Explore occupational profile

Version:
OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
Search the OaSIS

53100.02 – Preparators and picture framers

Preparators and picture framers work on the construction and installation of exhibits and displays, prepare artifacts for storage and shipping, and assist in framing art objects.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Art gallery preparator
  • Picture framer - museum and art gallery

Core competencies

  • Oral Communication: Active Listening to work directly with clients who have specific preferences and requirements for how their artwork or artifacts should be framed or displayed
  • Quality Control Testing to ensure exhibits, frames and artifact preparations meet precise standards for durability, safety and aesthetics
  • Near Vision to see fine details clearly and ensure art and artifact items are properly aligned, mounted and framed
  • Spatial Visualization to plan and position three-dimensional objects within display spaces, interpret design drawings and anticipate how pieces will look from different angles
  • Attention to Detail to measure, cut and assemble materials with exactness to ensure frames and displays are well-crafted and professional
  • Knowledge in Library, Conservation, and Heritage to understand artifact preservation to prevent deterioration, damage or contamination of artifacts and artworks during the installation or shipping of displays

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Construct displays and dioramas, build models, install artifacts in displays and prepare artifacts for storage and shipping
  • Fabricate custom frames, measure and cut mats, mat enhancements and glass, and mount paintings, photographs and other art work.

Additional information

  • Technical museum and gallery workers may specialize in a specific type of collection.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

5 – Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport

TEER

3 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of less than two years; or more than six months of on-the-job training

Major group

53 – Occupations in art, culture and sport

Sub-major group

531 – Occupations in art and culture

Minor group

5310 – Occupations related to museums and art galleries

Unit group

53100 – Registrars, restorers, interpreters and other occupations related to museum and art galleries

Occupational profile

53100.02 – Preparators and picture framers

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 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. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.