Curator

Your Fit

Income

$62K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

11.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Curator?

A Curator is a professional responsible for the acquisition, care, and display of items in a museum, gallery, or cultural institution. They play a key role in interpreting and presenting collections to the public, often specializing in a specific area such as art, history, or science.

Sample job titles:

Collections Curator, Collections Manager, Curator, Museum Curator

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Curator.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Curator earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$37K per year	$47K per year	$62K per year	$81K per year	$106K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $12K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Curator do?

Work environment

Curators typically work in museums, art galleries, historical sites, and cultural institutions. Their environment involves a combination of office work, research, and hands-on work with collections. The role may also include travel for research, acquisitions, or collaboration with other institutions.

Quick task list

Acquires and manages collections, including authentication and preservation.
Designs and organizes exhibitions.
Conducts and publishes research related to the collection.
Oversees collection documentation and records.
Engages with the public through educational programs and presentations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Art Curator: Specializing in the acquisition and exhibition of artworks, often focusing on a specific art period or style.
History Curator: Managing historical artifacts and organizing exhibitions that narrate historical events or periods.
Science Curator: Focusing on scientific collections, including natural history, technology, or medical artifacts.
Archival Curator: Overseeing historical documents and archival materials, often in libraries or special collections.

Description

Curators are the stewards of cultural and educational institutions' collections. They blend academic expertise with a passion for sharing knowledge with the public. Their work involves not only the care and management of collections but also the interpretation of objects and artifacts to create meaningful experiences for visitors. This requires staying current with research in their field, understanding the historical and cultural significance of items, and often collaborating with other professionals like conservators, educators, and researchers.

In addition to their curatorial duties, many curators are involved in administrative tasks, including budgeting, fundraising, and managing staff. They play a crucial role in shaping the institution's direction and ensuring its financial viability. Curators may also engage in public outreach, giving talks, leading tours, and participating in community events to promote their institution.

The role of a curator requires a unique combination of scholarly expertise, creativity, and administrative skill. It is a profession that offers the opportunity to work closely with unique and often priceless items, contributing significantly to the preservation of cultural heritage and the dissemination of knowledge.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The opportunity to work with and preserve significant cultural and historical artifacts.
Creating educational and inspiring exhibitions for the public.
Contributing to academic research and discourse in their field of specialization.
Collaborative work environment with professionals who share a passion for cultural preservation and education.

You might make a good Curator if you are...

Passionate about art, history, or science and eager to share that knowledge with others.
Detail-oriented, especially in research and handling artifacts.
Creative in designing exhibitions and interpreting collections.
Skilled in communication, both in writing and speaking.
Interested in both the academic and administrative aspects of museum or gallery work.

Pros:

Working in a field aligned with personal interests and passions.
The opportunity to handle and preserve rare and significant items.
Varied daily tasks, from research to exhibition design.

Cons:

Potentially high levels of competition for positions.
The need for extensive and specialized education.
Balancing administrative duties with curatorial responsibilities.

How to become a Curator

Typical education

Most curator positions require at least a master's degree in a related field such as art history, museum studies, or archaeology, which typically involves 6-7 years of post-secondary education. Some roles, especially in larger or specialized institutions, may require a Ph.D.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art History, History, or Science courses relevant to your area of interest.
English and Writing for research and exhibition content development.
Business or Management classes for administrative and operational skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering or interning at local museums or galleries.
Participating in art, history, or science clubs.
Engaging in projects or clubs that involve research, presentation, and organization skills.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in a field related to your curatorial interests.
Gain experience through internships or part-time work in museums or cultural institutions.
Consider a master's or doctoral program in museum studies, art history, archaeology, or a related field.
Build a network through professional organizations and conferences.

More resources

American Alliance of Museums (AAM) - Offers resources and professional development for museum workers.
Association of Art Museum Curators (AAMC) - Provides support and resources for art curators.
Museum Association (MA) - A resource for news, jobs, and professional development in the museum sector.
Smithsonian Institution - Offers internships and fellowship opportunities across a diverse range of museums and research centers.

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