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Curatorial Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BANDANA

Curatorial Assistant

Manhattan, NY

$25.25/hr

Curatorial Assistant Whitney Museum Greenwich Village, 99 Gansevoort St Base pay starts at $25.25/hr. The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude ...

Miamioh

Curatorial Assistant/Fellow

Oxford, OH

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 ...

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How much do curatorial jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 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.

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.

Do curators make a lot of money?

Curators typically earn a median annual salary that varies by experience, location, and type of institution, with many earning between $40,000 and $70,000. Senior or specialized curators in prominent institutions can earn higher salaries, especially with advanced degrees and experience. Salary growth often depends on skills, certifications, and the size of the organization.

What qualifications are needed to be a curator?

A curator typically needs a bachelor's degree in art history, archaeology, museum studies, or a related field, with many roles 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. 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 become a curator, but many positions prefer candidates with advanced degrees in art history, archaeology, or related fields. 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, managing, and interpreting collections of artwork, artifacts, or specimens in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions. They develop exhibitions, conduct research, and ensure proper preservation and documentation of items, often using specialized knowledge and tools. Curators also collaborate with educators and the public to provide educational programs and enhance visitor engagement.

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:
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Curatorial jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curatorial job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,709 per year, or $22 per hour.
Curatorial Assistant

Curatorial Assistant

BANDANA

Manhattan, NY

$25.25/hr

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Curatorial Assistant

Whitney Museum

Greenwich Village, 99 Gansevoort St

Base pay starts at $25.25/hr.

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.

Job description

A full-time Curatorial Assistant position is available. The incumbent will work with the Director of Curatorial Affairs and the Curatorial Department Manager to assist with scholarly projects as well as a variety of project-related administrative tasks across the Curatorial department. Excellent research and writing skills are essential, as well as a deep knowledge of 20th- and 21st-century art history.

Responsibilities include: - 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 artists, donors, and gallerists - TMS data entry - Support for acquisitions for the Whitney's permanent collection, including coordination with Conservation, Registration, and Documentation departments - Overall administrative support - Other tasks as needed to support the work of the Curatorial department

Qualifications

Job requirements: Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in 20th- and 21st-century art and art history, with a particular interest in art from the second half of the 20th century; 1-2 years of gallery, museum or relevant experience; excellent 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. Some knowledge of exhibition preparation procedures is useful. The incumbent has demonstrated the capacity to take initiative, work thoughtfully, quickly, thoroughly, and collegially, and respect the day-to-day process as much as the end result.

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