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Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elixir Technologies

Curator

New Orleans, LA · On-site

The Curator participates in the research, proposal, and documentation of acquisitions; publication and presentation on the collection; and will serve as lead on exhibition projects, including the ...

Audubon Institute

Curator of Birds

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$67K/yr

Curator of Birds Department: Animal Reports To: General Curator Location: Audubon Zoo FLSA Status: Exempt Position Type: Full Time Who We Are Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon ...

City of Mesa

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ

$75K - $102K/yr

The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of the Arizona Museum for Natural History for the fields of natural and social sciences. Responsibilities ...

University of Kansas

Student Curator

Lawrence, KS · On-site

Meet with supervisory librarian at regular intervals for updates and feedback. ,KU Libraries seek motivated and creative student curator(s) to showcase library book collections in an exhibition. This ...

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Curator

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$60K/yr

Position Information Position Information Working Title Curator Department International Quilt Museum-5976 Requisition Number S_260450 Posting Open Date 06/19/2026 Application Review Date: (To ensure ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of the Arizona Museum for Natural History for the fields of natural and social sciences. Responsibilities ...

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Curator information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 common challenges curators face when planning exhibitions, and how can they overcome them?

Curators often encounter challenges such as balancing artistic vision with budget constraints, managing loan agreements for artworks, and coordinating logistics for installation. They also need to ensure that exhibitions are accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. To overcome these challenges, curators frequently collaborate with educators, registrars, designers, and conservators, and rely on strong project management and communication skills to bring exhibitions to fruition while aligning with institutional goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a curator?

To thrive as a Curator, you typically need expertise in art history or a related field, often supported by a master's degree and relevant museum experience. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital cataloging tools, and conservation techniques is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences set outstanding curators apart. These skills ensure the effective preservation, interpretation, and presentation of collections, which are critical for engaging the public and safeguarding cultural heritage.

What is a curator?

Museum curators work with the collection of an entire museum. Part of your job in this career is to oversee the acquisition of new pieces to a collection, either by directly arranging to purchase a piece or providing advice on what pieces to add. You also work with other museums and private collectors in order to arrange for loans and traveling exhibitions. As a museum curator, your duties include supervising staff members, advising on conservation, and writing grant proposals and museum literature. You are also in charge of meeting with trustees and managing programs and research projects that enhance the museum’s mission.

What does a curator do?

A curator is responsible for managing and overseeing collections of artwork, historical items, or scientific specimens in museums, galleries, or similar institutions. Their duties often include acquiring new items, organizing exhibitions, conducting research, and ensuring proper care and documentation of the collection. Curators also work to engage the public through educational programs and collaborate with other professionals in the field. They play a key role in shaping the narrative and presentation of a collection to educate and inspire visitors.

What is the difference between Curator vs Archivist?

AspectCuratorArchivist
Required CredentialsTypically a master's degree in museum studies, history, or related fieldOften a master's degree in library science, archival studies, or history
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, cultural institutionsArchives, libraries, historical repositories
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in museums and cultural organizations to manage collectionsUsed in archives and institutions to preserve and organize records

While both roles involve managing collections, a Curator primarily oversees museum exhibits and educational programs, whereas an Archivist focuses on preserving and organizing historical records and documents. Both require specialized education and work in cultural or historical settings, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

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Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Curator

Elixir Technologies

New Orleans, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The National WWII Museum is currently seeking a Curator. Reporting to the Senior Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs, the Curator is a vital member of the curatorial team and works closely with collections, archives, digitization, exhibits, and education staff members. The Curator participates in the research, proposal, and documentation of acquisitions; publication and presentation on the collection; and will serve as lead on exhibition projects, including the proposal of exhibition themes. This position requires extensive knowledge of WWII material culture, strong written and verbal communication skills, precise attention to detail, and the ability to communicate and work with both scholarly audiences and the general public. A demonstrated team player, the Curator must be able to work independently and collaboratively with a small staff and vigorous work schedule under the guidance of the Senior Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs.
Requirements
Collections
  • Work with the entire curatorial team on donor relations and regularly participate in the Museum's Acquisition Review Committee
  • Evaluate, propose, and organize new collections to fill gaps within the Museum's collection
  • Inventory, catalog, and document artifacts and archival items in the Museum's collection management system (Ke EMu)
  • Research, compile, and prepare written information about collections for publication on the institution's website and other channels

Exhibits
  • Investigate and develop opportunities for temporary special exhibitions in support of the Museum's mission, preparing exhibition proposals 3-4 years in advance for review and approval by department heads and by the President & CEO
  • Actively participate in the development of permanent exhibits and other special projects as needed
  • Select and prepare items for rotation in permanent exhibits across the Museum's campus as assigned

Education/Programs
  • Work with members of Education to develop, produce, and analyze exhibition-related programming, educational materials, and didactics
  • Prepare and present lectures and other public programs
  • Conduct and/or organize tours, workshops, and instructional sessions to acquaint individuals with the Museum's collections
  • Present on collections and exhibitions to the general public through gallery walks, print and online articles, media opportunities and other venues

Research
  • Conduct original research on the Museum collections and present and/or publish research in academic and scholarly venues and at appropriate conferences
  • Identify and coordinate research opportunities for scholars and students

Fundraising
  • Provide support in the preparation of grants and other funding proposals to generate revenue in support of curatorial, collections, and exhibit initiatives
  • Provide information, ideas, suggestions, and assistance to the Institutional Advancement department in the formulation of sponsorship packages for programs, events, exhibits, and other activities

Marketing and Communications
  • Provide information and assistance to Marketing and Communications department to develop communication and marketing materials and strategies regarding collections, exhibitions, and programs

Qualifications
  • MA in History, Museum Science or related specialty
  • Minimum of four years' experience in a curatorial role at a history museum, cultural center, or similar institution
  • Extensive knowledge of the American Experience during World War II with emphasis on World War II-era material culture; specialization preferred
  • Thorough knowledge of cataloging procedures and standards with a demonstrated ability to work with computerized collections databases
  • Thorough understanding of best practices for collection stewardship
  • Exceptional research and verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong project management and organizational skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work well with colleagues, other employees, donors, lenders, and guests
  • Willingness to work evenings or weekends during special events or heavy visitation periods
  • Willingness to participate in other duties of a manual nature such as moving and warehousing collections, installation of exhibits, and moving/driving macro-artifacts as required

In addition to offering competitive wages, the Museum's benefits package includes:
  • Medical insurance - 2 plan options; Museum pays 75% of premium
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • 401(k) - Museum matches 50% of employee contribution up to 6%; employer contribution full vested after 3 years of employment
  • Life insurance and AD&D - $15,000 policy employer paid; additional life and AD&D available
  • Long term disability insurance
  • Paid vacation and sick leave, 10 paid holidays per year
  • Free parking
  • Tuition assistance and professional development
  • Employee assistance program

The National WWII Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks diversity in its workforce. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including age, sex, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.

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