Art Gallery Curator

An art gallery curator's work would include: researching, identifying and cataloguing paintings and other items; making sure paintings and other items are stored in the right conditions; organising displays; and answering visitors’ questions.

Other activities include: giving talks to local groups or school parties; finding ways of attracting visitors to the gallery; and negotiating funding and the loan of paintings and other items. They can also be responsible for staffing issues, insurance, security and publicity.

Curators can earn between £20,000 and £26,000 or more a year.

Senior curators can earn between £27,000 and around £37,000.

Pay scales for curators vary depending on whether they work for a large national gallery or a small local one.

Private galleries often pay a basic salary with commission on sales. Salaries in London are usually higher than elsewhere.

You would usually need a degree in a relevant subject such as art or art history. To look for colleges and universities running degrees use the course search on this site and check with colleges and universities for their entry requirements.

You are also likely to need a postgraduate qualification, which usually takes one year to complete.  

Before you begin looking for a job it is advisable to get some volunteering experience in a gallery or heritage property.

See the Museums Association website for advice on finding volunteering opportunities.