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Contract Museum Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do contract museum conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract museum conservation in the United States is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contract museum conservator?

To thrive as a Contract Museum Conservator, you need a solid background in conservation science, art history, and hands-on experience with artifact preservation, typically supported by a relevant degree or certification in conservation. Familiarity with tools like microscopes, spectrometers, and specialized conservation software is essential for assessing and treating diverse materials. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills set exceptional conservators apart, especially when collaborating with museum staff or clients. These competencies ensure the effective preservation of cultural heritage, adherence to ethical standards, and successful project outcomes within defined timeframes.

What is the difference between Contract Museum Conservation vs Contract Art Conservation?

AspectContract Museum ConservationContract Art Conservation
CredentialsTypically requires conservation certifications, degrees in conservation or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often requiring art conservation certifications and specialized training
Work EnvironmentMuseums, cultural institutions, conservation labsArt galleries, private collections, conservation labs
Employer & IndustryMuseums, cultural heritage organizationsArt collectors, galleries, private clients
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles in cultural heritage preservationIndividuals interested in art-specific conservation work

Contract Museum Conservation and Contract Art Conservation share similar credentials and work environments, both focusing on preserving cultural or artistic assets. The main difference lies in their focus: museum conservation emphasizes heritage preservation within institutions, while art conservation centers on individual artworks, often in private settings.

What is a contract museum conservator?

Contract museum conservators are professionals who work on a temporary or project basis to preserve and restore objects, artworks, and artifacts in museums. Unlike staff conservators, they are hired for specific projects or periods, providing specialized expertise for conservation tasks such as assessment, cleaning, stabilization, and repair. They often work independently or with conservation firms and may serve multiple institutions. Their work is vital in ensuring the long-term preservation of cultural heritage items according to ethical and scientific standards.

What are typical challenges faced by contract museum conservators when working on short-term projects?

Contract museum conservators often face challenges such as quickly adapting to new institutional protocols, handling diverse collections within limited timeframes, and balancing the need for thorough documentation with project deadlines. Because contracts are often project-based, conservators may need to coordinate closely with curators, registrars, and other staff to ensure conservation treatments align with exhibit schedules and institutional priorities. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and efficient project management are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful outcomes.
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Infographic showing various Contract Museum Conservation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,215 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Assistant, Associate or Full Conservator - Paintings

slam

Saint Louis, MO

$88K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Applications received by July 24 will be given preference. Positions will remain open until filled.

Summary:  Produces examinations, proposals, and other related documentation for collections objects, considered acquisitions, and loans from other entities. Conducts treatment on collection objects and provides recommendations for care and risk reduction. Consults with curators and external clients on preservation and treatment strategies. Assesses and reports the suitability of collection objects for loan and when necessary acts as a courier. Collaboratively advises museum staff and contractors on packing, handling, storage, installation, and environmental conditions required for collection objects. Assists with departmental planning, exhibition proposal review, and policy development & establishment. Assists with supervision of technicians, interns, and volunteers. Performs other duties according to the priorities assigned by senior staff

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Examine, document and treat art works in the Museum’s permanent collection and on loan under supervision of senior staff.
  • Design and carry out conservation treatment in consultation with Curators and stakeholders.
  • Provide written and photographic documentation to record condition of objects, treatments proposed, and treatments performed according to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
  • Carry out and/or facilitate study and analysis of works in the collection in support of curatorial, treatment, or research projects.
  • Produce presentations and/or publications for the advancement of the field and to highlight research initiatives.
  • Maintain professional networks and continuing education opportunities to remain current with best practices and philosophies.
  • Identify, solicit, and contract specialized vendors to supplement the museum’s in-house equipment or analytical capabilities.
  • Recommend other Conservators outside their field of expertise to consult and/or contract on projects, as needed.
  • Assist with the supervision of technicians, interns, and volunteers.
  • Advise on preventative maintenance in the Museum as a whole in the areas of environment, pest management, display, handling, packing, storage, and installation.
  • Work collaboratively with the Curator, Designer, Mountmaker and Preparators on the design of appropriate measures for display and/or storage.
  • Examine artworks prior to acquisition to aid the Curatorial staff in determining their physical and aesthetic condition, as well as their authenticity.
  • Examine works requested for loan to determine suitability for travel and to document their condition and advise on any special packing and shipping considerations.
  • Act as a courier for works of art, particularly objects with condition or handling concerns.
  • Monitor stock and order conservation supplies for the lab and specific projects.
  • Assist with public outreach, programs, and fundraising initiatives.

Assistant Conservator Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree from an accredited conservation program or its equivalent and full-time post-graduate experience practicing conservation in their field of specialty.
  • Familiarity with and adherence to the American Institute for Conservation’s (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
  • Experience in The Museum System (TMS) collections database or equivalent content management system, facility in digital documentation and  productivity software, and experience.

 

Additional Details:
Pay Range
: $60,561 – $74,187/year, commensurate with experience

Status: Regular, Full-Time

Associate Conservator Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree from an accredited conservation program or its equivalent and minimum of 5 years full-time post-graduate experience practicing conservation in their field of specialty.
  • Familiarity with and adherence to the American Institute for Conservation’s (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
  • Experience in The Museum System (TMS) collections database or equivalent content management system, facility in digital documentation and productivity software.

Additional Details:
Pay Range
: $68,131 – $83,461/year, commensurate with experience

Status: Regular, Full-Time

Conservator Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree from an accredited conservation program or its equivalent and 8 or more years full-time post-graduate experience practicing conservation in their field of specialty.
  • Familiarity with and adherence to the American Institute for Conservation’s (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
  • Experience in The Museum System (TMS) collections database or equivalent content management system, facility in digital documentation and productivity software
  • Experience working in a Fine Arts museum is preferred

Additional Details:
Pay Range
: $88,302 – $110,377/year, commensurate with experience

Status: Regular, Full-Time

The Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience, without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.