How much does a Archivists and curators earn in the UK?

A Archivists and curators earns a median salary of £33,096 per year in the UK (2025 ONS ASHE data). The middle 50% earn between £23,906 and varies per year.

What is the average salary for a Archivists and curators?

The median annual salary for a Archivists and curators in the UK is £33,096 according to the Office for National Statistics Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ONS ASHE 2025).

SOC 2472 Business, media and public service professionals

Archivists and curators Salary

Median salary £33,096 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

About this role

Archivists and curators preserve, manage and provide access to historical documents, artefacts and cultural materials. Archivists focus on records and documents, while curators manage museum and gallery collections, developing exhibitions and interpretation.

Key responsibilities

Cataloguing, preserving and managing collections
Developing exhibitions and public interpretation
Providing access for researchers and the public
Managing storage and conservation conditions
Acquiring new items and developing collection strategies

Qualifications and entry routes

Archivists require a postgraduate qualification accredited by ARA (Archives and Records Association). Curators need a relevant subject degree plus museum studies MA. AMA (Associate of Museums Association) is the curatorial standard.