Annual Salary
variable
Average UK salary in 2022 was £33,200
(source Office for National Statistics)
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Conservators look after and restore objects, artworks or buildings of historical importance.
Average UK salary in 2022 was £33,200
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: as a contractor / self-employed; managing your own hours
There will be
2.4% more Conservator jobs in 2027.
You may:
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
You could work in a museum, in a workshop, in a creative studio, in a laboratory or visit sites.
You can get into this job through:
The subject you study will depend on the type of conservation you want to work in.
Examples of conservation specialisms include:
There are also specialist degrees, diplomas and postgraduate qualifications in conservation.
You can find out more about courses available through The Institute of Conservation (ICON).
You'll usually need:
You can start out by doing a cultural heritage conservation technician higher apprenticeship, then take further training to qualify.
You could also apply for a cultural heritage conservator degree apprenticeship if you have the right experience and qualifications.
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
You may be able to move into certain kinds of conservation work if you've got relevant qualifications and experience. For example, building conservation may be suitable if you're a qualified stonemason, plasterer or roofer.
If you want to specialise in conservation of crafts, like stained glass, decorative stonework or metalwork, you're more likely to build up your skills and experience in work.
You could apply for the Institute of Conservation's internship programme. It can be a useful way to get practical experience after studying.
You'll also have an advantage when looking for courses and jobs if you have work experience with a museum collection or at an historic site.
You can find out more about careers in conservation from The Institute of Conservation.
You can also get information about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.
You could move into project management, although this may mean stepping away from 'hands on' practical conservation work.
You could go into teaching or academic research or work as a freelance consultant.
You'll need: