Museum Technicians and Conservators
Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.
Common Job Titles
- Conservator
- Objects Conservator
- Paintings Conservator
- Preparator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeCreate detailed documentation and condition reports for museum collections using digital imaging, database management systems, and written records for institutional archives.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate condition and preservation needs of museum artifacts, textiles, and specimens using microscopic examination and chemical analysis techniques, following conservation standards.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform restoration and conservation treatments on historical objects and artworks using specialized tools such as air abrasive equipment, microscopes, and precision instruments under controlled environmental conditions.Proficient
- Hands-onDemonstrate mastery handling and moving fragile museum collection objects following established protocols for storage, research, and exhibit preparation.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess environmental conditions and risks to collection materials monitoring temperature, humidity, and light exposure using specialized measurement equipment.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate ethical conservation principles with practical exhibit and research demands when collaborating with curators, researchers, and museum stakeholders.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate preservation best practices and collection care standards when consulting with museum staff, external institutions, and the public.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze material composition and deterioration patterns of cultural heritage items applying knowledge of chemistry, fine arts, and history to inform conservation strategies.Developing
- Hands-onExecute exhibit installation and object arrangement designing displays that balance aesthetic presentation with preservation requirements and public safety.Developing
- KnowledgeApply scientific analysis techniques to identify and authenticate objects using infrared cameras, x-ray equipment, and ultraviolet examination lights in laboratory settings.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Museum Technicians and Conservators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
13,070
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $30,720. 25th percentile: U.S. $37,460. 50th percentile: U.S. $47,460. 75th percentile: U.S. $62,990. 90th percentile: U.S. $82,790. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $30,720 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $82,790 |
| Workers on average earn | $53,630 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Fine Arts3.5/5
- English Language3.4/5
- Public Safety and Security3.3/5
- History and Archeology3.2/5
- Administration and Management3.1/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Gallery Systems EmbARK
- Microsoft Visual FoxPro
- PastPerfect Software PastPerfect
- Questor Systems ARGUS
- Questor Systems QScan32
- Word processing software
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Air abrasive tools
- Binocular light compound microscopes
- Brazing equipment
- Carpenters' chisels
- Claw hammers
- Cold chisels
- Cordless drills