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Job outlook for curatorial assistants in the United States
Are curatorial assistant jobs in demand?
Curatorial assistant job and salary trends over time
Curatorial assistant jobs over time
Curatorial assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 746 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 756 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 833 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 885 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 922 | 0.00% |
Average curatorial assistant salary over time
Curatorial assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,577 | $23.35 | +3.1% |
| 2024 | $47,127 | $22.66 | +2.9% |
| 2023 | $45,802 | $22.02 | +2.9% |
| 2022 | $44,501 | $21.39 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $43,538 | $20.93 | +2.7% |
Curatorial assistant jobs by state
Most common states for curatorial assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 117 | 17% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 82 | 11% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 600 | 9% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 88 | 8% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 555 | 7% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 379 | 7% |
| 7 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 205 | 7% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 40 | 7% |
| 9 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,108 | 6% |
| 10 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 358 | 6% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 326 | 6% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 184 | 6% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 117 | 6% |
| 14 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 96 | 6% |
| 15 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 348 | 5% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 187 | 5% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 168 | 5% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 53 | 5% |
| 19 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 38 | 5% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 33 | 5% |
Most common cities for curatorial assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cambridge | 3 | 3% | $59,177 |
| 2 | New York | 2 | 0% | $56,689 |
| 3 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $54,769 |
Curatorial Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of curatorial assistant experts
College of Charleston
Marshall University
The University of Iowa
What experience really stands out on Curatorial Assistant resumes?
Jacob Craig Ph.D.: I believe strongly in dexterity and a language of expertise. That means that if a student can show they can adapt to new demands by learning a new way of working, learning about a new audience, learning how to address a new purpose, learning a new genre or style, and learning a new technology, that employee attractive. Especially at the entry-level, the ability to learn and adapt is valuable. Being able to talk about their experience using a persuasive vocabulary is often useful. For instance, if students can describe their approach to communication without using cliches (short and sweet, clear) and something along the lines of purpose, audience, situation, genre, medium--that's persuasive.
What experience really stands out on Curatorial Assistant resumes?
Kacy Lovelace: While it might seem like an obvious answer, make sure that you have experience working in a library (or information center)! Student experience, such as graduate assistantships, internships, and practicums, are invaluable because they let you experience the day-to-day operations of a library department and, to an extent, the library as a whole.
This experience shows prospective employees that you are familiar with library operations and probably enjoy working in a library. If you don't have library experience, start looking for it now! Check with your advisor, campus libraries, or local public libraries for volunteer or entry-level positions to gain you the necessary hands-on library experience.
Additionally, connect the experience that you do have to library and information science. Do you have experience with academic writing or editing experience? Show how these experiences are beneficial to positions that you apply for in library science.
What Curatorial Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kacy Lovelace: Consider skills that directly apply to the job that you want in the future. Get creative with this! Improve your communication skills, cross-cultural understanding by working abroad. The hospitality industry offers many opportunities for improving these valuable skills while also teaching listening skills, time management skills, and collaboration skills. If working abroad is not an option, take a language immersion course (online or in-person) and increase your ability to communicate with patrons and colleagues and your attractiveness to potential employers.
Lindsay Mattock
Associate Director, Associate ProfessorThe University of Iowa
School of Library and Information Science
What experience really stands out on Curatorial Assistant resumes?
Lindsay Mattock: For students in Library Science, building a set of practical experiences to complement course work is critical. I always encourage students to consider listing service-learning experiences from their coursework alongside internships, practicum, volunteer positions, and professional posts. Staying active in professional organizations is another way to gain valuable experience and network with professionals in the field.