Salary Range
Low (10th %)$38,000
Median$61,750
High (90th %)$107,860
AI Prompt Guides for Curators
Unlock expert prompt guides tailored for this Curators. Get strategies to boost your productivity and results with AI.
AI Prompt Tool for Curators
Experiment with and customize AI prompts designed for this occupation. Try, edit, and save prompts for your workflow.
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.
The occupation "Curators" has an automation risk of 44.1%, which is only slightly below the base risk of 45.0%. This moderate risk level arises from a mix of both highly automatable and highly complex, human-centric tasks within the profession. Curators play a pivotal role in planning and organizing the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of collections and related materials. Many of these activities, such as developing exhibition themes, cataloging, managing data entry, and conducting certain types of research, are increasingly managed by advanced software and algorithms. As museums and cultural institutions adopt digital asset management systems, the procedural aspects of organizing exhibits and record-keeping are particularly susceptible to automation, making these among the top tasks likely to be automated. However, despite this technological progress, several responsibilities within the curator's role remain resistant to automation due to their nuanced, judgment-driven, or interpersonal nature. For example, establishing specifications for reproductions and overseeing their manufacture, or carefully selecting commercially available replicas, requires a discerning understanding of art, history, and context—skills not easily replicated by machines. Similarly, tasks like scheduling events, managing detailed logistics, and arranging insurance coverage for unique, valuable items depend on advanced coordination, negotiation, and real-time problem-solving that current AI systems are not equipped to handle effectively. These resistant tasks form a significant barrier to full automation, anchoring the risk level below the base average. Critical to the curation profession are bottleneck skills such as originality, a cognitive ability that currently sees only a small percentage (3.5%–4.1%) of tasks as automatable. Originality is essential not just in exhibit design or artifact selection, but also in crafting unique interpretive experiences for visitors. While automation tools may assist with data-heavy or routine operations, the creative judgment and contextual thinking needed to curate compelling, meaningful collections remain difficult to mechanize. As a result, while technology will continue to reshape the logistical dimensions of curatorial work, the nuanced requirements for originality and human discernment will sustain demand for skilled curators, keeping the risk of automation balanced at a moderate level.
Filter by Automatable Status
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.
Partially Automatable
Develop and maintain an institution's registration, cataloging, and basic record-keeping systems, using computer databases.
Partially Automatable
Plan and conduct special research projects in area of interest or expertise.
Partially Automatable
Provide information from the institution's holdings to other curators and to the public.
Automatable
Negotiate and authorize purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections.
Partially Automatable
Study, examine, and test acquisitions to authenticate their origin, composition, history, and to assess their current value.
Partially Automatable
Inspect premises to assess the need for repairs and to ensure that climate and pest control issues are addressed.
Partially Automatable
Write and review grant proposals, journal articles, institutional reports, and publicity materials.
Partially Automatable
Attend meetings, conventions, and civic events to promote use of institution's services, to seek financing, and to maintain community alliances.
Non-Automatable
Train and supervise curatorial, fiscal, technical, research, and clerical staff, as well as volunteers or interns.
Non-Automatable
Confer with the board of directors to formulate and interpret policies, to determine budget requirements, and to plan overall operations.
Partially Automatable
Arrange insurance coverage for objects on loan or for special exhibits and recommend changes in coverage for the entire collection.
Partially Automatable
Schedule events and organize details, including refreshment, entertainment, decorations, and the collection of any fees.
Partially Automatable
Establish specifications for reproductions and oversee their manufacture or select items from commercially available replica sources.
Partially Automatable
Design, organize, or conduct tours, workshops, and instructional or educational sessions to acquaint individuals with an institution's facilities and materials.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingInstallationEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Financial ResourcesTime ManagementManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems Analysis
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Fine ArtsAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsForeign LanguageEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and Theology
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Microsoft PaintArtsystems CollectionsCuadra Associates STAR/MuseumsEloquent Systems EloquentEx Libris Group DigiToolGallery Systems EmbARKKE Software EMuAdobe PhotoshopFacebookApple macOSFileMaker ProAutodesk AutoCADGraphics softwareLinuxMicrosoft Visual StudioAdobe FreeHand MXMicrosoft OutlookDesktop publishing softwarePastPerfect Software PastPerfectQuestor Systems ARGUSRe:discovery Software ProficioVernon Systems Limited Vernon CMSWilloughby Associates MIMSY XGSASSocial media sitesScheduling softwareMicrosoft WordWeb browser softwareStructure query language SQLPythonPerlWord processing softwareMINISIS MINTRCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteAdobe InDesignMicrosoft PaintAdobe InDesignArtsystems CollectionsCuadra Associates STAR/MuseumsAdobe Creative Cloud softwareApple macOSAutodesk AutoCADAdobe PhotoshopAdobe FreeHand MXEx Libris Group DigiToolGallery Systems EmbARKKE Software EMuMINISIS MINTRSASSocial media sitesScheduling softwareQuestor Systems ARGUSRe:discovery Software ProficioVernon Systems Limited Vernon CMSWilloughby Associates MIMSY XGMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordWeb browser softwareFacebookDatabase softwareMicrosoft AccessGraphics softwareFileMaker ProPythonLinuxMicrosoft Visual StudioPerlDesktop publishing softwareEloquent Systems EloquentMicrosoft ExcelWord processing softwareAdobe Creative Cloud softwareStructure query language SQLDatabase softwareAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatAdobe IllustratorPastPerfect Software PastPerfectGallery Systems The Museum SystemGallery Systems The Museum SystemCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteAdobe IllustratorExtensible markup language XMLExtensible markup language XMLMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Access
Anthropologists and Archeologists
Medium43.46%
Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.
Historians
Medium48.06%
Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.
Social Science Research Assistants
Medium53.73%
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium44.62%
Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium41.55%
Teach courses in anthropology or archeology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium47.00%
Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium41.38%
Teach courses in library science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium43.78%
Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium44.66%
Teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium42.34%
Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Archivists
Medium51.16%
Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Medium34.84%
Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
Medium50.09%
Administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Work in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, museums, and corporations, and with various types of informational materials, such as books, periodicals, recordings, films, and databases. Tasks may include acquiring, cataloging, and circulating library materials, and user services such as locating and organizing information, providing instruction on how to access information, and setting up and operating a library's media equipment.
Library Technicians
Medium62.26%
Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.
Instructional Coordinators
Medium49.06%
Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses. May train and coach teachers. Includes educational consultants and specialists, and instructional material directors.
Art Directors
Medium42.81%
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.
Set and Exhibit Designers
Medium47.21%
Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
Public Relations Specialists
Medium47.68%
Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.
Editors
Medium53.75%
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
Library Assistants, Clerical
Medium59.54%
Compile records, and sort, shelve, issue, and receive library materials such as books, electronic media, pictures, cards, slides and microfilm. Locate library materials for loan and replace material in shelving area, stacks, or files according to identification number and title. Register patrons to permit them to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials.
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Medium47.39%
Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
Tour Guides and Escorts
Medium50.69%
Escort individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and art galleries.