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Art Conservator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smithsonian Institution

Conservator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $111K/yr

SAAM shares the stories of our nation through American art and craft to inspire reflection, spark dialogue, and build connections. Learn more about this agency Duties Help The Conservator will ...

Smithsonian Institution

Conservator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $111K/yr

SAAM shares the stories of our nation through American art and craft to inspire reflection, spark dialogue, and build connections. More than one selection may be made from this announcement. Learn ...

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Art Conservator information

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$27K

$69.6K

$121.5K

How much do art conservator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for art conservator 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.

How much does an art conservator make a year?

The average annual salary for an art conservator in the United States is around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Senior conservators or those working in major institutions can earn over $80,000 annually. Many conservators also pursue certifications and advanced training to increase earning potential.

How do you become an art conservator?

To become an art conservator, individuals typically earn a bachelor's degree in art conservation, archaeology, chemistry, or a related field, 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 attention to detail, knowledge of art materials, and skills in scientific analysis are essential for the role.

What is the difference between Art Conservator vs Art Restorer?

AspectArt ConservatorArt Restorer
CredentialsMaster’s degree in conservation or related field, certifications often preferredSimilar credentials, often with specialized training in restoration techniques
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, conservation labs, archivesArt studios, conservation labs, private practices
Primary FocusPreserving and maintaining artworks for long-term stabilityRepairing and restoring artworks to their original appearance
Industry UsageCommonly used in museums, cultural institutions, and conservation organizationsOften used in private restoration projects and art studios

While both Art Conservators and Art Restorers work to preserve artworks, Art Conservators focus on long-term preservation and preventive care, whereas Art Restorers concentrate on repairing and restoring artworks to their original condition. The roles often overlap, but the key difference lies in their primary goals and methods.

Is art conservation a good career?

Art conservators restore and preserve artworks, requiring skills in chemistry, art history, and fine manual work. The profession offers opportunities in museums, galleries, and private collections, but it can be competitive and often requires specialized training and certification. Job stability and salary vary based on experience, location, and employment setting.

What is an art conservator?

Art Conservators are professionals who are trained to preserve, restore, and maintain artworks, historical artifacts, and cultural heritage objects. They use scientific techniques and specialized knowledge to stabilize and repair items, ensuring their longevity and historical integrity. Their work often includes examining objects, assessing damage, performing restoration treatments, and advising on proper storage and display conditions. Art Conservators may specialize in different materials, such as paintings, textiles, sculptures, or paper. Their expertise is crucial for museums, galleries, private collectors, and cultural institutions.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an art conservator?

To thrive as an Art Conservator, you need expertise in chemistry, fine arts, and art history, often supported by a master's degree in conservation or a related field. Familiarity with scientific analysis tools, conservation lab equipment, and documentation software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills distinguish top professionals in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to accurately preserving cultural heritage while safely restoring valuable works of art.

What are some common challenges art conservators face when working on restoration projects?

Art Conservators often encounter challenges such as dealing with deteriorating materials, limited historical documentation, and balancing ethical considerations around preserving original intent versus necessary intervention. Each artwork presents unique problems that require customized treatment plans, careful testing, and sometimes collaboration with historians, scientists, and curators. Additionally, conservators must keep up-to-date with advancements in conservation science to ensure that restoration methods remain effective and reversible, which adds to the complexity and learning involved in the role.
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Art Conservator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Art Conservator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,553 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS CONSERVATOR

State of Illinois

Springfield, IL

$4.9K - $6.7K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

State Of Illinois rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 50 rated states

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 57926 
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 08/17/2026
Agency: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Class Title: HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS CONSERVATOR - 18984 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,922monthly; Full Range $4,922 - $6,762 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: 

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

 

Position Overview:

Join A World Class Institution!! This position serves as the Historic Documents Conservator for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM), a world-class institution that houses one of the world’s best collections of Lincoln-related documents, artifacts and audiovisual materials. This position performs professional and highly skilled technical work in the preservation and conservation treatment of the valuable Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library collection and Civil War artifacts. This position will oversee in the conservation treatment of a wide variety of library materials; maintains records of the activities and work accomplished by conservation staff; monitors climate control and other environmental factors that affect the physical condition of the library collections. We invite qualified applicants to apply for the position of Historical Documents Conservator and help ALPLM continue to chronicle the life of one of our nation's greatest Presidents. 

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offers a robust benefit package including:

  • Monday-Friday schedule
  • Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
  • Paid Parental leave
  • Pension Plan
  • Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
  • Employees earn (12) paid sick days annually
  • (10-25) paid vacation days (based on years of service)
  • Employees earn (3) paid personal days (pro-rated based on start date)
  • (13-14) paid state holidays annually

Work hours and schedule will be mutually agreed upon by supervisor during the onboarding process.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Essential Functions
  • Under direction performs professional and highly skilled preservation and conservation treatment work for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum (ALPLM) library collection.
  • Examines ALPLM library materials requiring preservation and determines appropriate treatment.
  • Serves as designated lead worker.
  • Operates and maintains conservation laboratory equipment and facilities.
  • Monitors environmental conditions affecting the ALPLM collection.
  • Provides preservation and conservation guidance.
  • Supports disaster preparedness and recovery for library collections.
  • Supports ALPLM exhibitions and loans.
  • Coordinates commercial conservation services.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the
    duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Requires a bachelor’s degree with courses in chemistry, organic chemistry, art, history, or art history.
  • Requires an internship in document conservation and restoration or book binding techniques, or, in lieu of an internship, one year of experience in document conservation, restoration, and book binding techniques.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prefers working knowledge of properties of paper and of paper documents conservation and restoration of damaged materials; of rebinding and encapsulation techniques for rare and valuable books and documents; of library materials and documents and their value to a library; of the effects of oxidation on paper documents.
  • Pefers ability to perform professional documents conservation work; to use document conservation equipment, book binding and repair equipment, and to maintain and use proper supplies; to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with library staff.
  • Prefers one (1) year of professional experience serving as a lead worker directing staff engaged in the conservation, preservation, and restoration of historical documents, archival collections, library materials, or other cultural heritage resources, including providing technical guidance, assigning and reviewing work.
Conditions of Employment
  • Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
  • Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime.
  • This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The ALPLM is passionate in or mission to inspire civic engagement through the diverse lens of Illinois history and sharing with the world the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.  As caretakers of a one-of-a-kind collection of artifacts, we consider our work to learn, teach and share history a great honor. The people of the ALPLM strive to employ innovate approaches to create a positive impact for the future, as it can be inspired by the past.  As preservationists of Illinois' diverse history, we strive to build, maintain, and make accessible a growing record of history for today's inquisitive explorers as well as those who shall, in the future, rely on our efforts.  Our learning-centered agency insists on the values of honesty and integrity, intentional leadership, equitable collaboration and transparent accountability.  The ALPLM boasts pristine facilities, a creative environment, and a professional staff with a variety of backgrounds and talents.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Headquarter Location: 112 N 6th St, Springfield, Illinois, 62701
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: Hanna Mahaney
Email: Hanna.Mahaney@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Arts, Design & Cultural

This position [DOES NOT] contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

  • donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
  • systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

What State Of Illinois employees say

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State of Illinois logo

About State of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Illinois is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental entity encompassing diverse agencies and departments that serve the constituents of Illinois. Based in Illinois, United States, this governmental body communicates with its citizens through the official website illinois.gov. The website is a one-stop resource for Illinois residents to access information about the state's services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety, among others.

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, IL, US

Year founded

2009

Social media

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