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Art Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chrysler Museum Of Art

Art Preparator I

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$21 - $24.04/hr

Art Preparator I The Chrysler Museum of Art, located at 1 Memorial Place in Norfolk, VA, is ... Compliance with Museum Standards & Protocols - Adhering to conservation-approved handling methods ...

Crayola Imagine Arts Academy

Art Instructor

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$17.50 - $23.33/hr

As an instructor, you will have the opportunity to open children's eyes to a world of creativity and introduce them to topics like cultural diversity, conservation, and art and design careers. You ...

The Huntington

Paper Conservator

San Marino, CA

About the Role The Paper Conservator is responsible for the physical care, preservation, and conservation treatment of manuscripts, photographs, and works of art on paper in the Library and Art ...

Folger

$90K - $100K/yr

The Head of Conservation and Preservation manages theGundersheimerConservation Lab and leads a ... paintings, works of art on paper,objectsand textiles. * Provides expert analysis and ...

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Art Conservation information

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$27K

$69.6K

$121.5K

How much do art conservation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for art conservation in the United States is $69,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $99,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Art Conservation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Art Conservation, a candidate should have a strong background in art history, chemistry, and conservation techniques, often supported by a specialized degree or certification in conservation. Familiarity with scientific analysis tools, restoration materials, and documentation systems is essential for assessing and treating artworks. Strong attention to detail, patience, and problem-solving abilities are key soft skills, as is the ability to communicate with curators, artists, and stakeholders. These competencies ensure the safe preservation, restoration, and continued appreciation of cultural and historic artworks.

What is an Art Conservation job?

An art conservation job involves preserving, restoring, and researching artworks and historical objects to prevent deterioration. Conservators use scientific techniques, art history knowledge, and hands-on skills to assess and treat paintings, sculptures, textiles, and other cultural artifacts. They often work in museums, galleries, libraries, or private studios, collaborating with curators and scientists. The role requires specialized training and education, typically a master's degree in conservation or a related field.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Art Conservator?

Art Conservators usually spend their days examining and treating artworks, documenting their condition, and applying specialized techniques to stabilize or restore objects. They collaborate closely with museum curators, collection managers, and sometimes external specialists to decide on the most appropriate conservation methods. Routine responsibilities may include researching materials, preparing detailed reports, and performing hands-on treatments in a studio or laboratory setting. This role also often involves preventive care measures, such as monitoring environmental conditions or advising on storage and display to ensure long-term preservation of the collection.

Do art historians make good money?

Art historians typically earn moderate salaries, with income varying based on experience, education, and employment setting such as museums, universities, or private collections. While some may achieve higher earnings through publishing, consulting, or specialized expertise, overall compensation tends to be lower compared to other professions in the arts or academia.

What is the job of an art conservationist?

An art conservationist is responsible for preserving, repairing, and restoring artworks to ensure their longevity. They assess the condition of art pieces, use specialized techniques and materials, and often work in museums, galleries, or conservation labs, requiring knowledge of chemistry, art history, and hands-on skills. Their work helps maintain cultural heritage for future generations.

How do I become an Art Conservator?

To become an art conservator, typically a bachelor's degree in art conservation, art history, or a related field is required, followed by a master's degree in conservation from an accredited program. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships and obtaining professional certification, such as from the American Institute for Conservation, can enhance job prospects. Strong skills in chemistry, fine arts, and attention to detail are essential in this field.

How much do art conservators make a year?

Art conservators typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior conservators or those working in specialized fields can earn higher salaries, especially with advanced certifications and extensive expertise.
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Art Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Art Conservation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,553 per year, or $33.4 per hour.
Lunde Curatorial Fellowship

Lunde Curatorial Fellowship

The Clark Art Institute

Williamstown, MA • On-site

$63K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 hours ago

Job description

The Clark Art Institute is pleased to announce the Lunde Fellow. This two-year fellowship is funded by the Asbjorn Lunde Foundation and offers exceptional scholarly and professional training to an emerging early modern European painting and sculpture curator. The focal point of the fellowship will be organizing and contributing materials for an ambitious scholarly catalogue of the Clark's collection of fifteenth- through eighteenth-century paintings and sculpture, which includes the recently gifted Aso O. Tavitian Collection. Publication of the Clark's early modern painting and sculpture collection will meet the Clark's mission to advance and extend the public understanding of art by: making a fully documented catalogue of this significant collection available to the field of art scholarship; researching the collecting practices of Sterling and Francine Clark, as well as other collectors contemporary to their time; and creating a body of research that, in addition to publication, will be repurposed for multiple uses by scholarly and general audiences in various formats and contexts, including for the new Aso O. Tavitian Wing, opening in 2028.
The fellow will research each object's provenance, exhibition history, and bibliography, while coordinating the technical examination of the collection by conservators, in hopes of gathering new research on artists' techniques, materials, and processes. The resulting research will also be made accessible to all through the Clark's online collections portal. The Lunde Fellow will be a fully integrated member of the curatorial team and will gain unparalleled experience and mentorship in preparation for a career as a curator of early modern art.
Anticipated September 2026 start date.
Major Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
  • Work closely with curatorial, registration, and publications staff on the organization of a major publication
  • Conduct in-depth research on fifteenth- through eighteenth-century paintings and sculpture in the Clark's collection in addition to ongoing research on the Tavitian Collection
  • Assess curatorial object files and build new files as needed
  • Organize bibliographies, exhibition history, and provenance within object files
  • Assist Aso O. Tavitian Curator of Early Modern European Painting and Sculpture with identifying potential catalogue entry writers
  • Work with Tavitian Curator and Clark Publications Manager to establish the timeline, framework, and other details for publication
  • Identify objects that need to be photographed and coordinate/schedule new photography
  • Review existing conservation documents for each painting and plan for a conservation assessment
  • Work with Head of Registration to coordinate technical examination of objects at the Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Center
  • Assist with preparation of materials for additional grant and other funding proposals and reports for this project
  • As time permits, undertake additional object research for the catalogue
  • Present public lecture on research (if desired).
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Skills
  • PhD or ABD in Art History required
  • Demonstrated interest and prior accomplishment in the field of early modern European paintings and sculpture, through academic study and/or museum experience
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively
  • French, Italian, and/or German language proficiency preferred
  • Resourcefulness, strong initiative, adaptability, and creativity
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Interest in and enthusiasm for museum work, with preference given to applicants intending to pursue a curatorial career

Work Experience
  • Minimum of six months of relevant experience preferred

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Physical Demands:
    • Ability to sit at a desk/workstation and use a computer for prolonged periods of time.
    • Ability to stand for up to four hours.
    • Ability to physically move and handle artwork, which requires being able to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally.

  • Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and museum spaces. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Some travel, including internationally, is required.

Apply