How to become a curator

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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require graduate school. for example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a ph.d., m.d., or j.d. (law degree)..Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What curators do

• 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.
• Inspect premises to assess the need for repairs and to ensure that climate and pest control issues are addressed.

Skills that matter most

• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Writing
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Learning Strategies

Is curator a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 24% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• District of Columbia $93,310
• New Hampshire $82,490
• New York $79,120
• California $78,740
• Rhode Island $77,930

Curators salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.