Career roadmap
How to Become a Museum Technician
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a museum technician, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a museum technician: (1) earn a bachelor’s, (2) intern at museums, (3) get hired, (4) learn specialties, (5) advance. Most people need about Bachelor’s plus internships. BLS lists “bachelor's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a museum technician
Earn a bachelor’s
Art or history.
Intern at museums
Experience.
Get hired
Technician.
Learn specialties
Mounts or conservation.
Advance
Collections manager.
Education and training requirements
A bachelor’s degree in art, history or museum studies is typical; conservators need a master’s.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Typical training time | Bachelor’s plus internships |
Certifications and licenses
- Museum studies certificate: Helpful.
- Conservation master’s: For conservators.
- Lift certification: Helpful.
- Art handling training: Helpful.
Skills to build now
Start with object handling, packing and crating, and mount making, and practice care and attention to detail. Learning the museum technician vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Technician: Entry.
- Senior Technician: Lead installs.
- Collections Manager: Manage collections.
- Registrar or Conservator: Specialize.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Museum Technician training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
Do technicians need a degree?
Usually a bachelor’s.
How long does it take to become a museum technician?
Most people need about Bachelor’s plus internships of training. A bachelor’s degree in art, history or museum studies is typical; conservators need a master’s.
Do you need a degree to be a museum technician?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
What certifications are available for museum technicians?
Common credentials include Museum studies certificate, Conservation master’s, Lift certification, and Art handling training. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-4013 (Museum technicians and conservators).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Museum technicians and conservators (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.