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Costume Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$100K/yr

Reports to: Chief Curator FLSA: United States of America (Exempt) Employment Status : Regular ... A. or Ph.D.) in art history, costume history, or a related field * Demonstrated expertise in ...

About the Team The Jewellery Team is a knowledgeable and passionate group dedicated to assessing and curating a diverse range of jewellery, from costume pieces to precious metals. As one of the ...

About the Team The Jewellery Team is a knowledgeable and passionate group dedicated to assessing and curating a diverse range of jewellery, from costume pieces to precious metals. As one of the ...

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Costume Curator information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do costume curator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for costume curator in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a Costume Curator?

Costume Curators spend their days researching, documenting, and caring for historical or significant garments and accessories within a museum or collection. They manage inventory using specialized databases, design and install costume displays, and collaborate with conservators to ensure preservation standards are met. Additionally, they work closely with educators to develop interpretive materials and may assist in organizing exhibitions or events. This varied role often involves public engagement, such as giving tours or lectures, making each day dynamic and rewarding.

How much do fashion historians get paid?

Fashion historians typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and employment setting. Costume curators and related roles in museums or archives may have similar salary ranges, often requiring specialized knowledge and research skills.

What does a Costume Curator do?

A Costume Curator is responsible for acquiring, preserving, researching, and displaying historical or culturally significant clothing and accessories in museums, galleries, or archives. They work to ensure proper storage and conservation of delicate textiles while also organizing exhibitions and educational programs. Additionally, they may collaborate with researchers, designers, and historians to provide insights into fashion history and material culture.

How to become a curator with no experience?

To become a costume curator with no experience, start by gaining knowledge of costume history and preservation through online courses or volunteering at museums or archives. Building skills in collection management, cataloging, and conservation, along with internships or entry-level positions, can help develop relevant experience for a curator role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Costume Curator position, and why are they important?

A Costume Curator typically needs expertise in historical fashion, textile conservation, collection management, and a relevant degree in museum studies, fashion history, or a related field. Familiarity with cataloging software, conservation tools, and database management systems is also important. Strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help a Costume Curator excel when working with teams and the public. These competencies ensure artifacts are properly preserved, exhibited, and accessible to both scholarly and general audiences.

How much do curators get paid?

The average salary for a costume curator ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the institution. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced curators with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by benefits such as health insurance and professional development opportunities.

What do costume curators do?

Costume curators are responsible for acquiring, preserving, and organizing costume collections for museums, theaters, or archives. They research historical garments, oversee conservation efforts, and may assist with exhibitions or loans, often using tools like cataloging software. Their work ensures costumes are maintained and accessible for display or study.
More about Costume Curator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Costume Curator jobs? The most popular types of Costume Curator jobs are:
What states have the most Costume Curator jobs? States with the most job openings for Costume Curator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Costume Curator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.
Curator of Fashion, Lauren Amos Fashion Project

Curator of Fashion, Lauren Amos Fashion Project

Woodruff Arts Center

$100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 hours ago


Job description

Woodruff Arts Center employees play an integral role in creating and supporting great art and education initiatives at the nation's third largest arts center. Comprised of three Art Partners-Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art-there's a role for everyone at The Woodruff.

Reports to:

Chief Curator

FLSA:

United States of America (Exempt)

Employment Status:

Regular/Full time

About the Role:


The High Museum of Art seeks an innovative and experienced curator with expertise in contemporary fashion to lead the program for its new endeavor, the Lauren Amos Fashion Project.With the North American premiere in fall of 2025 of "Viktor&Rolf. Fashion Statements," the High will mark the first exhibition associated with the Project.

Under the supervision of the Chief Curator, the Curator of Fashion will oversee all aspects of the museum's curatorial program for international contemporary fashion. Leveraging their established relationships with major global fashion houses, patrons, and colleagues, the new curator will be responsible for utilizing their experience and expertise to develop and manage visionary new exhibitions, organize and present affiliated educational programs and special events, and create and publish new scholarship. The successful candidate will have demonstrated ability and success working with and cultivating fashion patrons, developing compelling exhibitions in the field, and managing complex international projects, teams, and budgets. While the museum does not actively collect fashion, the curator will be responsible for envisioning and developing a 5-year strategic plan for the Fashion Project, including an acquisition strategy for very select opportunities to add works by gift to the High's holdings of design. The curator will be committed to working creatively and collaboratively with a diverse group of High staff, patrons, and their network of national and international peers. The position is presently term-limited to five years.

Salary: $100,000
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

    What you will do:

    Exhibitions

    • Plan and manage the development of the High's fashion initiatives
    • Develop and manage highly creative exhibitions including proposing and organizing a major exhibition and select installations of fashion loans
    • Conceive and act as lead author for exhibition catalogues and fashion-related essays and all related texts, including digital content

    Public Programs and Engagement

    • Collaborate effectively with the museum's department of Learning and Civic Engagement to develop, and lead public programs and community events related to fashion
    • Work in partnership with Learning and Civic Engagement staff to develop and produce related interpretive strategies and accompanying materials,
    • Conduct training for docents and provide new opportunities for community outreach

    Patron Stewardship

    • Collaborate with the Development team and others to lead cultivation and stewardship of fashion patrons internationally, including regular participation in tours, events, and related activities
    • Foster and build excellent working relationships with existing and potential patrons, trustees, and museum colleagues across the country and abroad, as well as with the academic community, dealers, and collectors

    Communications

    • Regularly and effectively communicate with museum staff, trustees, colleagues, and others to expand, and facilitate the program of fashion and to ensure that related content, including digital and social media, is creatively and accurately developed and represented
    • Provide tours of relevant exhibitions, respond to scholarly, public, and press inquiries as requested
    • Represent the museum in contemporary fashion circles, professional associations, symposia and other meetings and relevant events

    What will we expect of you:

    • Excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills with designers, colleagues, donors and the public
    • Ability to travel domestically and internationally, as needed
    • Serve as a mentor to fellows, assistants, and interns
    • Exhibit high ethical and professional standards
    • Strong organizational and time-management skills
    • Must be resourceful, creative, flexible, and work positively with staff in a highly collaborative environment

    Education and Experience

    • Minimum five years of experience in curatorial or academic work related to fashion
    • Advanced degree (M.A. or Ph.D.) in art history, costume history, or a related field
    • Demonstrated expertise in contemporary fashion; knowledge of fashion history of the modern era
    • A strong network in the international fashion world and a collaborative, creative mindset
    • Expertise in exhibition and program development and management, including budgets and both national and international collaborations

    Physical Requirements

    • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
    • Some standing, walking, bending, frequent use of hands, stooping and light lifting
    • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

    What you can expect from us/ Benefits of working here

    • Health Insurance
    • Life and AD&D
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Short Term Disability
    • Long Term Disability
    • Flexible Spending Account
    • Employee Assistance Plan
    • 403b (with employer match!)
    • Financial Wellness Program
    • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
    • Paid Time Off
    • Paid Holidays (including employee's birthday!)
    • Discounts and complimentary offers to visit the High Museum, Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra