ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Associate Curator Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Studio Museum in Harlem

Archivist

New York, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Job Summary The Archivist will work under the direction of the Director of Collection and Exhibitions and in consort with the Associate Curator, Permanent Collection; Registrar; and Collections ...

American Museum

Curatorial Associate

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$93K - $98K/yr

Curatorial Associate 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 ...

Bronx Childrens Museum

Museum Educator

Bronx, NY · On-site

$20/hr

Visitor Services Manager and Associate Curator of Museum Experiences About The Bronx Children's Museum At the Bronx Children's Museum, we nurture the wonder of childhood, fostering curiosity ...

Bronx Childrens Museum

Museum Educator

New York, NY · On-site

$20/hr

Visitor Services Manager and Associate Curator of Museum Experiences About The Bronx Children's Museum At the Bronx Children's Museum, we nurture the wonder of childhood, fostering curiosity ...

Bronx Childrens Museum

Museum Educator

Bronx, NY

$20/hr

Visitor Services Manager and Associate Curator of Museum Experiences About The Bronx Children's Museum At the Bronx Children's Museum, we nurture the wonder of childhood, fostering curiosity ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Curator JobsAssociate Curator Jobs in New York

Associate Curator information

See New York salary details

$19

$31

$38

How much do associate curator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate curator in New York is $31.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.65 and $34.47 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 New York?

The most popular types of Curator jobs in New York are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in New York are hiring for Associate Curator jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Associate Curator job openings:

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

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

Associate Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Curator job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,329 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Curatorial Research Associate (Part-Time Temporary)

Whitney Museum

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$31.90/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Artport: A History Of Internet Art Exhibition Assistant

The incumbent will support the Curator of Digital Art with the final preparation and installation of the upcoming exhibition artport: a history of internet art. Applications will be accepted until Friday, August 21.

Responsibilities
  • Communication and coordination with artists
  • Serve as a liaison to internal departments including Digital Development, Exhibitions and Collections Management, Publications and Education
  • Coordinate with Art Handling and Production teams; updating institutional records in TMS
  • Mail catalogues to patrons and other key supporters of the exhibition.
  • Coordinate preparation and delivery of exhibition files with artists; assist with organization of an exhibition-related performance and serve as liaison to institutional partners for the performance livestream
  • May support preparation for the opening event; may support preparation for public programs related to the exhibition.
Job Requirements
  • BA required, MA preferred.
  • 2-3 years experience working with cultural institutions.
  • Must have knowledge of net art history and a solid understanding of Web technologies, scripting languages, UI and UX design
  • Experience working with living artists.
Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities Required
  • TMS

Compensation This position is covered by local 2110 Hourly rate: $31.90 Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications?

If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates. Whether you're new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in the arts and culture space and what you hope to bring to this role.

About the Whitney

The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney's mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today.

EEO Statement

The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, pregnancy, partnership status, caregiver status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

Apply