Occupation Summary

Museum Technicians and Conservators

O*NET 25-4013.00

Description:

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.

Annual Wages:
$39,120.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 23.67%.
Education Level:
Master's Degree. According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
Business and Industry

  1. Install, arrange, assemble, and prepare artifacts for exhibition, ensuring the artifacts' safety, reporting their status and condition, and identifying and correcting any problems with the set up.
  2. Coordinate exhibit installations, assisting with design, constructing displays, dioramas, display cases, and models, and ensuring the availability of necessary materials.
  3. Determine whether objects need repair and choose the safest and most effective method of repair.
  4. Clean objects, such as paper, textiles, wood, metal, glass, rock, pottery, and furniture, using cleansers, solvents, soap solutions, and polishes.
  5. Prepare artifacts for storage and shipping.
  6. Supervise and work with volunteers.
  7. Specialize in particular materials or types of object, such as documents and books, paintings, decorative arts, textiles, metals, or architectural materials.
  8. Recommend preservation procedures, such as control of temperature and humidity, to curatorial and building staff.
  9. Classify and assign registration numbers to artifacts and supervise inventory control.
  10. Perform on-site field work which may involve interviewing people, inspecting and identifying artifacts, note-taking, viewing sites and collections, and repainting exhibition spaces.
  11. Repair, restore, and reassemble artifacts, designing and fabricating missing or broken parts, to restore them to their original appearance and prevent deterioration.
  12. Prepare reports on the operation of conservation laboratories, documenting the condition of artifacts, treatment options, and the methods of preservation and repair used.
  13. Study object documentation or conduct standard chemical and physical tests to ascertain the object's age, composition, original appearance, need for treatment or restoration, and appropriate preservation method.
  14. Perform tests and examinations to establish storage and conservation requirements, policies, and procedures.
  15. Plan and conduct research to develop and improve methods of restoring and preserving specimens.
  16. Notify superior when restoration of artifacts requires outside experts.
  17. Estimate cost of restoration work.
  18. Preserve or direct preservation of objects, using plaster, resin, sealants, hardeners, and shellac.
  19. Build, repair, and install wooden steps, scaffolds, and walkways to gain access to or permit improved view of exhibited equipment.
  20. Direct and supervise curatorial, technical, and student staff in the handling, mounting, care, and storage of art objects.
  21. Photograph objects for documentation.
  22. Lead tours and teach educational courses to students and the general public.
  23. Deliver artwork on courier trips.
  24. Enter information about museum collections into computer databases.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Museum Technicians and Conservators employed Annual Growth Rate
Colleges, universities, and professional schools 10.9 0.00
Independent artists, writers, and performers 4.5 1.55


Labor Market Information


2024 Statewide average hourly wage $18.81
2024 National average hourly wage $25.78
2022 National employment 14,400
2022 Texas employment 811
Texas projected employment by 2032 1,003
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2032 126




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Fine Arts
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
69.60%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
68.20%
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
66.00%
History and Archeology
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
64.20%
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
62.00%
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
61.60%
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
56.60%
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
54.80%
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
53.80%
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
52.00%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
77.60%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
72.40%
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
72.40%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
65.00%
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
65.00%
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
62.40%
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
62.40%
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
62.40%
Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
60.00%
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
60.00%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
75.00%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
75.00%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
72.40%
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
72.40%
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
70.00%
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
70.00%
Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
70.00%
Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
70.00%
Originality
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
67.60%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
65.00%


  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
    -- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Handling and Moving Objects
    -- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
    -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Other Activities


  • Achievement
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
  • Relationships
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

No certifications found.


Tools

Adjustable widemouth pliers: Adjustable widemouth pliers;

Binocular light compound microscopes: Binocular light compound microscopes;

Claw hammer: Claw hammers;

Cold chisels: Cold chisels;

Compressed air gun: Air abrasive tools;

Dental probes or explorers: Dental explorers;

Desktop computers: Desktop computers;

Digital cameras: Digital cameras;

Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus: Oxyacetylene welding equipment;

Handheld thermometer: Handheld digital thermometers;

Hygrometers: Hygrometers;

Infrared imagers: Infrared cameras;

Laboratory scalpels: Laboratory scalpels;

Mallets: Mallets;

Micrometers: Digital micrometers;

Notebook computers: Laptop computers;

Paint brushes: Dusting brushes;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

Photocopiers: Photocopying equipment;

Power drills: Cordless drills;

Power saws: Power saws;

Scanners: Digitizers;

Soldering iron: Soldering irons;

Stereo or dissecting light microscopes: Stereo microscopes;

Stripping tools: Wire strippers;

Temperature transmitters: Temperature sensors;

Ultraviolet UV lamps: Ultraviolet UV examination lights;

Vacuum cleaner supplies or accessories: Vacuum cleaner micro-tools;

Vacuum cleaners: Vacuum cleaners;

Welder torch: Brazing equipment;

Wire cutters: Wire cutters;

Wood chisels: Carpenters' chisels;

X ray radiography examination equipment: X ray examination equipment;


Technology

Computer aided design CAD software: Autodesk AutoCAD;

Data base user interface and query software: Gallery Systems EmbARK; PastPerfect Software PastPerfect; Questor Systems ARGUS; Questor Systems QScan32;

Desktop publishing software: Adobe InDesign;

Document management software: Adobe Acrobat;

Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook;

Graphics or photo imaging software: Adobe Creative Cloud software; Adobe Illustrator; Adobe Photoshop;

Object oriented data base management software: Microsoft Visual FoxPro;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Web platform development software: Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP;

Word processing software: Microsoft Word; Word processing software;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Museum Technicians and Conservators include:
  • 25-4011.00 Archivists
  • 25-1194.00 Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
  • 19-4031.00 Chemical Technicians
  • 27-1012.00 Craft Artists
  • 25-4012.00 Curators
  • 27-1013.00 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
  • 19-4071.00 Forest and Conservation Technicians
  • 19-3093.00 Historians
  • 25-4022.00 Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
  • 27-1027.00 Set and Exhibit Designers


Sources of Additional Information
  • For information about archivists and about schools offering courses in archival studies, visit: Society of American Archivists
  • For more information about archivists and archivist certification, visit: Academy of Certified Archivists
  • For information about government archivists, visit: Council of State Archivists
  • U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
  • For information about museum technicians, registrars, or collections specialists, visit: Association of Registrars and Collections Specialists
  • For more information about museum careers, including schools offering museum studies and related programs, visit: American Alliance of Museums
  • For more information about careers and education programs in conservation and preservation for conservators, visit: American Institute for Conservation
  • For information about job openings as curators, museum technicians, and conservators with the federal government, visit: USAJobs
  • CareerOneStop

  • For a career video on archivists, visit: Archivists
  • Archivists
  • Curators
  • Museum Technicians and Conservators

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.