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Art Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Preparator

Denver, CO · On-site

$21 - $26.25/hr

Assistant Preparator, Full-Time, Non-Exempt Why Join Us? Assist in all aspects of preparation and ... This position is based at the Denver Art Museum, which only has a pay-to-park option. Discounted ...

Part-Time Art Handler II

Campus, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Art Hander II works under the supervision of the AU Museum's Preparator and works closely with, and provides support and assistance, to the Registrar. Essential Functions: * Oversee Art Handler 1 ...

The role coordinates collections preparation activities including fine art handling, packing and transport, location tracking and storage maintenance. The Assistant Preparator assists with all ...

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:

The role coordinates collections preparation activities including fine art handling, packing and transport, location tracking and storage maintenance. The Assistant Preparator assists with all ...

$28/hr

Preparator: (60%) Art Handling: Handling, moving, and storing artworks on loan in each exhibition, following best practices to ensure their safety and preservation. Exhibition Installation: Packing ...

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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 Aug 20, 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 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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an art preparator?

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.

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What states have the most Art Preparator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Art Preparator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Art Preparator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,553 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Assistant Preparator/Art Handler

Artis--Naples

Naples, FL • On-site

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Description: Job Summary
Responsible for assisting museum staff with fine art handling, storage, packing, transportation, installations, and all related preparation for the collection and exhibition objects.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)
• Careful attention to safety, detail, and accuracy
• Packing/unpacking, handling, and hanging or installing artwork either owned or borrowed for Artis—Naples.
• Safe movement and handling of all collections objects and exhibition furniture keeping with best practices / industry standard.
• Assists with organization of storage locations, preparation of housing for collections objects in storage and for transportation purposes to and from the museum and between offsite locations.
• Loading and unloading art trucks efficiently ensuring safe movement of all artworks, crates, and exhibition furniture.
• Movement, care and placement of pedestals and plexiglass vitrines used in installations.
• Maintains inventory, movement, and storage of all exhibition furniture.
• Gallery maintenance and installation of labels, text panels and various exhibition signage.
• Fabricates exhibition furniture: pedestals, plinths, temporary walls, mounts, crates, etc. as required in keeping with museum standard best practices/contractual requirements.
• Observes and reports, when necessary, on the condition of elements within the museum and storage facilities including temperature, humidity, and the security of the works of art.
• Assists with location tracking and documentation of art movement, updating museum collection database as needed
• Maintains gallery lighting, maintaining lighting storage.
• Makes certain digital media / video equipment is on/off in museum exhibitions and storage as needed.
• Assists Preparator with budget and submitting purchases orders
• Driving a box truck for transportation of collections objects, crates, and exhibition furniture.
• Observe safety requirements. Report safety issues and items requiring work orders to Supervisor or Security.
• Work effectively with all Artis—Naples employees
QUALIFICATIONS:
Competencies, Core Values, Education and Experience
Competencies
To perform this job successfully, an individual should possess and demonstrate the following competencies:
Diversity – Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment.
Ethics – Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values.
Financial – Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and confidently, listens and gets clarification; participates constructively and thoughtfully in meetings.
Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
Teamwork – Fosters a cooperative work environment by actively participating with colleagues, set priorities and solves problems.
Technical Skills – Knowledge of computerized information systems used in office systems.
Quality Management – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs; presents information effectively.
Organizational Core Values
Collaborative – working internally and externally to accomplish something together that we may not be able to accomplish separately in order to realize shared goals.
Transparency – behaving and communicating in a manner that exudes openness and sheer honesty.
Excellence – a standard of performance that surpasses ordinary standards.
Accountability – the acceptance and assumption of responsibility for actions, decisions and results.
Patron-first – placing the patron at the center of our efforts.
Integrity – a commitment to the highest standards, values and principles through every action and decision.
Education/Experience
• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2 years’ experience in a museum setting preferred
Skills & Abilities
• Knowledge of art handling and long-term preservation and care of the collections
• Art installation procedures, techniques and methods and materials
• Effectively communicate with others in producing desired exhibitions
• Crate fabrication and object packing
• Proficient carpentry skills
• Matting and framing
• Current Forklift certification
• Basic metal working
• Knowledge of art/museum security systems and procedures
• Working knowledge of hand and power tools
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite required, knowledge of TMS (The Museum System database by Gallery Systems) and AutoCAD preferred

Physical Demands and Work Environment: Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work requires physical activity; handling of objects that can weigh up to 50 pounds (or greater mass that require mechanical assistance).
• Standing or walking may occur up to 75% of time.
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
• Work may be performed in an office, museum, storage facility or field environment.
Work Environment
The work environment is consistent with general office conditions, with moderate noise followed by long spans of installation in the museum, with exposure to vibrations, noise, electrical connections and outdoor weather conditions. Long periods of standing, exposure to chemicals associated with the conservation and production of works of art.