1

Collections Museum Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Collections Museum information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$29

How much do collections museum jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for collections museum in California is $21.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed for a collections museum position?

To excel in a Museum Collections role, you need a solid background in art history, museum studies, or a related field along with experience in collection management. Familiarity with collection management software such as TMS (The Museum System), barcoding tools, and proper handling and cataloging techniques is vital. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are important soft skills for managing and documenting artifacts. These attributes are crucial for ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of museum collections and for collaborating successfully with curators and other staff.

What is a collections museum?

A Collections Museum job involves managing, preserving, and organizing artifacts, artworks, or historical objects within a museum. Professionals in this role ensure proper documentation, storage, and conservation of collection items. They may also collaborate with curators, researchers, and educators to make collections accessible to the public through exhibitions and programs. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of preservation techniques are essential in this field.

What does a collections museum professional do?

Professionals in museum collections management spend much of their day cataloging and documenting new acquisitions, conducting regular condition checks, and arranging proper storage of artifacts. They frequently collaborate with curators, conservators, and exhibition teams to prepare pieces for display and to ensure collections are maintained according to industry standards. Other responsibilities include managing database records, preparing objects for loans or travel, and responding to research requests from both internal staff and the public. This role requires a balance of hands-on work with physical objects and administrative tasks that support the long-term integrity of the museum’s holdings.

What are popular job titles related to Collections Museum jobs in California?

For Collections Museum jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Collections Museum jobs?

Cities in California with the most Collections Museum job openings:

Infographic showing various Collections Museum job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,062 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Student Museum Collections Assistant

Chapman University

Orange, CA • On-site

$16.90/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Student Title Classification Information
Quick Link
https://chapman.peopleadmin.com/postings/39648
Job Number
SE196824
Position Information
Department or Unit Name
Hilbert Museum
Position Headcount
1
Position Title
Student Museum Collections Assistant
Academic Year
Academic Year 2026-2027
Term or Semester
Fall
Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student?
Grad and Undergrad
Anticipated Pay Range
$16.90
Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
On which Campus will this work be done?
Orange
Approved Supervisor
Emily Valdez
Supervisor Email
evaldez@chapman.edu
Scheduling
Please use dates within Chapman Academic Calendar
(https://www.chapman.edu/academics/academic-calendar.aspx)
Desired Start Date
08/24/2026
Projected End Date
12/12/2026
Average number of hours per week
Up to 19 Hrs
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Provide general support to the Museum Registrar while gaining hands-on experience with museum policies and procedures. Assist with collections management, registration, and exhibition-related tasks. Collaborate with artists, curators, and museum staff on a variety of projects.
Responsibilities
  • Help Registrar with incoming and outgoing artwork condition reports for exhibitions and incoming art donations Learn and assist with art exhibition installations (September and November installations) including art movement and logistics
  • Enforce museum policies and procedures with visitors when needed
  • Research artists and artworks for the artwork database and future exhibitions
  • Regular gallery and artwork maintenance including making sure artwork is safe and secure, light dusting as needed, datalogger maintenance
  • Data entry into artwork database Assist in the research library as needed
  • Administrative tasks (copies, scans, filings, etc.)
  • Assist with additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications
  • Little to minimal prior experience.
  • Must be proficient in computer skills, including Word, Excel, Outlook, google docs, etc.

Desired Qualifications
  • Have an interest in art and/or art history.
  • Friendly and open to conversing with visitors, staff and docents
  • Flexible schedule, weekday hours
  • Good organizational skills and detail-oriented.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must have federal work study and reside in California
Budget Information
Is Federal work-study required?
Yes

What Chapman University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom