Museum Technicians and Conservators Salary 2025: $51,440 Median, 5.4% Growth

How much Museum Technicians and Conservators earn

The median wage for museum technicians and conservators is $51,440 a year. Half of all workers earn between $33,780 and $87,530. The lowest-paid 10% make under $33,780; the highest-paid 10% earn over $87,530. These figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Pay varies by employer type. Federal government roles tend to pay above the median, while smaller museums may offer less. Experience and specialization — such as conservation of paintings, textiles, or artifacts — also boost earnings.

• National median: $51,440
• Mean annual wage: $57,410 ($27.60/hr)
• 10th percentile: $33,780
• 90th percentile: $87,530

Pay by state

Where you work matters a lot for pay. Maryland leads at $76,900, followed by the District of Columbia ($76,110) and New York ($74,550). Connecticut ($62,030) and California ($61,550) round out the top five. Lower-paying states include Delaware ($38,080), Utah ($35,430), and Louisiana ($32,350). The BLS data reflects mean annual wages for each state.

• Highest: Maryland ($76,900)
• District of Columbia ($76,110)
• New York ($74,550)
• Connecticut ($62,030)
• California ($61,550)
• Lowest: Delaware ($38,080)
• Utah ($35,430)
• Louisiana ($32,350)

How to become Museum Technicians and Conservator

Most museum technician and conservator jobs require a bachelor's degree. Common majors are art history, archaeology, chemistry, or museum studies. For conservation roles, many employers prefer a master's degree in conservation from a recognized program, plus hands-on experience through internships or fellowships.

Some positions — especially in smaller museums — may accept an associate degree or certificate combined with relevant work history. Certifications are not mandatory but can help: the American Institute for Conservation offers a Professional Associate or Fellow status. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and knowledge of materials science are key skills.

• Earn a bachelor's degree (art history, chemistry, museum studies, etc.)
• For conservation: get a master's in conservation or related field
• Complete internships at museums, galleries, or historical sites
• Consider certification through AIC (Professional Associate or Fellow)
• Develop skills in handling artifacts, documentation, and lab techniques

Job outlook

Employment of museum technicians and conservators is projected to grow 5.4% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That adds about 1,900 openings each year, mostly due to retirements and replacement needs. Public interest in cultural heritage and increasing museum attendance fuel demand.

Competition for jobs can be stiff, especially at high-profile museums. Specializing in a in-demand area, like digital preservation or modern art conservation, may improve prospects. Geographic mobility helps, too — pay and opportunity vary widely by state.

• Projected growth 2024–2034: 5.4% (faster than average)
• About 1,900 job openings per year
• Drivers: museum attendance, preservation demand, retirements

Frequently asked questions