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Associate Curator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RH

Visual Merchandising Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We are moving the brand beyond curating and selling products to conceptualizing and selling spaces ... RH is seeking a Curating Associate with a passion for design and home furnishings. This role is ...

RH

Visual Merchandising Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$29 - $33/hr

We are moving the brand beyond curating and selling products to conceptualizing and selling spaces ... RH is seeking a Curating Associate with a passion for design and home furnishings. This role is ...

Marriott

Spa Front Desk Curator

Truckee, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated.Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our ...

Adams Street Partners

Associate, Primary

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Associate will work closely with our US Primary Investments Team, and the role offers a ... and existing clients, curating presentation materials, preparing RFPs and other client ...

RH

Bar & Coffee Associate

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

As a Wine Bar & Coffee Associate, you will guide guests through each phase of their beverage ... Maintain the cleanliness, curation, and organization of the Wine Bar, storage areas, and related ...

RH

Bar & Coffee Associate

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

As a Wine Bar & Coffee Associate, you will guide guests through each phase of their beverage ... Maintain the cleanliness, curation, and organization of the Wine Bar, storage areas, and related ...

RH

Bar & Coffee Associate

Corte Madera, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

As a Wine Bar & Coffee Associate, you will guide guests through each phase of their beverage ... Maintain the cleanliness, curation, and organization of the Wine Bar, storage areas, and related ...

RH

Bar & Coffee Associate

Corte Madera, CA

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

As a Wine Bar & Coffee Associate, you will guide guests through each phase of their beverage ... Maintain the cleanliness, curation, and organization of the Wine Bar, storage areas, and related ...

Aritzia

Inventory Associate - Topanga

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $30/hr

This is a unique opportunity to be part of the team responsible for curating a beautiful ... As the Inventory Associate, you will support with the movement of merchandise into and out of the ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAssociate Curator JobsAssociate Curator Jobs in California

Associate Curator information

See California salary details

$17

$28

$34

How much do associate curator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate curator in California is $28.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.87 and $31.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate curator?

Associate Curators are museum or gallery professionals responsible for assisting in the development, organization, and management of collections and exhibitions. They work closely with senior curators to research, acquire, and interpret objects or artworks, and may also help design and implement educational programs. Their role often involves cataloging items, preparing materials for display, and collaborating with other departments to enhance the visitor experience. Associate Curators are typically early- to mid-career professionals who contribute to both the scholarly and practical aspects of a museum or gallery’s mission.

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

To thrive as an Associate Curator, you need a solid background in art history or a related field, often supported by a master's degree and prior museum experience. Familiarity with collection management systems, exhibition planning software, and research databases is typically required. Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills help you coordinate exhibitions and engage diverse audiences. These competencies ensure effective stewardship of collections, successful programming, and enhanced visitor experiences.

What are some typical challenges faced by an associate curator when developing new exhibitions?

Associate Curators often navigate challenges such as balancing scholarly research with audience engagement, managing tight deadlines, and coordinating with multiple departments like education, marketing, and installation teams. They must ensure that the exhibition aligns with the institution's mission and collection strengths while also appealing to a diverse audience. Additionally, Associate Curators regularly collaborate with artists, lenders, and conservators, which requires strong communication and organizational skills.

What is the difference between Associate Curator vs Collections Manager?

AspectAssociate CuratorCollections Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in art, history, or related field; experience in curationBachelor's degree; experience in collections management, preservation, or related field
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, cultural institutionsMuseums, archives, cultural institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in museums and galleries for curatorial rolesUsed in museums and cultural institutions for managing collections
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles involving curation and collection oversightCompared with curatorial roles for collection management responsibilities

The Associate Curator primarily focuses on developing exhibitions, researching collections, and assisting with curation. The Collections Manager handles the preservation, cataloging, and physical management of collections. While both roles work closely within museums, the Associate Curator emphasizes research and exhibition planning, whereas the Collections Manager concentrates on collection care and logistics.

Do I need a degree to be an associate curator?

An associate curator typically benefits from a bachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field, though requirements can vary by employer. Relevant experience, internships, and knowledge of collections management are also important for this role.

Is an associate curator higher than an assistant curator?

Yes, an associate curator is generally higher than an assistant curator. The associate curator typically has more experience, responsibilities, and authority in managing collections and exhibitions, while the assistant curator supports these tasks and often is earlier in their career. Career progression usually moves from assistant to associate to senior or chief curator roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Curator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Curator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Curator jobs in California?

For Associate Curator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Curator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Curator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Curator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Curator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Curator jobs in CA?

For Associate Curator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Associate Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Curator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,932 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Visual Merchandising Associate

RH

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Restoration Hardware rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 62 rated furniture retailers

Job description

RH at its core is about taste, and we believe the idea of scaling taste is large and far reaching.

The RH brand attracts the best designers, artisans, manufacturers and talent in our industry, scaling and rendering their work more valuable across our integrated platform, enabling us to curate the most compelling collection of luxury home furnishings in the world. We are moving the brand beyond curating and selling products to conceptualizing and selling spaces by building an ecosystem of products, places, services and spaces that elevates and establishes the RH brand as a global thought leader, taste and place maker.

At RH we believe deeply that the "right" people are our greatest asset. We value people with high energy, who possess the ability to energize others. People who are smart, creative and have a point of view. People who see the answer in every problem, versus those who see the problem in every answer. People who are driven, determined and won't take "no" for an answer. We value team players, people who are more concerned with what's right, rather than who's right.

RH is seeking a Curating Associate with a passion for design and home furnishings. This role is ideal for those with a sense of personal style, polished appearance, refined taste and a discerning eye for luxury. 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Live Our Vision, Values and Beliefs every day
  • Represent the RH brand through polished communication, personal appearance and professionalism through the lens of refined taste
  • Work with the Gallery Leadership Team, Curators and corporate partners to execute creative vision, elevate the client experience, and drive sales
  • Continuously drive results through team engagement, empowerment and accountability
  • Coordinate and execute merchandise floor sets while upholding visual integrity of the Gallery
  • Train and mentor the Gallery team on floor sets, quality and visual standards, signage and graphics updates, gallery maintenance, recovery and cleanliness
  • Assist in maintaining inventory integrity
  • Read and audit planograms, visual maps and offer creative point of view on company directives
  • Learn and communicate the RH design ethos, product assortment and product care

OUR REQUIREMENTS

  • 2+ years of visual merchandising experience in luxury retail or related field
  • Excellent technical ability to leverage multiple platforms to track inventory and request replacements
  • Strategic, highly organized and results-oriented
  • Commitment to quality with meticulous attention to detail 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to multitask, be flexible, prioritize and overcome obstacles with creative problem solving and cross-functional partnerships
  • Experience embracing change to deliver top results with a positive attitude no matter what the obstacle
  • Background creating positive and healthy work environments in which people strive to do their best
  • Proficiency with Mac Operating System, IOS devices, Microsoft Office and Google Applications

OUR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to lift and mobilize small to medium items up to 30 lbs. while utilizing appropriate equipment and techniques
  • Ability to maneuver effectively around gallery floor, stock room and office
  • Basic knowledge of operating power tools
  • Position entails prolonged standing, twisting, stooping, kneeling, squatting, bending and climbing
RH is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal or state law or local ordinance.

At RH, we are committed to promoting pay equity. Rate of pay is determined based on each individual's experience, qualifications, and the geographic location of the role.

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