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How much do assistant conservator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant conservator in the United States is $23.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Conservator, you typically need a degree in conservation, art history, chemistry, or a related field, along with practical experience in object handling and treatment methods. Familiarity with conservation tools, laboratory equipment, and documentation systems such as digital imaging software is often required. Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for preserving cultural heritage, ensuring proper care of artifacts, and collaborating efficiently with museum professionals.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An Assistant Conservator typically earns less than $10,000 a month, as this is a specialized role often requiring a degree or relevant experience. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree include certain sales, real estate, or entrepreneurial roles, but these often depend on skills, performance, and industry. Most well-paying jobs at this level generally require specialized training, certifications, or significant experience.

What are Assistant Conservators?

Assistant Conservators are professionals who help preserve and restore artworks, historical objects, and cultural artifacts. They typically work under the supervision of senior conservators in museums, galleries, or archives, performing tasks such as cleaning, repairing, and documenting items. Their work ensures that valuable pieces of history and art are maintained for future generations. Assistant Conservators may also assist in research, preventive conservation, and preparing objects for exhibition or storage.

What are the common challenges faced by an Assistant Conservator when working with diverse types of artifacts?

Assistant Conservators often encounter the challenge of handling a wide range of materials, each requiring specialized knowledge and delicate techniques. Balancing preventive conservation with hands-on treatment, while adhering to strict ethical and documentation standards, can be demanding. Additionally, collaborating with curators, scientists, and other conservators to develop appropriate conservation strategies for each unique object is a key part of the role. Staying updated on new materials and methods also requires ongoing professional development.
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Assistant Conservator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Conservator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,413 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Assistant Conservator

Assistant Conservator

American Museum of Natural History

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Assistant Conservator
Department
Registrar - 033
Position Summary
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition.
The Museum is seeking an Assistant Conservator to support conservation and collection care efforts related to the deinstallation of the collections displayed in the AMNH cultural halls and preparations for long term storage. The assistant conservator will work as part of a larger Cultural Halls Conservation and Collection Care team including conservators, collection professionals, cultural liaisons, facilities & construction professionals and exhibit preparators.
Please see the Science Conservation webpage for examples of the scope of projects that come through the lab. www.amnh.org/research/science-conservation
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Deinstallation: Support the removal of a wide range of object materials and types from display, many requiring careful handling guided by special procedures for culturally sensitive objects.
  • Collection Care:
    • IPM: Carry our processes related to items organic by nature that require special preparations, providing support and isolation to freeze for potential pest activity. Assist with coordination of bulk freezing and thawing and participating in monitoring for pests in halls.
    • Rehousing: Most items will require some level of physical support for safe handling, freezing and long-term storage. Conservator will assist in creating both standardized and customized supports.
  • Treatment and Documentation: Some items may require limited conservation stabilization. All will require some level of documentation written and/or photographic. Following specific procedures, conservator will carry out these efforts.
  • Administrative Duties:
    • Support the set up and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
    • Enter conservation and collections data into project database including location tracking, treatment specifics, and project status.

The expected salary range for the Assistant Conservator is $65,000/annual - $75,000/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.
Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's degree in art conservation.
  • Three years of experience in a conservation lab (museum or private)
  • Strong knowledge of principles, concepts, and methodology of conservation applicable to the full range of procedures for preservation and treatment of anthropological and natural science collections

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with collections from North American Indigenous communities
  • Active Membership in the American Institute for Conservation and relevant professional organizations.

Physical Demands
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods. Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
  • Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
  • Positioning/change of positioning: Must be able to frequently position oneself/body to accomplish job duties.
  • Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.

Category
Full-Time/Term
Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period
70
Union Status
Non-Union
FLSA
Exempt
Expected Salary Minimum
$65,000/annual
Expected Salary Maximum
$75,000/annual
EEO Statement
The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.
Quick Link
https://careers.amnh.org/postings/4721
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
GS978P
Open Date
03/05/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants

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