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Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The curator is responsible for shaping the season with contrasting exhibitions complementing coinciding exhibits. The position ensures that artists are prepared and able to increase their network ...

The curator is responsible for shaping the season with contrasting exhibitions complementing coinciding exhibits. The position ensures that artists are prepared and able to increase their network ...

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 ...

Curator State Role Title: Hist/Arch & Preserv III Hiring Range: $85,000.00 - $90,000.00 Agency: Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Location: American Revolution Museum at Yorktown Agency Website ...

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We are moving the brand beyond curating and selling products to conceptualizing and selling spaces by building an ecosystem of products, places, services and spaces that elevates and establishes the ...

We are moving the brand beyond curating and selling products to conceptualizing and selling spaces by building an ecosystem of products, places, services and spaces that elevates and establishes the ...

Curator

Naples, FL · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

We are moving the brand beyond curating and selling products to conceptualizing and selling spaces by building an ecosystem of products, places, services and spaces that elevates and establishes the ...

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 ...

Curator of European Painting

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$74.86 - $82.35/hr

The Baltimore Museum of Art seeks a visionary curator to lead its Department of European Painting and Sculpture using a globally oriented and socio-historically grounded curatorial approach. The ...

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 ...

Chief Curator

Waterville, ME · On-site

$130 - $150/hr

The role of Chief Curator presents an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of one of the nation's leading academic museums. Its distinguished collection comprises more than 10,000 artworks ...

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Curator information

See salary details

$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do curator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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 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 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.

Do I need a degree to be a curator?

A degree is often required to become a curator, with many positions requiring a bachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or higher, along with relevant experience and skills in collection management and preservation.

Do curators make a lot of money?

Curators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the institution. Salaries can be higher for senior or specialized curators, especially in large museums or private collections, and often require a relevant degree and knowledge of art, history, or science. Compensation varies widely based on the employer and geographic region.

What qualifications do you need to be a curator?

To become a curator, a bachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, archaeology, or a related field is typically required, with many positions preferring a master's degree or higher. Relevant experience in collections management, research, or exhibition planning, along with strong organizational and communication skills, are also important qualifications.

What cities are hiring for Curator jobs?

Cities with the most Curator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Curator jobs?

The most popular types of Curator jobs are:

What states have the most Curator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Curator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Curator jobs?

For Curator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Curator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Curator

Strathmore

North Bethesda, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY The Mansion at Strathmore is seeking a collaborative and intellectually curious Curator for our Invitational Gallery. The position supports one of Strathmore's core values to Nourish Potential by supporting emerging and mid-career artists within Montgomery County and the DMV Region. The curator is responsible for shaping the season with contrasting exhibitions complementing coinciding exhibits.

The position ensures that artists are prepared and able to increase their network based on their individual exhibition goals. The curator will expand relationships with regional college art programs as well as identify non-traditionally trained artists through various art networks. Other aspects of the job include creating Instagram content to facilitate artist network and growth, generating exhibition interpretation, leading gallery tours, and providing curatorial support in the Sculpture Garden.

This is an in-office, position with telework options, evening hours for events, and 1-2 Saturdays per quarter. RESPONSIBILITIES Identifies potential artists, provides artist background material and exhibition images, and officially invites artists to participate in the season. Additionally, the curator remains in contact with the artists through the artmaking process until the exhibition closes, and artwork is retrieved by buyers and artists.

Manages contracts, stipends and resources effectively in close collaboration with related internal departments. Develops, maintains, and strengthens relationships with members of the broader arts community including artists, curators, educators, writers, journalists, collectors, and cultural institutions in our region. Represents the Invitational Gallery and fosters relationships with regional college art programs, non-traditionally trained artists, or external curators, galleries, artists, to advance our support of emerging artists.

Assists with coordination of logistical needs for artists and studio visits Provides curatorial and administrative support for the sculpture garden, identifying potential artists and helping manage a sculpture rotation plan. Ensures accuracy of information in publications in print and online. Assists in the development, copyediting, design, and production of didactic materials, such as wall text, labels, gallery guides, and other content.