleton, WI
218 program completions/year
Fresno City College
Fresno, CA
211 program completions/year
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WI
211 program completions/year
Forsyth Technical Community College
Winston-Salem, NC
200 program completions/year