Curators select, organize, and care for collections in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. You research objects, document their history, and create exhibits that tell meaningful stories. It requires a master's degree and deep knowledge of art, history, and culture.
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Curators identify and acquire objects for collections, then research and document each piece's history and significance. You organize these items into exhibits that educate and engage the public. The work involves creative thinking to design displays, careful planning to manage projects, and strong communication to work with artists, donors, and colleagues. You also write labels, catalog entries, and exhibition materials. Much of the role centers on preserving cultural heritage and making it accessible to others.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Curators earn a median of $63,420 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 1,800 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Plan to earn a master's degree in a field like art history, museum studies, or a related discipline. Your coursework will cover fine arts, history, and cultural studies. During your education, seek internships at museums, galleries, or cultural institutions to build hands-on experience. You will also develop skills in research, writing, and project management. This preparation typically takes several years beyond your bachelor's degree and positions you for entry-level curatorial roles.
Paths to curating vary by institution and specialty, so exploring whether you want to focus on art, history, science, or another field matters early on. Use Pathly can map the curator path that fits you to map out your education and internship steps, and keep your school counselor or academic advisor in the loop as you build your experience.
You do not need a license to work as a curator, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are organized, detail-oriented, and drawn to systems and structure. You enjoy research, writing, and working through information carefully. You value cultural knowledge and take pride in preserving and sharing it.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).