Archival jobs will also become available as institutions put more emphasis on establishing archives and organizing records and information. Museums and botanical and zoological gardens, where curators are concentrated, are expected to grow in response to increased public interest in science, art, history, technology, and culture. Despite the anticipated increase in the employment of curators, competition for jobs is expected to be keen. A job as a curator is attractive to many people, and many have the necessary subject knowledge, yet there are only a few openings. Consequently, candidates may have to work part time, or as an intern, or even as a volunteer assistant curator or research associate after completing their formal education, and substantial work experience in collection management, exhibit design, or restoration will be necessary for permanent status.
Archivists can improve their job opportunities by taking course in library or information science.
Some employment opportunities will arise in related fields such as librarian, records manager, collection manager, and public historian, and information scientist. Job prospects will be better in small museums and archives, particularly those in cities or less desirable geographic locations. Earnings Earnings of archivists and curators vary considerably by type and size of employer. Average salaries in the Federal Government, for example, are much higher than those in religious organizations. Salaries of curators in large, well-funded museums may be several times higher than those in small ones.