What Does it Take to Be a Curator?
Job Description: 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.
A Day in the Life of a Curator
- Provide information from the institution’s holdings to other curators and to the public.
- Inspect premises to assess the need for repairs and to ensure that climate and pest control issues are addressed.
- Develop and maintain an institution’s registration, cataloging, and basic record-keeping systems, using computer databases.
- Negotiate and authorize purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections.
- 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.
- Study, examine, and test acquisitions to authenticate their origin, composition, history, and to assess their current value.
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Qualities of a Curator
Curators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Old Coin Dealer
- Numismatist
- Museum Curator
- Coin Collector
- Art Gallery Director
Job Opportunities for Curators
There were about 12,400 jobs for Curator in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 13.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,700 new jobs for Curator by 2026. There will be an estimated 1,500 positions for Curator per year.
The states with the most job growth for Curator are Colorado, Washington, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Mississippi, Maine, or Idaho. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Curators Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Curator ranges between $29,010 and $94,330.
Curators who work in District of Columbia, Connecticut, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Curators make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $54,900 |
| Alaska | $66,070 |
| Arizona | $57,280 |
| Arkansas | $50,920 |
| California | $67,650 |
| Colorado | $62,090 |
| Connecticut | $67,430 |
| Delaware | $58,740 |
| District of Columbia | $86,080 |
| Florida | $46,570 |
| Georgia | $46,380 |
| Hawaii | $58,550 |
| Idaho | $34,580 |
| Illinois | $56,420 |
| Indiana | $45,560 |
| Iowa | $45,900 |
| Kansas | $50,630 |
| Kentucky | $51,230 |
| Louisiana | $42,190 |
| Maine | $52,270 |
| Maryland | $62,370 |
| Massachusetts | $68,240 |
| Michigan | $50,530 |
| Minnesota | $55,740 |
| Mississippi | $44,240 |
| Missouri | $62,240 |
| Montana | $42,700 |
| Nebraska | $46,740 |
| Nevada | $56,580 |
| New Hampshire | $49,630 |
| New Jersey | $75,750 |
| New Mexico | $52,880 |
| New York | $73,850 |
| North Carolina | $47,200 |
| North Dakota | $49,160 |
| Ohio | $57,220 |
| Oklahoma | $46,840 |
| Oregon | $49,850 |
| Pennsylvania | $53,840 |
| Rhode Island | $63,030 |
| South Carolina | $49,380 |
| South Dakota | $50,100 |
| Tennessee | $49,920 |
| Texas | $57,150 |
| Utah | $48,320 |
| Vermont | $58,840 |
| Virginia | $63,140 |
| Washington | $65,790 |
| Wisconsin | $50,610 |
| Wyoming | $44,750 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Curators
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Curators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- FileMaker Pro
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Scheduling software
- Graphics software
- Corel WordPerfect
- Microsoft Visual Studio
- Desktop publishing software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Freehand
- Microsoft Paint
- PastPerfect Software PastPerfect
- Questor Systems ARGUS
How to Become a Curator
Individuals working as a Curator have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Curator?
Curators Sector
Below are examples of industries where Curators work:
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References:
Image Credit: Jorge Royan via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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