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Curator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

IMC

Quantitative Researcher - Data Curation

Chicago, IL · On-site

$250K - $300K/yr

The ideal candidate will have deep experience curating and analyzing a broad range of trading-related data sources-including traditional market data, fundamental datasets, and other vendor-supplied ...

RWE

Sr. Land Acquisition Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Coordinate title curative efforts to ensure all documents are ready for development * Collaborate with legal teams to structure land agreements that meet legal and regulatory requirements * Conduct ...

RWE

Sr. Land Acquisition Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Coordinate title curative efforts to ensure all documents are ready for development * Collaborate with legal teams to structure land agreements that meet legal and regulatory requirements * Conduct ...

H&M

H&M Visual Merchandiser - Oakbrook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

You will be responsible for executing the visual, commercial, and styling curation according to visual & commercial guidelines for the store. You will also use your trend and competitor awareness to ...

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All JobsCurator JobsCurator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Curator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$26.3K

$74.8K

$123.1K

How much do curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for curator in Chicago, IL is $74,816.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $96,800.00 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.
More about Curator jobs

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Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $74,816 per year, or $36 per hour.

Quantitative Researcher - Data Curation

IMC

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Quantitative Researcher to join our dynamic research team. The ideal candidate will have deep experience curating and analyzing a broad range of trading-related data sources-including traditional market data, fundamental datasets, and other vendor-supplied information. This role will contribute to the development of innovative trading strategies, support data-driven decision-making, and collaborate closely with trading, technology, and data acquisition teams.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Curate, cleanse, and validate large volumes of market data, focusing on US equity and equity options
  • Integrate, preprocess, and evaluate fundamental & alternative data sources
  • Work closely with data acquisition & global data team to assess data quality
  • Build and maintain robust data pipelines for research and live trading environments
  • Perform data analysis ad statistical modeling to identify patterns and inefficiencies in the market
  • Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of datasets used in quantitative modeling.
  • Document research processes, data provenance, and results with high standards of clarity and reproducibility
  • Collaborate with software engineers and traders to translate research into production-grade models and tools
  • Conduct quantitative research and analysis to support and enhance trading strategies 

Required Skills & Experience:

  • 3+ years of experience in a quantitative research or data-focused role in financial markets, ideally in a systematic trading environment
  • Proven experience working with a diverse range of trading and financial data
  • Must have previous knowledge of options markets and experience working with options data
  • Hands-on experience integrating and analyzing non-market data sources is a plus
  • Strong understanding of data vendor landscape
  • Advanced proficiency in Python
  • Experience with databases (SQL) and handling large datasets efficiently
  • Familiarity with real-time data systems and tick-level data processing
  • Familiarity with statistical and machine learning techniques
  • Exceptional attention to detail and a systematic approach to problem-solving
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

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