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Art Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Des Moines Art Center

Sales Associate

Des Moines, IA

$13.25 - $18/hr

Position Summary Our Sales Associate helps create a welcoming and engaging visitor experience by ... Curates new Art Center Memberships and cultivates relationships with existing Art Center Members.

PVH

Sales Associate - Part-Time

Altoona, IA

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

S.: the people, organizations and ideas boldly driving the future of Fashion, Art, Music ... We are looking for a passionate Sales Associate who can deliver a top-notch customer experience and ...

PVH Corp.

Sales Associate - Part-Time

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

S.: the people, organizations and ideas boldly driving the future of Fashion, Art, Music ... We are looking for a passionate Sales Associate who can deliver a top-notch customer experience and ...

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All JobsArt Associate JobsArt Associate Jobs in Iowa

Art Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$46K

$101.5K

$159.2K

How much do art associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for art associate in Iowa is $101,467.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,800.00 and $129,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Art Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Art Associate, you need a solid understanding of art history, sales principles, and gallery operations, often supported by a bachelor's degree in art or a related field. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale software, and digital cataloging tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential for building client relationships and supporting gallery events. These skills ensure efficient gallery operations, enhance client engagement, and contribute to the successful promotion and sale of artworks.

What does an art associate do?

An art associate typically assists with the organization, display, and maintenance of artwork in galleries, museums, or art stores. They may help with curating exhibits, managing inventory, and providing customer service, often requiring knowledge of art history and good communication skills.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

High-earning jobs such as specialized surgeons, corporate executives, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $3,000 or more per day. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve high-pressure environments or significant responsibilities.

What can I do after an associate's degree in arts?

An Art Associate can pursue entry-level roles such as gallery assistant, art technician, or creative assistant, which often involve working with art collections, preparing exhibits, or supporting artists. Additional skills in digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite or certifications in art handling can enhance job prospects in galleries, museums, or design studios.

What is the difference between Art Associate vs Art Assistant?

AspectArt AssociateArt Assistant
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or equivalent experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer post-secondary coursework
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, art institutions, retail art storesArt studios, galleries, educational settings, museums
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in art institutions and retailOften found assisting artists or in educational art programs

The main difference between an Art Associate and an Art Assistant lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. Art Associates typically have formal education or experience and work in galleries or museums, focusing on customer service, curation, or sales. Art Assistants often support artists or educators, assisting with daily tasks and setup. Both roles are vital in the art industry but differ in scope and required credentials.

What jobs can I do with an associate's degree in art?

An art associate's degree can qualify you for roles such as art assistant, gallery associate, or creative assistant, where skills in visual communication, basic design, and art tools are valuable. These positions often involve supporting artists, curators, or art educators and may require knowledge of software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

What are some typical responsibilities of an Art Associate in a gallery setting?

Art Associates in a gallery environment are often responsible for assisting with exhibition installations, interacting with visitors, and supporting sales by providing information about artists and artworks. They may also handle administrative tasks, such as inventory management and coordinating events. Collaboration with curators, artists, and other staff members is common, making strong communication and organizational skills essential for success in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Art jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Art jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Art Associate jobs in Iowa? For Art Associate jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Art Associate jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Art Associate jobs in Iowa are:
Art Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Art Associate job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,467 per year, or $48.8 per hour.
Sales Associate

Sales Associate

Des Moines Art Center

Des Moines, IA

$13.25 - $18/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

Our Sales Associate helps create a welcoming and engaging visitor experience by serving as an ambassador for both the Museum Shop and the Des Moines Art Center. Through a commitment to meaningful visitor engagement, thoughtful guest interactions, and strong product knowledge, this person will assist visitors in finding and purchasing merchandise that connects to and enhances their Art Center experiences. The Sales Associate contributes directly to the daily operations of the Museum Shop and helps ensure that every guest interaction reflects the Art Center's commitment to hospitality, accessibility, and community engagement. This person will work 15-20 hours per week on average.

Reporting Relationship

The position reports to Senior Retail Operations Manager and Museum Shop Supervisor.

Essential Functions

  • Provides elevated customer service, operates the shop's point-of-sale (POS) system, charges proper sales totals, completes daily sales reports, and consults with the Senior Retail Operations Manager and Museum Shop Supervisor on daily sales and inventory.
  • Curates new Art Center Memberships and cultivates relationships with existing Art Center Members.
  • Is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the shop and creating sharp and effective displays under the guidance of the Senior Retail Operations Manager and Museum Shop Supervisor.
  • Facilitates supply chain oversight: checking in shipments, confirming quality, and entering merchandise accurately into the POS system.
  • Acts in ways that reflect favorably on the Art Center and maintains professional standards in the quality of performance and demonstration of concern for the Art Center's collection, programs, and facilities. Adhere to Des Moines Art Center Code of Ethics, Employee Handbook, and other organizational policies.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Has demonstrated interest in and/or a desire to learn about retail operations
  • POS, accurate cash handling, inventory management, and product merchandising experience preferred
  • Ability to learn about products offered by the Museum Shop and tie them back to guest needs and experiences. This includes skillfulness in sales techniques, sharing information about product lines with guests, and customer service.
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software
  • Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process and makes timely decisions.
  • Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; and supports everyone's efforts to succeed

Required Education, Experience and/or Certification

  • High school diploma preferred
  • Experience working in an environment with established customer service, presentation, or hospitality standards preferred

Work Environment

  • Indoor work environment with occasional outdoor work for specific events

Physical Factors

  • Medium physical work required: standing, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motion
  • May need to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 20 pounds of force frequently. The ability to climb a ladder is required.

Equipment Used

  • Cleaning supplies, photocopier, calculator, cash register, PC and PC software, handcart, dolly, hammer, screwdriver, box cutter

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

The Art Center is dedicated to equal employment & advancement opportunities. It is the Art Center's policy to hire & promote qualified individuals based on their interest, aptitude, and qualifications, and without regard to age; creed; disability or genetic information; ethnicity, national origin, race, or skin color; gender, gender expression, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation; religion; veteran status; or any other protected group under applicable Federal, State, or Local law.

Contact Information

Jessica McGlynn, People and Culture Manager, is the Art Center's recruiter for this role. Please reach her at jmcglynn@desmoinesartcenter.org with questions! 

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