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Art Museum Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Kentucky

Museum Assistant

Lexington, KY · On-site

$12/hr

Art Museum Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range $12.00/hour Type of Position Student Position Time Status Part-Time Required Education Enrolled as a UK Student Required Related Experience NA ...

University of Kentucky

Museum Assistant

Lexington, KY · On-site

$12/hr

Art Museum Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range $12.00/hour Type of Position Student Position Time Status Part-Time Required Education Enrolled as a UK Student Required Related Experience NA ...

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$27K

$69.6K

$121.5K

How much do art museum jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for art museum 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 as an art museum curator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Art Museum Curator, you need expertise in art history, collection management, and exhibit design, typically supported by a master's degree in art history or museum studies. Familiarity with collection management software, digital archiving tools, and conservation techniques is essential. Strong communication, organizational skills, and creative problem-solving help in engaging audiences and collaborating with artists and stakeholders. These capabilities ensure meaningful exhibitions, effective stewardship of collections, and a rich visitor experience.

What is the difference between Art Museum vs Art Gallery?

AspectArt MuseumArt Gallery
CredentialsTypically requires art history or museum studies degreesOften requires art or design background, less formal education
Work EnvironmentIndoor, climate-controlled, public spaces with exhibitsIndoor, often more commercial or private spaces, may include sales
Employer & IndustryPublic or private institutions dedicated to preservation and educationCommercial or private spaces focused on sales and exhibitions
Common Search & ComparisonPeople compare art museums and art galleries to understand differences in purpose and experience

While both art museums and art galleries showcase artworks, art museums focus on preservation, education, and public access, often requiring specialized degrees. Art galleries primarily serve as commercial spaces for selling and exhibiting art, with less emphasis on preservation. Understanding these differences helps visitors and professionals choose the right environment for their interests or careers.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in an art museum, and how can they be effectively managed?

Working in an art museum often involves balancing the preservation of valuable artworks with providing an engaging visitor experience. Staff may face challenges such as maintaining security, handling delicate pieces, and managing large crowds during special exhibitions. Effective communication with team members, regular training on conservation practices, and using visitor flow strategies can help address these challenges. Collaborative problem-solving and a strong focus on both guest service and collection care are key to a successful work environment.

What are jobs in an art museum?

Art museum jobs involve the curation, care, acquisition, and display of artwork and the general operation of a museum or gallery. There are many different career options in this field. For example, you could work a curator, a career in which your duties involve managing gallery operations and the display of artwork. As an archivist, you manage and catalog the art collection from each period. You can also install artwork and make exhibit repairs and improvements as a technician. After you gain experience in the art world, you can move up to a museum director position and oversee the entire museum.

More about Art Museum jobs
What cities are hiring for Art Museum jobs? Cities with the most Art Museum job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Art Museum jobs? The most popular types of Art Museum jobs are:
What states have the most Art Museum jobs? States with the most job openings for Art Museum jobs include:
Art Museum jobs near you
Infographic showing various Art Museum job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,553 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Assistant Preparator - Cranbrook Art Museum

Cranbrook Educational Community

Bloomfield Hills, MI • On-site

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Assistant Preparator - Cranbrook Art Museum

Cranbrook Art Museum is a leading venue for the presentation of twentieth- and twenty-first-century art, craft, architecture, and design. The Art Museum is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, a suburb of metropolitan Detroit, on the beautiful 319-acre historic landmark campus of the Cranbrook Educational Community. The Art Museum’s sister institution is Cranbrook Academy of Art, a renowned graduate school of art, architecture, craft, and design. While the collections of the Art Museum span the 20th and 21st centuries, the permanent collection focus is on the achievements of faculty and students of the Academy of Art and of artists in the Detroit metropolitan area. The Art Museum frequently presents public art programs in the city of Detroit, working with a range of creative collaborators, diverse artists and curators, and various community partners. Each year the Art Museum also presents artworks created by the graduating class of Cranbrook Academy of Art. In 2011, the Art Museum completed a renovation of its original 1942 Art Museum and Art Library building designed by Eliel Saarinen and created a new Collections Wing, a purpose-built, state-of-the-art handling and storage facility for its collections, which allows for a curated and publicly accessible viewing of selections from nearly 7,500 works of art.

Cranbrook Art Museum is accepting applications for an Assistant Preparator. This position will assist the team responsible for the preparation of galleries, installation and deinstallation of objects for exhibition. This is a part-time position, working during installation periods, approximately 10 weeks each year between May and October. The Assistant Preparator must be able to work flexible hours.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Prepares galleries for exhibition, including wall and pedestal construction and painting.
  • Prepares objects for exhibition, including installing, deinstalling, matting, framing, mounting, and lighting.
  • Assists with the movement, transportation, packing and installation of objects in the museum.
  • Maintains attendance, punctuality, and performance standards set forth in Cranbrook’s employee handbook.

Requirements:

  • Excellent technical, construction and woodworking skills.
  • Knowledgeable in art handling techniques and in the care, preservation, and exhibition practices for various types of objects including bronze, ceramic and wooden sculptures, paintings, works on paper and textiles.
  • Interest in contemporary art.
  • Excellent communication skills required. Will regularly communicate with Preparator, as well as Registrar, other museum staff members and work study students.

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.

Apply