1

Art Institute Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAFETY SECURITY OFFICER

Dayton, OH ยท On-site

$17.81/hr

The Safety and Security Officer at the Dayton Art Institute is responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for visitors, staff, and artwork. This role includes monitoring ...

Retail Associate

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$15.75 - $18/hr

About the Art Institute of Chicago The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures ...

HUMAN RESOURCE GENERALIST

Dayton, OH ยท On-site

$22.50 - $26/hr

JOB SUMMARY Human Resource Generalist at the Dayton Art Institute supports the day-to-day operations of the human resource office. This role contributes to recruitment, employee relations, benefits ...

Custodian

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

About the Art Institute of Chicago The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures ...

Officer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

About the Art Institute of Chicago The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Art Institute information

See salary details

$27K

$69.6K

$121.5K

How much do art institute jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for art institute 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the art industry, high-level freelance artists, such as successful illustrators or digital artists, can earn $10,000 or more per month through commissions, sales, or licensing. These roles typically require strong skills, a professional portfolio, and self-marketing, but often do not require formal degrees.

Are art museum jobs hard to get?

Art museum jobs can be competitive, especially for positions such as curators or education coordinators, which often require relevant education, experience, and specialized skills. Entry-level roles may be easier to obtain but still typically require a background in art, museum studies, or related fields, along with strong organizational and communication skills.

What is the difference between Art Institute vs Graphic Designer?

AspectArt InstituteGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree or diploma in art, design, or related fieldsOften a degree in graphic design, visual communication, or similar; certifications can enhance prospects
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, art studios, or creative agenciesAdvertising agencies, corporate marketing departments, freelance
Industry UsageEducational institutions, art organizations, creative industriesMarketing, advertising, publishing, digital media

The Art Institute generally refers to educational institutions offering art and design programs, while a Graphic Designer is a professional who creates visual content across various media. Both roles require a strong foundation in design principles, but the Art Institute provides the training and credentials, whereas the Graphic Designer applies those skills in real-world projects.

What are some common collaborative projects or initiatives that staff at an Art Institute typically work on together?

At an Art Institute, staff members frequently collaborate on exhibitions, educational workshops, and community outreach programs. These projects often require input from curators, educators, marketing teams, and administrative personnel to ensure successful planning and execution. Working together, team members coordinate tasks such as artwork selection, event promotion, and visitor engagement strategies. This collaborative environment fosters creativity, encourages professional development, and helps staff build strong interdisciplinary relationships.

What is an Art Institute?

An Art Institute is a specialized educational institution that focuses on teaching art, design, media, and related creative fields. These institutes offer programs in areas such as graphic design, illustration, culinary arts, fashion, photography, and animation. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, or degrees, depending on the program. Art Institutes typically provide hands-on learning experiences, industry connections, and portfolio development to prepare students for creative careers.

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

To thrive as an Art Institute Instructor, you need a strong background in art education, creative techniques, and a relevant degree or professional portfolio. Familiarity with digital design tools like Adobe Creative Suite and classroom management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, mentorship abilities, and adaptability help instructors connect with diverse students and foster creative growth. These skills ensure effective teaching, student engagement, and the development of practical skills essential for careers in the arts.

How much does the art institute pay?

Salaries at art institutes vary depending on the position, experience, and location. For example, instructors may earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, while administrative roles typically pay between $30,000 and $60,000. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and professional development opportunities.

Can you do work at the Art Institute of Chicago?

The Art Institute of Chicago employs a variety of roles including curators, educators, administrative staff, and security personnel. Job opportunities typically require relevant experience, education, or skills related to art, museum operations, or customer service, and may involve working in a gallery or office environment. Applicants should review current openings and application requirements on the institute's careers page.
More about Art Institute jobs
What cities are hiring for Art Institute jobs? Cities with the most Art Institute job openings:
What states have the most Art Institute jobs? States with the most job openings for Art Institute jobs include:
Infographic showing various Art Institute job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,553 per year, or $33.4 per hour.
Assistant Conservator Paper

Assistant Conservator Paper

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$55K - $62K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Art Institute Of Chicago rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 26 rated museums


