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Assistant Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department MOCA, Curatorial Compensation $42,000.00 Annual General Description The Assistant Curator reports to the Senior Curator and collaborates with the Curatorial team to support the planning ...

Museum Curator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$62K - $68K/yr

The candidate will work closely with the Assistant Curator of Art and will be responsible for leading the Art program in exhibition development and execution, acquisitions, and educational ...

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How much do assistant curator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant curator in the United States is $21.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Assistant Curator Do?

The job of an assistant curator is to assist the chief curator at a museum with various tasks. These jobs include things like helping to research exhibits and collect new items to display as well as cataloging. An assistant curator frequently helps plan and implement new exhibits, oversees permanent galleries, supports restoration work, helps create educator guides, and supports the marketing efforts of the museum. They may also supervise museum employees, teach students, and respond to inquiries from the public. Many curators also help draft budgets and maintain electronic databases. The qualifications for this position typically include a postsecondary degree in a relevant field.

What are assistant curators?

Assistant curators are museum or gallery professionals who support senior curators in managing collections, organizing exhibitions, and conducting research. Their responsibilities often include cataloguing artifacts, assisting with acquisitions, preparing displays, and helping develop educational programs. They also collaborate with other staff, handle administrative duties, and may interact with the public or researchers. This entry-level to mid-level role is vital for the smooth operation and preservation of cultural and historical collections.

How does an Assistant Curator typically collaborate with other museum departments?

Assistant Curators frequently work alongside colleagues in education, conservation, registration, and marketing to develop and execute exhibitions and programs. They may coordinate with registrars for object loans, communicate with conservators to assess and prepare artworks, and support educational staff in creating interpretive materials. This collaborative approach ensures that exhibitions are both engaging and logistically sound, offering valuable cross-departmental experience and insight to Assistant Curators.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Curator, you need a solid background in art history or museum studies, usually with a relevant degree, and experience in research or collection management. Familiarity with collection databases, exhibition planning software, and digital cataloging tools is often required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating on exhibitions and engaging with the public. These skills ensure the accurate care, interpretation, and presentation of collections, contributing to a museum's educational mission and visitor experience.
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Infographic showing various Assistant Curator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,709 per year, or $22 per hour.
Assistant Curator

$42K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


University Of North Florida rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department
MOCA, Curatorial
Compensation
$42,000.00 Annual
General Description
The Assistant Curator reports to the Senior Curator and collaborates with the Curatorial team to support the planning, development, and execution of exhibitions and programs under the Arts UNF umbrella at MOCA and the University of North Florida (UNF) campus. This position assists with the care and interpretation of MOCA and UNF permanent collections, conducts original scholarly research, and ensures adherence to the highest professional standards. The role emphasizes exhibition coordination, research, writing, and community engagement to advance MOCA's mission and enhance audience experience.
Job Functions
Exhibition Development
  • Collaborate with the Senior Curator to plan and implement featured exhibitions and permanent collection presentations.
  • Assist with research, timelines, checklists, and logistics for exhibitions, including securing loans and coordinating with the Registrar and Preparator.
  • Contribute to exhibition interpretation, layouts, and graphic identity.
  • Propose and curate or co-curate exhibitions as assigned.

Research and Writing
  • Draft and edit exhibition texts, including labels, didactics, proposals, and web content.
  • Support the publishing process with proofreading, fact-checking, and publication coordination.
Community Engagement
  • Participate in donor and community relations at events, including receptions, programs and fundraisers, serving as a positive museum representative.
  • Lead exhibition-related public programs and tours for diverse audiences.
  • Cultivate relationships with artists, curators, educators, and cultural institutions nationally and internationally.

Administrative Support
  • Prepare agreements for artists, writers, and designers.
  • Monitor exhibition budgets and assist with departmental planning.
  • Maintain accurate object files and exhibition records.
  • Provide materials for marketing and social media updates.
  • Oversee interns and volunteers assigned to the department.
  • Assist with preparing reports and presentations for Board and committee meetings.
  • Support copyright permissions and image licensing coordination.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Oversees interns and volunteers within the Curatorial Department.
Required Qualifications
Master's and 2+ years of relevant experience or Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219.Departmental Requirements
  • Knowledge of, and experience in, the field of contemporary art.
  • Experience in developing exhibitions.
  • Object-based experience and knowledge of best practices for object handling and care.
  • Strong writing, editing, and research abilities.
  • Proficient in crafting persuasive and informative content.
  • Effective supervisory and leadership skills.
  • Maintain discretion with confidential information.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Team environment with frequent group meeting participation.
  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends, occasional travel.

Statement(s) of Understanding
This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.
The holder of this position is designated as a "Responsible Employee" pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University's Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator
Equal Opportunity
The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.
Carnegie
UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University's collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF's mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.

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