Curators

SOC code 25-4012 · O*NET-SOC 25-4012.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Education and library

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Curators pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$63,420

a year

Hourly

$30.49

per hour

10th$40,470Median$63,42090th$107,140

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$71,560

$34.40 per hour

Middle 50%

$48,870 – $83,080

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$40,470 – $107,140

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

12,150

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $40,470; $19.46/hr
25th percentile: $48,870; $23.49/hr
Median percentile: $63,420; $30.49/hr
75th percentile: $83,080; $39.94/hr
90th percentile: $107,140; $51.51/hr

What does a curator do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.
Study, examine, and test acquisitions to authenticate their origin, composition, history, and to assess their current value.
Inspect premises to assess the need for repairs and to ensure that climate and pest control issues are addressed.
Write and review grant proposals, journal articles, institutional reports, and publicity materials.

How to become a curator

Most people in this role hold master's degree — 44% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: 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).
Experience: 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.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Master's Degree44%
Doctoral Degree35%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate8%
Bachelor's Degree6%

Common questions

How much does a curator earn?

The national median is $63,420 a year. The full range runs from $40,470 at the 10th percentile to $107,140 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a curator without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is 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). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Active Listening3.9/5
Writing3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5
Active Learning3.5/5
Monitoring3.4/5

Knowledge areas

English Language4.6/5
History and Archeology4.5/5
Fine Arts3.8/5
Administration and Management3.3/5
Sociology and Anthropology3.3/5
Communications and Media3.2/5
Administrative3.1/5
Education and Training3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis.