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Career Profile

Curators

What they 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.

Also Called:

Collections Curator, Collections Manager, Curator, Education Curator, Exhibitions Curator, Exhibits Curator, Museum Curator, Photography Curator, Vertebrate Zoology Curator, Collections Curator, Collections Manager, Curator, Education Curator, Exhibitions Curator, Exhibits Curator, Museum Curator, Photography Curator, Vertebrate Zoology Curator

OK Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$39,040
Starting Salary (2025)
$60,560
Median Salary (2025)
7.0%
Projected Job Growth
150
OK Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

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.
Provide information from the institution's holdings to other curators and to the public.
Design, organize, or conduct tours, workshops, and instructional or educational sessions to acquaint individuals with an institution's facilities and materials.
Train and supervise curatorial, fiscal, technical, research, and clerical staff, as well as volunteers or interns.
Attend meetings, conventions, and civic events to promote use of institution's services, to seek financing, and to maintain community alliances.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Enterprising
Business based Work
Social
Working with people

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Initiative
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Cooperation
Leadership

What key skills are needed for this job?

Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving

Expected Knowledge

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

History and Archeology

Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Fine Arts

Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Common Activities

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job 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.

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.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Master's degree 44%
  • Doctoral degree 35%
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate 8%
  • Bachelor's degree 6%
  • Some college 3%
  • Other 4%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Archivists
Historians
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.