Employers
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 12,670 museum technicians and conservators are employed in the United States. Institutions and private companies that display collections hire museum technicians. Historical societies, state and federal agencies, and libraries also employ museum technicians because of their specialized skills in working with valuable and fragile art and artifacts. Museum technicians may also find work with private exhibition companies that design, display, and distribute both temporary and permanent exhibits to museums throughout the world.
Starting Out
When possible, a student should seek a volunteer position in a museum to learn more about the internal workings of the institution while also becoming known within the museum system. The job market is competitive, and a proven history of experience is invaluable. Students can occasionally find volunteer positions assisting technicians, which may eventually lead to regular employment.
Many technical colleges offer two-year programs that can contribute to the range of knowledge needed by museum technicians, and four-year colleges or universities offer degrees in programs such as graphic arts, drafting, engineering, and design. While participating in degree programs, students may be better situated to find apprenticeship positions within a museum and to gain firsthand knowledge of the field.
The American Alliance of Museums' Emerging Museum Professionals group (https://www.aam-us.org/programs/manage-your-career/emerging-professionals) offers career advice, networking opportunities, and other resources for new museum professionals.
- Active and Contemplative Religious Sisters and Brothers
- Anthropologists
- Archaeologists
- Archivists
- Artists
- Book Conservators
- Conservators and Conservation Technicians
- Directors of Corporate Sponsorship
- Directors of Fund-Raising
- Directors of Volunteers
- Education Directors and Museum Teachers
- Environmental Education Program Directors
- Environmental Lobbyists
- Ethnoscientists
- Exhibit Designers
- Fund-Raisers
- Gallery Owners and Directors
- Grant Coordinators and Writers
- Historians
- Historic Preservationists
- Land Acquisition Professionals
- Land Trust or Preserve Managers
- Librarians
- Lobbyists
- Museum Attendants
- Museum Directors and Curators
- National Park Service Employees
- Nonprofit Social Service Directors
- Park Rangers
- Proposal Managers
- Public Interest Lawyers
- Public Opinion Researchers
- Public Relations Specialists
- Rabbis
- Roman Catholic Priests
- Social Workers
- Taxidermists
- Tour Guides
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors
- Zookeepers
- Zoologists