Architectural Conservator

Scientifically analyzes and repairs historic materials like stone, plaster, and paint.

A day in the life

You scrape tiny paint samples from a mansion door and study them under a microscope to find the original 1850 color, then mix a matching mortar for a crumbling wall.

Pay over a career

Starting
$50k
Typical
$75k
High
$115k

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's in architectural conservation (a few US programs) plus science background.

Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.

Majors to look at: Historic Preservation, Chemistry, Art Conservation.

Outlook

Growing about average. No separate BLS projection for this specialty; rating is an estimate based on industry trends.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. Lab instruments and AI help analyze materials; hands-on repair of stone, plaster and paint stays human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Chemistry, Studio art, AP Art History.

Official data: O*NET occupation 25-4012.

More Historic Preservation careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.