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Curatorial Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title Curatorial Assistant/Fellow Department Art Museum Worker Type Temporary (Fixed Term) Pay Type Period Activity Pay Benefit Eligible Yes Summary The Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum (RCCAM ...

Curatorial Assistant/Fellow The Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum (RCCAM) at Miami University seeks a Curatorial Assistant /Fellow to assist the Curator of Exhibitions and museum team members in ...

Assistant Curator

Jacksonville, FL ยท On-site

$42K/yr

Department MOCA, Curatorial Compensation $42,000.00 Annual General Description The Assistant Curator reports to the Senior Curator and collaborates with the Curatorial team to support the planning ...

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Curatorial information

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How much do curatorial jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for curatorial in the United States is $21.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Curatorial vs Museum Educator?

AspectCuratorialMuseum Educator
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Museum Studies, Art History, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Education, Museum Studies, or related field
Work EnvironmentGallery or exhibition spaces, research officesEducational programs, visitor centers, workshops
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily museums, galleries, cultural institutionsPrimarily museums, science centers, cultural institutions
Primary FocusResearch, acquisition, and exhibition developmentEducational outreach, visitor engagement, program development

While both roles work within museums and cultural institutions, curatorial staff focus on research, collection management, and developing exhibitions. Museum educators concentrate on creating educational programs and engaging visitors through workshops and tours. Both roles require relevant credentials and work in similar environments but serve different core functions within the institution.

Do curators get paid well?

Curators typically earn a median annual salary that varies by experience, location, and type of institution, with salaries generally ranging from $40,000 to $70,000. Experienced curators working in major museums or galleries may earn higher salaries, especially if they have specialized skills or advanced degrees. Compensation can also include benefits such as health insurance and professional development opportunities.

What are curatorial jobs?

Curatorial jobs involve managing and overseeing collections of artwork, artifacts, or historical objects in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions. Curators are responsible for acquiring, researching, cataloging, and displaying items, as well as developing exhibitions and educational programs. They often collaborate with other museum professionals, artists, and the public to ensure that collections are preserved and accessible. Curatorial roles require a deep knowledge of art history or relevant fields, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.

What qualifications are needed to be a curator?

A curator typically needs a bachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, archaeology, or a related field, with many roles preferring a master's degree or higher. Relevant experience in collections management, research, or exhibitions, along with strong organizational and communication skills, are also important. Certifications in museum or archival practices can enhance job prospects.

How does a curatorial professional typically collaborate with artists and other museum departments during the planning of an exhibition?

Curatorial professionals work closely with artists, exhibition designers, educators, and marketing teams to ensure all aspects of an exhibition are thoughtfully integrated. They often coordinate with artists to select works, discuss thematic direction, and manage loan agreements. Collaboration with other departments is essential for developing interpretive materials, arranging installation logistics, and promoting the exhibition to the public. This cross-functional teamwork is key to delivering engaging and educational experiences for museum visitors.

Do I need a PhD to be a curator?

A PhD is not strictly required to be a curator, but many positions prefer candidates with advanced degrees in fields like art history, archaeology, or museum studies. Relevant experience, strong research skills, and knowledge of collections are also important for curatorial roles.

What are the jobs of a curator?

A curator is responsible for acquiring, researching, and interpreting collections of artwork, artifacts, or specimens for museums, galleries, or cultural institutions. They develop exhibitions, manage collections, and often conduct educational programs, requiring strong research, organizational, and communication skills. Curators also oversee conservation efforts and may collaborate with artists, researchers, and the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Curatorial professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Curatorial role, a strong background in art history, museum studies, or a related field is essential, often supported by advanced degrees and relevant experience. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital cataloging tools, and conservation practices is typically required. Excellent organizational, research, communication, and collaborative skills set standout curators apart. These skills ensure the effective preservation, interpretation, and presentation of collections, which are crucial for engaging audiences and supporting institutional missions.
More about Curatorial jobs
What cities are hiring for Curatorial jobs? Cities with the most Curatorial job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Curatorial jobs? The most popular types of Curatorial jobs are:
What states have the most Curatorial jobs? States with the most job openings for Curatorial jobs include:
Infographic showing various Curatorial job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,709 per year, or $22 per hour.
Curatorial Assistant

Curatorial Assistant

Whitney Museum of American Art

Manhattan, NY โ€ข On-site

$31 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

The Whitney Museum is looking for a full-time Curatorial Assistant, reporting jointly to the Steven and Ann Ames Curator of Drawings and Prints and the Sondra Gilman Curator of Photography. The Curatorial Assistant will assist the curators withscholarly projects as well as a variety of administrative tasks. Excellent research and writing skills are essential, as well as a deep knowledge of 20th- and 21st-centuryart history.
Applications must be received by July 10 2026.
Responsibilities
  • Assistance in planning, research, organization and installation of exhibitions
  • Assistance with catalogues and other publications, both print and digital
  • Research on artists for curatorial projects and acquisitions; writing didactic labels, press releases and other copy
  • Serving as liaison with Curators' contacts, including artists, donors and gallerists; acquisition of works for the Whitney's permanent collection, including coordination with Conservation, Registration and Documentation departments
  • TMS data entry
  • Other tasks as needed to support the work of the Curatorial Department.

Requirements
  • B.A. required
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in 20th- and 21st-centuryart history and contemporary art
  • 2 years museum, gallery, or other relevant experience
  • Excellent clerical and organizational skills, including experience with TMS, Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Excellent writing, research, and communication skills, with attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to handle several projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
  • Knowledge of exhibition preparation procedures is helpful

Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work thoughtfully, quickly, thoroughly, and collegially, and respect the day-to-day process as much as the end result.
Compensation & Benefits:
  • Compensation rate $31-$32 per hour
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(B) elections
  • Generous PTO benefits
  • Commuter benefits - parking and mass transit
  • Admission to world-renowned museums across the city and nationally
  • Pet insurance and discounted membership for Citibike
  • This position will be covered by UAW Local 2110
About the Whitney
The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney's mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today.
EEO Statement
The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, pregnancy, partnership status, caregiver status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels.