51101 - Conservators and Curators
Broad Occupation Category
5 - Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport.
TEER
1 - Occupations usually require a university degree.
Major Group
51 - Professional occupations in art and culture.
Sub-major Group
511 - Professional occupations in art and culture.
Minor Group
5110 - Librarians, archivists, conservators and curators.
Main Job Duties
Conservators and Curators preserve, manage, and interpret cultural and historical collections:
- Examine artifacts and assess their condition for preservation or restoration
- Recommend and implement preventive conservation techniques
- Restore and conserve paintings, sculptures, books, photographs, and historical objects
- Advise on storage, handling, and display of artifacts
- Conduct research on conservation materials and techniques
- Provide consultation to museums, galleries, and private collectors
- Develop exhibition themes and organize displays
- Recommend acquisition of artworks and historical artifacts
- Coordinate storage, transportation, and exhibition setup
- Oversee conservation and circulation of collections
- Supervise conservation technicians, curatorial assistants, and museum staff
- Conduct research and publish findings related to collections
Employment Requirements
These are the typical employment requirements and qualifications for this occupation in Canada:
- For conservators, a master’s degree in art conservation or a related field is usually required.
- Alternatively, completion of a two-year college program in conservation technology may be accepted.
- Several years of experience in conservation or restoration work are required.
- Accreditation by the Canadian Association of Professional Conservators may be required.
- For curators, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in museology, art history, or a related field is required.
- Specialization related to the collection focus (e.g., fine arts, natural history) may be required.
- Strong research, analytical, and documentation skills are essential.
- Experience in exhibition planning and collection management is important.
- Foreign-trained professionals may require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Eligibility for immigration pathways depends on education, experience, and language proficiency.
Conservator and Curator Salary Prospects
Community/Area
Low ($/hour)
Median ($/hour)
High ($/hour)
Community/AreaCanada
Low ($/hour)14.50
Median ($/hour)21.75
High ($/hour)38.54
Community/AreaBritish Columbia
Low ($/hour)16.75
Median ($/hour)24.17
High ($/hour)40.15
Community/AreaOntario
Low ($/hour)16.55
Median ($/hour)22.24
High ($/hour)40.06
Community/AreaQuebec
Low ($/hour)15.25
Median ($/hour)24.00
High ($/hour)38.36
Build Your Career in Canada’s Cultural Heritage Sector with GTR Immigration
Planning to immigrate under NOC 51101? GTR Immigration provides expert guidance on Express Entry, provincial nomination programs, credential assessments, and career planning to help you succeed as a Conservator or Curator in Canada.
