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Creative IndustriesTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Curator

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.

Annual openings

47

Median wage

$73,630

Typical education

At least a Master's degree

Growth 2026–2032

+14%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

At least a Master's degree

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

Extensive experience through internships and fellowships is expected.

Work-based learning

No information available

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. 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.
  2. Develop and maintain an institution's registration, cataloging, and basic record-keeping systems, using computer databases.
  3. Plan and conduct special research projects in area of interest or expertise.
  4. Provide information from the institution's holdings to other curators and to the public.
  5. Negotiate and authorize purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections.
  6. Inspect premises to assess the need for repairs and to ensure that climate and pest control issues are addressed.
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