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Art Preparator 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 renowned for its extensive collection of over 30,000 objects displayed across 50 galleries. The Museum ...

Newfields

Preparator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$22.50 - $24/hr

Preparator Department: Collection Support Reports To: Chief Preparator FLSA Status: Non-Exempt ... Participate in art installation and de-installation by proper handling, lifting, moving, placing ...

Henry Morrison Flagler Museum

Preparator

Palm Beach, FL · On-site

The Preparator works in close collaboration with the curatorial and collections team to physically ... The role demands someone who can move fluidly between fine art handling, custom fabrication, and ...

The Woodruff Arts Center

Preparator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Comprised of three Art Partners-Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art-there's a role for everyone at The Woodruff. Reports to: Assistant Director & Chief Preparator FLSA:

Asian Art Museum

Preparator I (As Needed)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$31.19/hr

... Preparator I (On-Call/As Needed) candidates to join our dynamic exhibitions team! In this hands-on ... The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is the world's leading museum dedicated to connecting global ...

Artis Naples

Preparator

Naples, FL

Job Summary The Preparator supports museum operations by planning and executing fabrications ... The role troubleshoots and coordinates collections preparation activities including fine art ...

Woodruff Arts Center

Comprised of three Art Partners-Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art-there's a role for everyone at The Woodruff. Reports to: Assistant Director & Chief Preparator FLSA:

Artis--Naples

Preparator

Naples, FL · On-site

Description Job Summary The Preparator supports museum operations by planning and executing ... The role troubleshoots and coordinates collections preparation activities including fine art ...

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Art Preparator information

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$27K

$69.6K

$121.5K

How much do art preparator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for art preparator 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 typical day-to-day responsibilities of an Art Preparator?

As an Art Preparator, your daily tasks often include safely unpacking and packing artwork, installing and deinstalling exhibitions, constructing display mounts, and supporting conservation efforts. You may also document artwork movement, coordinate with curators and registrars, and maintain gallery spaces to ensure security and presentation standards. Collaboration is key, as you’ll regularly work with artists, exhibition designers, and other museum staff to realize creative visions. The role requires adaptability since exhibit schedules, handling requirements, and installation techniques can vary widely depending on the project.

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

To thrive as an Art Preparator, you need strong skills in art handling, installation, and object preservation, often supported by experience in museums, galleries, or arts organizations. Familiarity with tools such as lifts, hand trucks, and archival materials, as well as knowledge of collections management systems, is highly valued. Detail-oriented organization, clear communication, and teamwork set successful preparators apart in fast-paced environments. These competencies ensure artwork is moved, displayed, and stored safely and professionally, supporting the mission and reputation of the institution.

What does an Art Preparator do?

An Art Preparator is responsible for handling, installing, and maintaining artwork in museums, galleries, or private collections. They ensure that pieces are safely transported, mounted, and displayed according to curatorial and conservation standards. Preparators work with various tools and materials to build supports, frames, and exhibition layouts. Their role requires attention to detail and knowledge of best practices for preserving and presenting artwork.

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Art Preparator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Art Preparator 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 $69,553 per year, or $33.4 per hour.
Art Preparator (Part Time)

Art Preparator (Part Time)

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Hartford, CT • On-site

$24/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

The Art Preparator position, working in close association with the Chief Preparator, the Chief Registrar, and other members of the Preparator team, provides direct support to the implementation of the Collections Management Policy as it relates to the care, installation, and documentation of the The Wadsworth’s collection and exhibition programs. This position is directly responsible for ensuring the physical safety, best handling and installation practices of the permanent collection as well as borrowed objects while on view, in preparation for movement, and while in storage.

In general, this position contributes to the carrying out of the The Wadsworth’s short- and long-term exhibition schedule, regular gallery rotations, incoming and outgoing loans, collection storage projects and other assignments as needed.


SCHEDULE

This is a non-exempt, hourly position, Monday – Wednesday , 8 am – 4 pm.


ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Member of the Preparator Team:

  • Consistently applies the highest professional working standards for the handling, installation, housing, packing, and movement of all art in the Museum.
  • Completes the daily work schedule, meeting associated goals and deadlines.
  • Installs gallery lighting equipment. Maintains inventory of lighting fixtures and lamps, screening options and light level measuring devices.
  • Prepares and installs casework, platforms, pedestals, labels and other exhibit specific support materials.
  • Operates various mechanical devices used to install, or move works of art.
  • Accurately records all art movements “changes of locations” both in physical and digital form.
  • Conducts inventories of storages and galleries
  • Follows the parameters & procedures for purchasing materials and supplies, ensuring proper authorization & expense tracking are upheld.
  • Works closely with the team, and with other departments, in the conceptualization, design and fabrication of housing/storage needs for all artworks.
  • Maintains an organized and functional preparatory workspace, as well as all museum storage areas.
  • Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.
  • Provides support to other departments in areas related to the functions described above.
  • Screens cargo shipments in compliance with TSA’s CCSP.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Training/Work Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in studio art, art history, furniture/product design, architecture or engineering.
  • Minimum two years of art handling/preparatory work experience in a fine art museum


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Thorough knowledge & experience of concepts, principles and practices of current museum practices and collections management standards.
  • Thorough understanding of best practices for object installation, handling & packing of an encyclopedic collection [paintings, works on paper, costumes, textiles, photography, sculpture, furniture & decorative arts].
  • Experience in various aspects and of museum lighting
  • Experience with the design and fabrication of storage containers
  • Experience/certification in the use of standard equipment used in the fabrication, movement, and installation of art (i.e: power tools, forklift, pallet jack, scissor lift)
  • Carpentry skills required.
  • Mount making skills essential.
  • Excellent organization, communication and listening skills
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to plan out multi step projects with a projected timeline and budget.
  • Ability to work within deadlines, both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
  • Basic PC skills with Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word and Excel.