Conservation Technician

Also called: Conservation Assistant

Supports conservators by preparing materials, documenting objects, and doing basic treatments.

A day in the life

They photograph objects before and after treatment, mix adhesives, build storage boxes, and clean surfaces under supervision. Many are preparing to apply to conservation graduate school.

Pay over a career

Starting
$33k
Typical
$45k
High
$62k

Estimate.

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

Training

Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in art, chemistry, or art history.

Ways in: 4-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.

Majors to look at: Studio Art, Chemistry, Art History.

Outlook

Growing faster than average (about 6% over 10 years). Entry-level.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. Preparing materials, documenting objects and doing basic treatments stays hands-on work.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Chemistry, AP Studio Art, Photography.

Official data: O*NET occupation 25-4013.

More Art Conservation & Restoration 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.