ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Curator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

NOVA Parks

Education Curator

Alexandria, VA

The Education Curator is responsible for overseeing educational programs, a large roster of volunteer tour guides and support site staff in managing the collections and event rentals. This is a year ...

NOVA Parks

Education Curator

Alexandria, VA

The Education Curator is responsible for overseeing educational programs, a large roster of volunteer tour guides and support site staff in managing the collections and event rentals. This is a year ...

Tidewater and Big Bend Foundation

VA · On-site

Museum Curator & Manager of Outreach New Kent, VA Cumberland Estat e is an expansive rural property with 10 historic and 5 contemporary residences dating back to the 18th Century in Tidewater ...

Chenega MIOS SBU

Data Manager / Curator

Arlington, VA · On-site

Chenega Military, Intelligence & Operations Support (MIOS) is seeking a Data Manager / Curator to support data governance, data lifecycle management, and data quality initiatives. The role involves ...

Chenega MIOS

Data Manager / Curator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$137K/yr

Req ID: 40891 Summary Data Manager / Curator Arlington, VA Are you ready to enhance your skills and build your career in a rapidly evolving business climate? Are you looking for a career where ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCurator JobsCurator Jobs in Virginia

Curator information

See Virginia salary details

$25.3K

$72K

$118.5K

How much do curator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for curator in Virginia is $72,004.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $93,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What degree is needed to be a curator?

A curator typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as art history, museum studies, archaeology, or a related discipline. Many positions also prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with experience in collections management, research, or conservation.

What qualifications do I need to be a curator?

A curator typically needs a bachelor's degree in a related field such as art history, museum studies, or archaeology, with many roles preferring a master's degree or higher. Relevant experience through internships or volunteer work, strong research skills, and knowledge of collections management and preservation are also important qualifications.

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, and why are they important?

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 Museum Curators?

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 job of a curator?

A curator is responsible for selecting, organizing, and managing collections of artwork, artifacts, or specimens in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions. They conduct research, develop exhibitions, and ensure proper preservation and documentation of items, often requiring knowledge of art history, science, or related fields. Curators also collaborate with staff and the public to interpret and promote collections effectively.

Do curators get paid well?

Curators' salaries vary depending on the industry, experience, and location, but generally, they earn a median annual wage of around $50,000 to $70,000. Professionals with specialized skills, advanced degrees, or working in high-profile institutions can earn higher salaries. Compensation also depends on the size and funding of the organization and whether the role involves additional responsibilities like research or curation management.

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.

More about Curator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Curator jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Curator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Curator jobs in Virginia? For Curator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Curator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Curator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Curator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Curator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Curator jobs in VA? For Curator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Curator jobs near you
History Program Specialist (Museum Curator)

History Program Specialist (Museum Curator)

Parsons Corporation

Springfield, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Parsons rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 369 rated engineering

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!
At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.
Job Description:
The GEOINT History Program Specialist - Mid, is responsible for the development and execution of the historical program, from research and writing to curation and operations. This individual supports the operation and maintenance of the Customer history archives and all associated material residing in the Historical Research Center, and to preserve and communicate Customer's history to Customer's employees and public affairs mission both internally and externally. Duties include content development and execution, museum support, and Historical Research Center archiving and curation.
Duties Include:
  • Content Development & Execution: Research, develop, and execute a high volume of historical content illustrating Customer's history for both internal and external audiences. Products include articles, brochures, social media posts, podcast production, website content, museum exhibits, and museum tour guides.

  • Historical Research Center Archiving: Archival processing, customary basic preservation procedures, inventorying and entering records metadata, assisting in collaborative efforts with Customer Records Management and the National Archives. Organize archival records and apply the proper classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials while providing reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials. Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials. Answer and receive external phone/email inquiries and ability to conduct the background research to generate a response.

  • Historical Research Center Curation: Record processing for artifacts and assistance with the inventorying and enforcing accountability procedures for historical artifacts in Customer custody. Ensuring measurement and metrics are accurately recorded. Locate new materials and advise government customers on acquisition, preservation, and display possibilities. Assist the Program Manager and Customer Historian on Customer's history audit including attending meetings, working with auditors, and performing curation inspections as required. Work deaccessions forms and reports for items along with managing the removal process from start to finish.

  • Customer Museum Support: Work with other museums on loans, exhibits, artifact solicitation, and advise in acquisition decisions. This also includes researching, developing, and producing historical displays, posters, exhibits, museum experiences, and any museum specific communications about Customer history program. Provide guided tours of the museum and exhibits.

Required Skills:
  • Education: A minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in History, Geography, Library Science, Museum Studies, Museum Science, or a related field. 1-year experience in the career field of curation or a certificate from an approved technical curatorial program in museum management required.

  • Experience: A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in the career field of history, geography, library science, museum studies, or museum science role. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, the candidate must have 5+ years of direct museum practice, artifact preservation, curation, or history-related positions.

  • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities with an eagerness to draft, edit, and proofread materials.

  • Attention to Detail: A high degree of accuracy and thoroughness when completing tasks such as inventorying and entering records metadata or recording the origins and significance of archival materials.

  • Organizational Skills: The ability to assist with multiple tasks and prioritize assignments effectively in a fast-paced support role. Organize archival records and apply the proper classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.

  • Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build effective working relationships with internal colleagues and community partners.

  • Written and Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible language.

Desired Skills:
  • Current/Active TS/SCI clearance or higher.

Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Top Secret security clearance is required for this position.
This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.
The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.
Salary Range: $103,500.00 - $181,100.00
We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!
Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!
Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

What Parsons employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply