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Associate Curator Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Curating programs and activities based on children's interests and learning styles. * Maintaining a ... Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education/related field OR Child Development Associate (CDA ...

By curating a Network of Excellence comprised of the nation's top specialists for surgery, cancer ... Job Overview The Strategy Analyst / Associate is a high-visibility, hands-on, and dynamic role ...

By curating a Network of Excellence comprised of the nation's top specialists for surgery, cancer ... Job Overview The Strategy Analyst / Associate is a high-visibility, hands-on, and dynamic role ...

Associate Curator information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$17

$28

$34

How much do associate curator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate curator in Rochester, NY 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 popular job titles related to Associate Curator jobs in Rochester, NY?

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

What job categories do people searching Associate Curator jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Curator jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Associate Curator jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Associate Curator job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Curator job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,918 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

$18.50 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Center: Leroy, NY

Pay Range: $18.50 - $20.50 per hour

Job Type: Full-Time 

No evenings or weekends!

Build your career in the early childhood education field and become a valued member of our team at BrightPath Kids, formerly Imagination Station! As a proud member of BrightPath Kids and Busy Bees global childcare community, we offer exceptional opportunities for your career to thrive. Join our diverse community of over 5,000 dedicated employees, and experience competitive pay and benefits, including a childcare discount. With our rapid growth, now is the perfect time to apply and shape an extraordinary future with us. Unleash your potential and join BrightPath Kids today!

What will you be doing?

As a Lead Teacher, you will work side-by-side with teachers and families to provide a home away from home for children in our care, according to NAEYC guidelines. Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the safety and supervision of children ages 6 weeks – 12 years in one assigned classroom.
• Creating developmentally appropriate curriculum according to NAEYC standards.
• Curating programs and activities based on children’s interests and learning styles.
• Maintaining a warm and safe environment that is clean and permits children to grow and explore.
• Partnering with families to create plans to provide the best care and education for their children.
• Providing effective communication with parents/guardians about their child.
Top Reasons to join BrightPath Kids:

• We offer a generous child care discount to ALL employees so that your family can take advantage of our great learning environment!
• All of our staff receive weekly paychecks.
• All staff are eligible to participate in the 401(k) program which offers a company match – this is free money!
• We will support your long-term career goals by offering opportunities for professional development.
• Full-time staff accrue paid time off in their first year.
• Full-time staff are offered health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance.
Requirements:

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education/related field OR Child Development Associate (CDA) credential OR 12 credits in Early Childhood Education courses required
• 2+ years of experience in a licensed child care facility preferred
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to multitask and remain organized 
• Ability to work within regular operating hours 
• Must meet state criteria for child care employment
If this sounds like a good fit, we want to meet you! Please submit your application today.