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Art Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VAWAA

Design Curator / Partnerships Associate

$50K - $65K/yr

Background in Art, Design, or Curatorial Practice: 2+ years of experience in art curation, design, or a related field with a strong appreciation for global arts, crafts, and creativity.

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How much do art curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for art curator in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do art curators earn?

Art curators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, with experienced professionals or those working in major institutions earning over $100,000. Salaries vary based on location, education, experience, and the size of the institution, and many curators also have backgrounds in art history, museum studies, or related fields.

What qualifications do you need to be an art curator?

To become an art curator, a bachelor's degree in art history, fine arts, or a related field is typically required, with many positions preferring a master's degree or higher. Relevant experience in museums, galleries, or art administration, along with strong research, organizational, and communication skills, are also important; knowledge of collections management and familiarity with digital tools can be advantageous.

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

Art Curators typically need a strong background in art history or museum studies, with expertise in research, collection management, and exhibition planning. Familiarity with collections management software, digital archiving tools, and professional certifications such as those from the American Alliance of Museums are often valuable. Excellent communication, organizational skills, and creative problem-solving set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure effective stewardship of collections, engaging public exhibitions, and the cultivation of relationships with artists, donors, and the public.

What are the main challenges an art curator might face in this role?

Art Curators often encounter challenges such as balancing the preservation of valuable works with the desire to display them, managing limited budgets for acquisitions and exhibitions, and staying current with contemporary art trends. Working within a team, curators collaborate closely with registrars, educators, conservators, and external stakeholders to plan and execute exhibitions. Navigating these challenges requires flexibility, resourceful thinking, and strong project management skills. Overcoming these obstacles can be rewarding, as curators play a critical role in shaping the cultural and educational impact of the institution.

What do you do as an art curator?

An art curator is responsible for selecting, acquiring, and caring for artworks in a collection or exhibition. They plan and organize exhibitions, conduct research on artworks, and collaborate with artists, collectors, and institutions to ensure the proper display and preservation of art pieces.

What does an art curator do?

An Art Curator is responsible for acquiring, managing, and displaying artworks in galleries, museums, or private collections. They research artists, plan exhibitions, and ensure the proper care and preservation of artworks. Curators also collaborate with artists, collectors, and institutions to organize events and educational programs. Their role involves both creative and administrative tasks to enhance public engagement with art.

Do art curators make good money?

Art curators typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the institution. Senior or specialized curators at major museums can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance and professional development opportunities.
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Art Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Art Curator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

The Pauline Gill Sullivan Assistant/Associate/Curator of American Art

Dallas Museum of Art

Dallas, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Reports to: Museum Director
Department: Curatorial
Classification: Exempt, Full-Time
Benefits: Full Museum Benefits
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
Mission: The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive.
The DMA will:
  • Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate.
  • Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art.
  • Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity.

Scope of the Position:
The Pauline Gill Sullivan Curator of American Art is responsible for collections, exhibitions, programs, staff, and material resources of the department whose purview includes collections of American and Texas paintings, sculptures, and graphic arts prior to 1945. The position reports to The Eugene McDermott Director and works closely with the Deputy Director. The scope of the position includes collaboration with other curatorial staff and members of the Education, Exhibitions, and Collections divisions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Conceives and implements plans for the development, exhibition, care, and research/publication of the Museum's American and Texas art collections.
  • Conceives and organizes installations from the DMA's collection and for special exhibitions, including publications and interpretive resources.
  • Identifies and presents traveling exhibitions from their selection through installation.
  • Performs scholarly research and writing for catalogues of the permanent collection, exhibitions, and related materials.
  • Recommends and acquires new works for the collections through purchase and gifts that represent the highest standards of connoisseurship.
  • Works closely with the Director, Chief Development Officer and the Development Department team members to fundraise.
  • Acquires works of art in accordance with the policies and procedures of the DMA and the American Association of Art Curatorial Code of Ethics and the Code of Ethics of the Dallas Museum of Art.
  • Working in close collaboration with the Director and Deputy Director, assumes leadership role for the department and within the curatorial division and participates on interdivisional teams to further the goals and programs of the Museum.
  • Collaborates with the Exhibitions and Collections Division to assure communication and completion of institutional projects within defined budgets.
  • Collaborates with the Education Division to develop and present materials and programs relating to the interpretation of the collections and special exhibitions for the public such as gallery texts, publications, lectures, electronic media, and docent training.
  • Develops and maintains advantageous local, national and international relationships with the community of artists, critics, dealers, museum colleagues, professional organizations, collectors, trustees, and friends of the Museum to enhance the DMA's position and relevance locally, nationally, and internationally.
  • Encourages the development of private collections with the long-range goal of enhancing the Museum's holdings.
  • Assists with the Director of Marketing and Director of Communications and Public Affairs to promote departmental and museum activities.
  • Continues professional development, including contributing to the field by participating in appropriate art historical, scholarly, museum, and arts organizations.
  • Works with the Deputy Director to develop operating, exhibition, and program budgets.
  • Assists in monitoring and maintaining budget responsibility for the department and its projects.
  • Adheres to museum policies and supports management decisions in a positive, professional manner.
  • Supervises the Curator of Native American Art and shared curatorial administrative assistant and interns, in conjunction with other curators in department.

Requirements
Education, Experience, and Certifications:
  • M.A. in Art History or comparable field; Ph.D. preferred.
  • Assistant Curator: 1-3 years of curatorial experience working in a museum or equivalent, specifically in American and Texas art.
  • Associate Curator: 3-5 years of curatorial experience working in a museum with an impressive record of achievement specifically in American and Texas art.
  • Curator: 5+ years of curatorial experience working in a museum with significant exhibitions, acquisitions, and publications, specifically in American and Texas art.
  • Fundraising and donor relations experience.
  • Management experience.

Key Qualifications:
  • Experience working on acquisitions through gifts and purchases preferred.
  • Experience working on national travelling exhibitions preferred.
  • Knowledge of the market for American art and national network of dealers preferred.
  • Specialization in art of the post bellum period through the first half of the 20th century strongly preferred.
  • Ability to work collaboratively on projects with internal and external teams.
  • Ability and initiative to recommend solutions and solve problems.
  • Computer literacy to work on the museum's content management systems, the museums Microsoft Office system and the electronic archival systems.
  • Willing to work flexible schedule including evenings and weekends when needed.

Our Core Values
  • Act with Integrity: We are honest and ethical.
  • Build Inclusivity: We create spaces where everyone can feel like they belong.
  • Communicate Respectfully: We listen intentionally and advocate for diverse perspectives.
  • Embrace and Drive Change: We are innovative, creative, and solutions driven.
  • Foster Connections: We collaborate around shared goals.
  • Maintain Balance: We encourage ourselves and each other to reflect and recharge.
  • Remain Curious: We pursue personal and professional learning.

Our Commitment to Equity and Diversity
The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The DMA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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