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Curator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

HC Lead Style Curator

Mclean, VA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

About Hive & Colony Hive & Colony merges fashion and technology to create premium, tailor-made suits and shirts for men. We offer a wide selection of made-to-measure fabrics for suits, pants, blazers ...

As the Project Lead I for the H4D (Hacking for Defense) line of effort, you will specifically own the end-to-end problem curation pipeline. In this role, you are responsible for guiding sourced ...

Showing results 21-40

Curator information

See Virginia salary details

$25.3K

$72K

$118.5K

How much do curator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Curator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 53% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,004 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Data Management and Curation Consultant

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT)

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

$57 - $69/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description

The Data Management and Curation Consultant provides expert guidance to researchers and students on data management activities across the research enterprise at Virginia Tech. This position has responsibility for providing advice on data management planning, data curation, and data sharing. Using best practices and emerging standards, they will design, implement, and evaluate data curation, preservation, and transformation strategies to research data stewarded and preserved by the Library. They will consult with researchers on their data management needs, including research using AI applications, and will provide specialized, scholarly services to research teams seeking federal and private funding. They will also engage in scholarly activities related to these responsibilities.

Required Qualifications
  • A terminal degree in a field related to the job duties, such as a Masters in Library and/or Information Science (MLS, MLIS, MIS, etc) from an ALA-accredited graduate program
  • Demonstrated experience in service provision/working with clients
  • Coursework or experience using data in a disciplinary research setting, e.g. agriculture, environmental science, etc
  • Demonstrated experience in public presentation, oral and written communication
  • Problem solving skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently
  • Demonstrated experience reading, executing, and troubleshooting code
  • Demonstrated experience in any of the following: research data documentation, research data archiving, research data publication, secondary use of research data
Preferred Qualifications
  • An active research agenda demonstrated through published scholarly work
  • Demonstrated experience in working in a collaborative team-based environment
  • Demonstrated experience in development and/or delivery of guidance or training to faculty or students
  • Demonstrated experience with repository operation and/or administration
  • Demonstrated experience in metadata creation and management
  • Demonstrated experience in service program planning and development
  • Demonstrated experience in data management planning and writing/reviewing of data management plans for funding proposals
  • Demonstrated experience in programming, e.g. in Python, R, SQL
  • Demonstrated experience with AI, machine learning and/or large language model (LLM) applications
  • Coursework or experience using data in an academic research setting
Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular-Continued Appointment Track/Assistant Professor

Salary Information

$63,000 minimum dependent on qualifications and experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

9/16/26

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Rebecca Osborne at rebeccaao@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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