Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Museum Technician
What museum technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a museum technician?
Check climate readings. From there, the day usually includes handle objects, install exhibits, and build mounts. Full time, with busy exhibit changeovers.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a museum technician working full time.
- Check climate readings.
- Pack a painting for loan.
- Build a mount.
- Install an exhibit case.
- Write condition reports.
- Check pest traps.
- Update the database.
Where museum technicians work
Technicians work in museum galleries, storage and labs.
Hours and schedule
Full time, with busy exhibit changeovers.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Handle objects
- Install exhibits
- Build mounts
- Pack and ship loans
- Monitor climate
- Keep records
- Clean and stabilize objects
Tools you’ll use every day
- Collections databases
- Data loggers
- Hand tools
- Lifts
- Archival materials
- Cameras
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Hands-on with collections
- Varied tasks
- Museum environment
- Steady demand
What’s hard
- Modest pay
- Heavy lifting
- Competitive jobs
- Deadline crunches
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love museums
- I’m careful with objects
- I like hands-on work
- I’m detail-oriented
- I like teamwork
- I can lift
Not sure? Take the free Museum Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Lift heavy objects with help
- Use lifts safely
- Handle chemicals in conservation safely
- Follow security