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Museum/gallery curator: Salary and conditions

• Range of typical starting salaries: £16,000 - £19,250 (salary data collected Jan 2010).
• Range of typical salaries at senior level (after 10-15 years in the role): £26,000 – 31,000 although can exceed £60,000 depending on position, level of responsibility and the size of the organisation (salary data collected Jan 2010).
• Benefit packages are sometimes used to attract new talent, and include: flexible working, career break sabbaticals, professional membership, discounts, etc.
• Working hours are mainly Monday to Friday, but extra hours are often necessary in the run up to an exhibition, providing cover for evening meetings or other ‘work related ‘ social events for which time off in lieu is usually claimed.
• Self-employment and contract work are common, not least in the field of archaeology where consultancy work can be a route to international opportunities, depending on the reputation of the individual.
• Part-time work may be possible.
• The gender balance is reasonably equal. 
• Jobs are quite widely available, mainly in large towns and cities, although specialist museums exist in smaller towns and in rural areas.
• Employment opportunities are growing in independent organisations and related sectors, such as tourism and arts administration.
• There is usually an informal and business-like atmosphere.
• Demands such as meeting deadlines and complying with budgetary constraints may prove stressful.
• Travel within a working day may occasionally be required. Absence from home overnight is uncommon.
• Overseas work or travel is uncommon except for those whose expertise is recognised internationally, or for curators and conservators working for the larger galleries or museums, who will sometimes be asked to attend conferences and/or act as couriers accompanying pieces travelling on loan to other institutions.

AGCAS

Written by Catherine Klimes, University of Northampton

Last updated:

November 2009

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