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Associate Museum Curator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Associate Museum Curator information

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$17

$28

$34

How much do associate museum curator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate museum curator in Virginia is $28.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.96 and $31.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Museum Curator vs Museum Curator?

AspectAssociate Museum CuratorMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or related field; some experienceSimilar educational background; often more experience required
Work EnvironmentAssist with exhibitions, collections, and research under supervisionLead projects, make curatorial decisions, oversee collections
Employer & Industry UsageCommon entry-level or mid-level role in museums and galleriesSenior or lead role in similar institutions
Search & Comparison IntentYes, often compared for career progressionYes, as a more advanced position

The Associate Museum Curator typically supports curatorial activities, assisting with collections and exhibitions, often as an entry or mid-level role. The Museum Curator holds more responsibility, leading projects and making key decisions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Museum Curator usually has more experience and authority within the museum setting.

How much do you get paid as an associate museum curator?

The average salary for an associate museum curator in the United States ranges from $40,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the size of the institution. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or advanced degrees can earn higher salaries. Benefits often include health insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.

What are the typical responsibilities of an associate museum curator, and how do they collaborate with other museum staff?

An Associate Museum Curator is often responsible for assisting with the development, organization, and interpretation of museum collections and exhibitions. They frequently conduct research, help manage collections, and contribute to exhibition planning and installation. Collaboration is key in this role, as Associate Curators regularly work with educators, registrars, conservators, and marketing staff to ensure exhibitions are well-researched, preserved, and effectively communicated to the public. This teamwork helps create engaging and educational experiences for museum visitors.

Do associate museum curators get paid a lot?

Associate museum curators typically earn a moderate salary that varies by institution, location, and experience. Entry-level positions may pay less, while those with more experience or specialized skills can earn higher wages, often supplemented by benefits such as health insurance and professional development opportunities.

What does an associate museum curator do?

An Associate Museum Curator assists in managing and developing museum collections, planning exhibitions, and conducting research on artifacts or artworks. They often work under the supervision of a senior curator and collaborate with other museum staff to ensure the proper care and display of items. Their responsibilities can also include writing catalog descriptions, organizing educational programs, and engaging with the public to promote the museum’s mission. Overall, they play a vital role in shaping the museum's offerings and contributing to scholarly research.

How hard is it to get a job as an associate museum curator?

Securing an associate museum curator position typically requires a relevant master's degree in art history, archaeology, or a related field, along with prior experience such as internships or assistant roles. Competition can be high, and candidates often need strong research, organizational, and communication skills, as well as familiarity with collections management tools.

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

To thrive as an Associate Museum Curator, you generally need a background in art history or a related field, research skills, and experience with collections management. Familiarity with museum collection databases, cataloguing systems, and sometimes certifications in museum studies are commonly required. Strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with staff and engaging the public. These competencies ensure the preservation, interpretation, and accessibility of collections, which are essential for the museum's mission and visitor experience.

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

The most popular types of Museum Curator jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Associate Museum Curator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Associate Museum Curator job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Museum Curator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,202 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Assistant Conservator of Paper

Colonial Williamsburg

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

$19.47 - $29.28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Colonial Williamsburg rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 29 rated museums


Job description

Who We Are
Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is "that the future may learn from the past" through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia's colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.
Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.
Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today's evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.
About the Position
The Assistant Conservator of Paper is responsible for enhancing the protection and preservation of Colonial Williamsburg's cultural assets by, in consultation with the specialist curators and Associate Conservator, Paper, examining paper objects from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's collection, designing, and proposing treatment protocols, and carrying out conservation treatments. The Assistant Conservator carries out condition assessments and treatments in accordance with research and exhibition objectives.
***Must reside in or be ready to relocate to Virginia***
Essential Functions:
  1. Performs treatments on the Foundation's various paper collection objects using recognized conservation techniques in compliance with the Code of Ethics of the American Institute for Conservation and in consultation with curatorial staff. Examines objects, prepares written treatment proposals, performs treatments, and prepares treatment reports complete with photo-documentation. Confers with supervisor, conservation staff, and curators on complex projects. Collaborates with other conservators to treat or advise on care of paper objects as needed.
  2. Conducts conservation assessments of the Foundation's various paper collections.
  3. Establishes and documents preservation state and condition of paper objects as requested; including those being considered for accession, deaccession, exhibition and loan.
  4. Assists in management of day-to-day operation of paper lab including ordering supplies and materials, handling paperwork, inputting treatment information in the collections database, and maintaining lab space and equipment.
  5. Assists in the supervision and training of technicians, interns, and volunteers in the paper lab.
  6. Maintains awareness of state-of-the-art techniques in the conservation field.
  7. Carries out research and related analysis to support treatment projects, test new materials, applications, or methodologies as other responsibilities allow.
  8. Fabricates storage systems, exhibition supports, and packs/moves objects as needed.
  9. Prepares and delivers public and professional lectures and demonstrations on conservation theory and techniques. Publishes new research in book or article form as other responsibilities allow. Contributes to and/or leads public tours. Contributes to social media efforts.
  10. Performs other related duties as required.

Required and Preferred Education and Experience:
Required:
  1. Graduate degree in conservation plus two years conservation experience in recognized institutions - or the equivalent technical education and experience.
  2. Demonstrable history of proposed, completed, and documented treatments.

Preferred:
  1. Supervisory and administrative experience.
  2. Familiarity with workplace safety practices.
  3. Membership in a professional conservation organization.

Qualifications:
  1. Detailed knowledge of traditional decorative, fine, and folk art as well as library special collection and corporate archive materials and techniques with a focus on paper artifacts.
  2. Highly developed hand skills.
  3. Detailed knowledge of conservation materials and experience in applying state-of-the-art conservation methodologies.
  4. Knowledge of the environment and environmental/materials interactions.
  5. Scientific knowledge sufficient for undertaking in-depth examination and analysis of objects, performing treatments and following necessary literature and reports.
  6. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to follow instructions orally and in writing.
  7. Shares workspace respectfully with others, can work independently and with a team. Able to plan and schedule time.

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.
Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.
Range: $19.47 to $29.28
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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