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Contract Museum Cataloging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adler Planetarium

Librarian/Archivist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$52K - $60K/yr

Today, the museum typically hosts more than half a million visitors annually and reaches millions ... Performing copy and original cataloging of rare and modern books * Researching and writing finding ...

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Contract Museum Cataloging information

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$31.5K

$44.2K

$56K

How much do contract museum cataloging jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract museum cataloging in the United States is $44,195.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $48,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Museum Cataloger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Museum Cataloger, you need expertise in artifact identification, collections management, and accurate data entry, usually supported by a degree in museum studies, history, or a related field. Familiarity with collections management systems (such as PastPerfect or TMS) and digital cataloging standards is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and facilitate collaboration with museum staff. These skills are crucial for maintaining precise records, preserving collections, and supporting public access and research.

What are some common challenges faced when cataloging museum collections on a contract basis?

Contract museum catalogers often encounter challenges such as working with incomplete or inconsistent historical records, deciphering handwritten documentation, and standardizing catalog entries to meet institutional guidelines. Since contract positions may require adapting quickly to new database systems and workflow procedures, effective communication with curators and permanent staff is crucial. Additionally, managing tight project deadlines while ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in cataloging can be demanding, but strong organizational skills and attention to detail help overcome these obstacles.

What is contract museum cataloging?

Contract museum cataloging involves hiring professionals on a temporary or project basis to document, organize, and input information about artifacts or artworks into a museum’s database. These catalogers ensure that each item in a museum’s collection is accurately described, photographed, and recorded according to professional standards. This work helps museums track, preserve, and share their collections with researchers and the public. Contract catalogers may work on-site or remotely, and their tasks can range from data entry to advanced research about objects.

What is the difference between Contract Museum Cataloging vs Contract Archivist?

AspectContract Museum CatalogingContract Archivist
CredentialsTypically requires a library or museum studies degree, cataloging certificationsRequires archival certification, history or library science degree
Work EnvironmentMuseums, cultural institutions, galleriesArchives, historical societies, government agencies
Industry UsageCommonly used in museums and cultural sectorsUsed in archival and historical preservation fields
Job FocusOrganizing and cataloging museum collectionsPreserving and organizing archival records

Contract Museum Cataloging and Contract Archivist roles both involve organizing and preserving collections, but they differ in focus and environment. Museum catalogers work primarily with museum collections, while archivists focus on archival records. Credentials and certifications overlap, but industry usage varies based on the type of institution.

More about Contract Museum Cataloging jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Museum Cataloging jobs? Cities with the most Contract Museum Cataloging job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Cataloging jobs? The most popular types of Museum Cataloging jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Museum Cataloging jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Museum Cataloging jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Museum Cataloging jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Museum Cataloging jobs are:
Contract Museum Cataloging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Museum Cataloging job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,195 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Manager II #11462

Manager II #11462

Daytona State College

Daytona Beach, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Daytona State College rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

376th of 539 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Daytona Beach
Job Type: Staff - Full-Time
Job Number: 202500425
Department: SE Museum of Photography
Opening Date: 04/30/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelors degree in Fine Art, Photography, Museum Studies, Art History or a closely related field
  • Four (4) years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree and work experience in a museum setting
Working Hours:
  • Evening and weekend hours are required as needed

Key Responsibilities:
  • Supervises temporary and permanent exhibition preparation, design, logistics, organization and installation as well as art handling, packing, shipping, and scheduling; coordinates all borrowing and lending of objects, oversees all records, files, photography and collection management software.
  • Supervises, trains, and evaluates support staff, student interns and workers. Responds to inquiries and/or concerns from students, staff, or the general public to solve problems or discrepancies.
  • Maintains museum collection policies and procedures including proper identification, correspondence, donation paperwork, accession records, cataloging, storage, conservation, preservation, loan, freight, insurance, and display.
  • Coordinates technical and organizational support for museum programs, classes, and lectures. Researches and troubleshoots areas that need development, reviews and evaluates information and activities in order to ensure completion of assignments or make recommendations for improvement.
  • Prepares contracts, agreements, condition reports, Bills of Lading and documentation pertaining to loans. Manages daily museum operations including maintenance, security, facilities and oversee museum construction and maintenance activity. Develops and implements programs to accomplish goals and improve operations.
  • Oversees the production of exhibition wall text, interpretive panels, signage, didactic labels, gallery notes, visitor packets and other support materials. Maintains appropriate records of all exhibitions, program activities, including statistics, sample works, photographic documentation, archives, and ephemera. Prepares and maintains budgets and various reports, records, and/or programs
  • Coordinates information and arrangements with registrars, art handlers, consultants, and media representatives. Maintains the museum website with current exhibition, program and education information. Provides technical and organizational support to college and K-12 faculty to develop materials for these audiences.
  • Maintains appropriate environmental conditions in all exhibitions, collection, preparation and study areas. Assists with the design of education programs to enhance the value of the museum's exhibitions. Assists with the production of the museum's exhibition, brochure, print and calendar materials. Assists with implementation of publicity and marketing activities for the museum. Coordinates with different departments to facilitate the implementation of plans, projects and/or programs.
  • Attends or conducts staff meetings to exchange information; attends in-service training and classes, seminars, or conferences to improve professional skills. Performs related tasks as necessary such as serving on committees.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
  • Have the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Operate a PC, keyboard and mouse, and sit and view a computer screen for extended periods of time.
  • Must have good customer service skills.
  • Must have knowledge of computers, peripherals, and software programs such as work processing and spreadsheets and have strong organizational skills.

This position may be subject to a criminal background screening as a condition of employment.
If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at 386-506-4505 or email
Daytona State College is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer. Click to view the College's statement of non-discrimination.
Daytona State College offers a variety of benefits to our regular full-time employees, including:
Health Insurance:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Retirement Options:
  • Florida Retirement System Pension Plan
    • Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP)
  • Florida Retirement System Investment Plan
  • State Community College System Optional Retirement Program (SCCSORP)
  • 403(b) and 457(b) Retirement Savings Accounts
Supplemental Insurance:
  • College Paid Basic Life Insurance
  • Voluntary and Dependent Life Insurance
  • Sick Leave Pool
  • Cancer Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
Paid Time Off:
  • Vacation & Sick Leave
  • Holidays & College Breaks
Holidays:
Daytona State College observes the following holidays annually:
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King Day
  • Washington's Birthday
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veteran's Day
  • Thanksgiving & the following day
  • Christmas Day
Additional Benefits:
  • Tuition Reimbursement for employees as well as their spouses and dependents
  • Onsite Wellness/Fitness Center
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Please note: Adjunct, part-time and temporary full-time staff may be eligible for certain benefits if qualification criteria are met.

Apply