1

Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$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 ...

The Curator leads the stewardship, development, and interpretation of the City of Aiken's arboretum collections, ensuring exceptional horticultural and arboricultural standards. This role combines ...

POSITION TITLE: 3rd Party Curator (LTK/ShopMy) LOCATION: NYC JOB TYPE: Part-time with potential to convert to Full-time This is a new position that will be focused on establishing Stacey's LTK and ...

Be Seen First

This role involves curating the items we have on hand for hosting live stream sessions on multiple social media and sales platforms. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding and passion for ...

Curator 3

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$3.5K - $7.0K/mo

OR A bachelor's degree in forestry, wildlife or natural resource management, botany, biology, or ecology plus two years of museum or curatorial experience; or in forestry, wildlife or natural ...

As a Beauty and Wellness Curator, you will guide customers in selecting our top-notch skincare products and services, helping them feel confident and radiant. You'll thrive in a fun, competitive ...

The Curator works under the direction and reports to the Director of Park Design and Maintenance. The Gardens team is expected to support the Zoo in its mission "to support desert conservation ...

Curator 3

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$3.5K - $7.0K/mo

OR A bachelor's degree in forestry, wildlife or natural resource management, botany, biology, or ecology plus two years of museum or curatorial experience; or in forestry, wildlife or natural ...

Salary: $68,000 to $78,000/year Curator of Earth Sciences People Architects is proud to partner with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History as we search for a Curator of Earth Sciences. Founded in ...

Apply Early

next page

Showing results 1-20

Curator information

See salary details

$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do curator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 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 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.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.
Museum Curator

$75K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


City Of Mesa rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

116th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $75,033.30 - $102,518.83 Annually
Location : PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 17463
Department: (H400)Arts and Culture
Opening Date: 06/26/2026
Closing Date: 7/9/2026 11:59 PM Arizona
Description/Duties
The current vacancy is in the Arizona Museum of Natural History; however, this recruitment will also be used to establish an eligible list for possible future vacancies in other assignment areas.
The first review of
all applications will be on Monday, July 6, 2026.
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 include: developing and implementing procedures of a general curatorial nature relating to the fields of Social Sciences (history, ethnology, archaeology, anthropology) or Natural Sciences (paleontology, geology, biology); conducting original and secondary research; ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws in the acquisition and collection of objects; writing policies, plans, grant proposals, reports, etc., regarding museum collections, general curatorial information, or a designated subject area; and providing curatorial expertise on certain changing and permanent exhibits. The Museum Curator also supervises full-time, part-time, contractual, and volunteer personnel. This class is also responsible for performing related duties as required.
Anthropology Assignment: Conducts primary and/or secondary research in anthropology or related disciplines; oversee the disciplines of ethnology, and archaeology; coordinates the permanent gallery rotations, changes and updates exhibits, public engagement, and educational programming.
General supervision is received from the Chief Curator, who reviews work through conferences, meetings, reports, and overall results achieved. This class is FLSA exempt professional.
Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.
Qualifications & Requirements
Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, or experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area. Considerable (3 - 5 years) collections experience in museums, cultural centers, institutes, academics, or equivalent.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. A Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as: Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area and experience in responsible positions in a museum is preferred. Experience in Triassic paleobiology field collection and publication desirable. Experience in application and administration of grants, permits, and federal and state repositories. Experience in large museum projects.
Link to Job Description
A is linked here.
01
Did you graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area? **To receive education credit, you MUST fully detail your degree(s) and major(s) information on your application.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a Master's Degree in a field of the Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as: Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area? **To receive education credit, you MUST fully detail your degree(s) and major(s) information on your application.
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have a Ph.D. in a field of the Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area? **To receive education credit, you MUST fully detail your degree(s) and major(s) information on your application.
  • Yes
  • No

04
How many years of collections experience do you have in museums, cultural centers, institutes, academics, or equivalent? Please detail your experience on your application.
  • None
  • Some but less than 3 years
  • 3 years or more but less than 5 years
  • 5 years or more but less than 7 years
  • 7 years or more

05
Please describe your collections experience in museums, cultural centers, institutes, academics, or equivalent below; include employment dates and names of employer(s). If none, type N/A. **To receive this experience credit, you MUST also fully detail this experience on your application. Incomplete/blank applications or responses such as "see resume" will not be considered.**
06
Do you have experience in Triassic paleobiology field collection and publication? Please detail your experience on your application.
  • Yes
  • No

07
Please describe your experience in Triassic paleobiology field collection and publication, including employer(s). Please detail this experience on your application. If none, type N/A.
08
Do you have experience in the application and administration of grants, permits, and federal and state repositories? Please detail your experience on your application.
  • Yes
  • No

09
Please describe your experience in the application and administration of grants, permits, and federal and state repositories, including employer(s). Please also detail this experience on your application. If none, type N/A.
10
Do you have experience with large museum projects? Please detail your experience on your application.
  • Yes
  • No

11
Please describe your experience with large museum projects, including employer(s). Please also detail this experience on your application. If none, type N/A.
Required Question

What City Of Mesa employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom