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Curator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Curator information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$71.7K

$117.9K

How much do curator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for curator in California is $71,675.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $92,800.00 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.
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Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,675 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Chief Curator, JFCS Holocaust Center

Jewish Family and Children's Services

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
AGENCY OVERVIEW:
Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS) has served the San Francisco Bay Area for 175 years. We offer world-class services to support individuals and families across all stages of life, including adoption, mental health, senior care, disability services, financial assistance, Holocaust education, and youth development. Our mission and work are rooted in Jewish values, and we serve people of all faiths and backgrounds.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS) is developing a new 40,000-square-foot Holocaust Center in San Francisco, scheduled to open in 2029. The Center will serve as a major educational and cultural institution dedicated to Holocaust remembrance, Jewish identity, scholarship, and public education. The facility will include exhibition galleries, classrooms, a research library and archives, and public learning spaces serving educators, students, scholars, and the broader community.
JFCS seeks an accomplished Chief Curator to lead the intellectual and curatorial development of the Center's inaugural exhibitions, occupying more than 10,000 square feet of gallery space and drawing on the extensive holdings of the Tauber Holocaust Library and Archives. Working closely with the exhibition design team, institutional leadership, and education staff, the Chief Curator will guide the development of exhibition narratives, research, collections integration, and interpretive strategy. This role offers a rare opportunity to shape the founding exhibitions of a major new educational institution and contribute to national conversations about Holocaust history, Jewish identity, and the responsibilities of memory.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. The company does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
  • Salary Range: $150,000-170,000 (depending on experience)
  • Employment Type: Full-time, exempt with benefits
  • Hybrid work schedule with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities
  • Employer 403(b) retirement match plus additional employer contribution (subject to eligibility)
  • Cafeteria benefits plan that lets you customize coverage to fit your needs, with options like health insurance, FSAs, retirement plans, and wellness programs
  • 16 holidays (10 federal and up to 6 Jewish holidays), annually
  • 3 weeks of vacation and 2 weeks of sick leave, annually

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead the curatorial vision and interpretive framework for the Holocaust Center's inaugural exhibitions
  • Develop exhibition narratives integrating artifacts, archival materials, and survivor testimony
  • Collaborate with exhibition designers, historians, artists, and partner institutions
  • Author curatorial content including gallery texts, object labels, and interpretive materials
  • Oversee research, artifact loans, and integration of the Tauber Holocaust Library and Archives
  • Present exhibition concepts to leadership, advisory committees, donors, and community stakeholders
  • Contribute to public programs, lectures, and institutional initiatives related to Holocaust education and Jewish Peoplehood
  • Performs other duties and special assignments within the department as may be assigned by their supervisor and executive leadership

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Advanced degree in Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, History, Museum Studies, or related field preferred
  • 8-10 years of experience developing museum exhibitions or major interpretive projects
  • Demonstrated expertise in Holocaust history, Jewish history, or genocide studies
  • Experience working with archival collections, artifacts, and interdisciplinary design teams
  • Strong research, writing, project management, and communication skills
  • Knowledge of the Jewish community, holidays, and cultural activities is not required but is helpful when coordinating or participating in activities with the Jewish Community

**In order to be considered for the role, please attach a separate cover letter addressed to the Director of the Holocaust Center when submitting your application. Your cover letter should explain your interest in the position and describe why your background, skills, and experience make you a strong candidate for the role. Please be specific and detailed in your response.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, including minorities, women, veterans, and disabled individuals. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with Federal, state and local laws, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran, or disability status. JFCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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