Curators

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Curators does

Curators select, preserve, and interpret collections of art, artifacts, or natural specimens for display in museums and galleries. They research items, design exhibitions, and educate the public about their significance and cultural value.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a master's degree. About 6 years (bachelor's + ~2-year master's).

Estimated cost of that path: ~$70,000. Estimated payback: ~6 years. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

• Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education — $63,970/yr
• Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education — $72,040/yr
• Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education — $64,370/yr
• Substitute Teachers, Short-Term — $41,670/yr
• Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education — $38,140/yr