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Also known as: Archaeological Technician, Armorer Technician, Art Conservator, Art Handler
You arrive at the regional history museum before the public, swiping your ID. The air in the conservation lab is cool and dry, carefully climate-controlled. First, you check your email for updates on upcoming exhibits and new acquisitions, responding to a query about environmental monitoring data for a new textile storage area. Then, you meticulously lay out your tools – a surgical scalpel, micro-spatulas, and a stereo microscope – ready for the day's work on a delicate 19th-century sampler. Precision is paramount even before you begin.
Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.
+3.6%
US average: +3.5%
1,600
per year (US)
14,000
in 2025 → 14,500 (2035)
Bachelor's degree
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
The job outlook for Museum Technicians and Conservators is stable, with around 1,600 job openings expected each year through 2035. The median annual wage is about $51,440. You can advance in this field by gaining experience, potentially moving from a Collections Assistant role to a Collections Manager or a Chief Conservator, or even to a Museum Director.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$51,440
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Museology/Museum Studies
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