Also called: Photographic Materials Conservator
Preserves and repairs historic photographs, negatives, and early photo processes like daguerreotypes.
A photograph conservator cleans a fragile 1850s daguerreotype under a microscope, stabilizes flaking emulsion on an old print, and builds a custom case to protect it. They also advise museums on how much light each photo can safely handle.
Approximate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's in art conservation.
Ways in: Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Art Conservation, Chemistry.
Growing about average. Small field.
Low risk for 10 years. Digital restoration fixes copies, not originals; treating one-of-a-kind daguerreotypes and negatives stays careful handwork.
Classes: AP Chemistry, Photography, History.
Official data: O*NET occupation 25-4013.
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.