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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Conservators work with a wide variety of objects, such as:
They usually specialize in certain types of material or categories of objects but, in general, conservators:
Conservators may use, examine, and treat a wide variety of materials, which can contain toxic chemicals or other hazardous materials. They may also work with firearms collections. They must follow safety precautions to avoid injury or illness. Conservators may work on ladders or scaffolding. They may experience health problems related to repetitive hand movements and neck or back strain. Or they may be exposed to objects or areas that have been subject to mould or pest infestation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in instructing to provide advice on display and storage of museum and gallery artifacts to ensure proper maintenance and preservation; and in supervising conservation and other museum technicians
Interest in precision working to conserve and restore antiquities and works of art using aesthetic sensibility, and manual and artistic skills; and in researching new conservation and restoration techniques
Interest in analyzing information to account for, acquire and receive archival material; and in checking detail, recording information and filing material
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Conservators need:
Conservators should enjoy completing tasks with precision, finding solutions to problems, and taking a methodical approach to their work.
Conservators need a combination of skills and knowledge in general museum practice and operations, chemistry, and other subjects such as:
They also need creative and manual skills in fields such as painting, sewing, cabinet making, or silversmithing. Internship training in established conservation laboratories and studios is an asset. Conservators should be able to advocate for preservation programs within institutions and the broader heritage community.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Outside of Alberta, the following Canadian schools offer post-secondary programs directly related to conservation work:
The Canadian Association of Professional Conservators (CAPC) offers voluntary professional accreditation. Accreditation may be required for certain employment opportunities.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Conservators work for:
Many conservators work on a contract basis. They may have several projects or part-time jobs at the same time. For example, they may do research and conservation work for a museum and consulting work for a historical society as well as teach or write articles. Some conservators may be self-employed and work for private clients or public institutions and organizations.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Conservators and curators
2016 NOC: 5112
82.5% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $21.00 | $41.29 | $35.84 | $38.67 |
| Overall | $22.26 | $54.40 | $45.40 | $47.48 |
| Top | $23.38 | $54.40 | $46.30 | $50.69 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $81,979 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $44,989 |
| Public Administration | $88,998 |
Alberta Museums Association website: www.museums.ab.ca
American Institute for Conservation (AIC) website: www.culturalheritage.org
Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property (CAC) website: www.cac-accr.ca
Canadian Association of Professional Conservators (CAPC) website: capc-acrp.ca
Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) website: canada.ca/en/conservation-institute.html
Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) website: culturalhrc.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 17, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