Job description

About the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.
About the Department
Responsible for the treatment, research, and long-term preservation of over 300,000 works of art in the Art Institute's collections, the Department of Conservation and Science is integral to the museum's mission to safeguard the world's artistic and cultural legacy for future generations. Founded in 1956 with a single paintings conservator, the department has grown to a staff of over 30 specializing in nine disciplines organized in five divisions: Objects and Textiles, Paintings and Frames, Paper and Books, Photography and Media, and Scientific Research. Members of the department contribute to the advancement of the field and the broader awareness of conservation issues through multiple avenues of specialized and societal dissemination, are involved in object-based teaching and scientific research, and actively support the education of future conservation and museum professionals.
Position Summary
The Assistant Conservator , with varying degrees of supervision, carries out examination, research and treatment of objects in the permanent collection, providing ongoing care to works of art on paper and other paper-based museum collections. Conducts in-depth studies and publishes on artists' technique and on methods and materials used in the making or caring of works of art. Assists with preparation, installation, and documentation of exhibitions and loans, and serves as a courier with artwork as needed. Assists with collection care and preventive conservation processes. Is committed to and actively engaged in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.
Responsibilities
Treatment and Collection Care
  • Prepares treatment proposals in consultation with the William E. Urschel Family Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation and specialty conservators.
  • Executes conservation treatments with supervision.
  • Determines and documents an object's condition, including technical imaging and material analysis when possible.
  • Contributes to activities related to preventative care of works of art on paper in the galleries and in storage.
  • Responds to emergencies that occur in galleries or storage areas as requested.

Exhibitions, Loans, and Acquisitions
  • With varying degrees of supervision, carries out examinations on works of art on paper as they enter and leave the museum for loans, and prepares and shares related documentation.
  • With varying levels of supervision is responsible for review of works under consideration for purchase and preparation of relevant documentation.
  • As assigned by supervisor, manages the conservation requirements for exhibitions, including condition reporting and minor treatment, and ensuring that environmental requirements of lenders are met.
  • Serves as a courier (virtual or in person) for artwork if needed.

Conservation record
  • Maintains all conservation documentation pertaining to the collection in the department's files and shares copies in the museum's collection management database and digital asset management system in accordance with the highest archival and digital preservation standards.

Materials and Supplies
  • Contributes to lab maintenance and safety, researches and orders supplies in consultation with the Administrative Coordinator for Conservation and Science.

Collaboration
  • Maintains clear communication with colleagues about ongoing priorities, goals, and projects.
  • Supports the museum in its commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable institution; treats colleagues and visitors fairly and respectfully, recognizing the value that diverse backgrounds and perspectives bring to our organization.

Research
  • Conducts research and publishes on technique, conservation and on methods and materials of works of art on paper
  • Keeps up to date with the newest technologies and seeks ways of applying them to the conservation of Art Institute collections.
  • Performs basic technical analysis after training and conducts more sophisticated scientific investigation in partnership with the museum's conservation scientists.

Communication, professional development and dissemination
  • Publishes results of research projects in Museum publications, social media, and journals aimed at both professional and general audiences
  • Travels to attend conferences and workshops, present papers and confer with colleagues.
  • With supervision, corresponds with professionals with regard to research, answers inquiries of a technical nature, in-house and outside the institution. Answers public inquiries by phone and mail as necessary. Conducts studio tours and lectures.

Training and Mentorship
  • May occasionally be asked to supervise interns, volunteers and visiting scholars as needed.
  • May be asked by supervisor or specialty conservators to participate in the training and supervision of art handlers, photographers and other specialists in all aspects of their work with objects and equipment.

Qualifications
  • Master's degree from a recognized conservation training program with preferably two years of post-graduate experience or commensurate qualification and experience.
  • Proven expertise in the treatment of prints, drawings and other paper-based collections representing globally diverse traditions and perspectives.
  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated by written reports, publications, presentations or social media presence.
  • Must be able to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines and be proficient at project prioritization.
  • Embraces the museum's commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable institution.

Compensation & Benefits
Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
Hiring Range: $55,000-62,000
The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.
  • Benefits
  • PTO Overview
  • Job Classification: Full time exempt
  • Employment Category: Full time Staff
  • Grade Level: 7

If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment for complete information
Application Instructions
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and short portfolio to be considered for this position.
Union
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
Accessibility
If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:
Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.