Art handler

About this occupation

Art handlers are trained individuals who work directly with objects in museums and art galleries. They work in coordination with exhibition registrars, collection managers, conservator-restorers and curators, among others, to ensure that objects are safely handled and cared for. Often they are responsible for packing and unpacking art, installing and deinstalling art in exhibitions, and moving art around the museum and storage spaces.

• Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
• Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.
• Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
• Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.
• Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.
• Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials.

Typical education (US)

Master's Degree

Preparation

Job Zone 5 of 5

Interests

Conventional, Investigative, Social

Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Learning

US median pay: US$64,550 a year (2025), 7,970 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• HistoryO*NET: History and ArcheologyVery important (4.3)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.8)
• Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.7)
• Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.2)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

Master's Degree

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.