ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Curatorial Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The J. Paul Getty Trust

Curatorial Assistant

Malibu, CA · On-site

Job Title Curatorial Assistant Job Summary The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks to inspire curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts by collecting, conserving, exhibiting and ...

New

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 ...

BANDANA

Curatorial Assistant

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$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 ...

Glenstone Museum

Curatorial Assistant

Potomac, MD

$49K - $64K/hr

Position Curatorial Assistant Reports To Associate Curator Salary Range $49,000 - $64,000 per year An Introduction to Glenstone Museum Founded with the mission to seamlessly integrate art ...

The J. Paul Getty Trust

Curatorial Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$28.05 - $35.76/hr

Curatorial Assistant Job Family Curatorial Type LT Full-Time Position Status Getty Center Workplace Type Hybrid/Partially Remote Salaried/Hourly Hourly Hiring Pay Scale $28.05 - $35.76 Hourly Salary ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTourism JobsVisitor Attraction JobsMuseum Curator JobsCuratorial Assistant Jobs

Curatorial Assistant information

See salary details

$7

$21

$32

How much do curatorial assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for curatorial assistant 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 a curatorial assistant?

Curatorial assistants assist the curators with the daily operations of a museum, art gallery, or historical site. They perform a number of different functions, depending on the type of facility in which they work. Museum curatorial assistants may set up and tear down exhibits, straighten up visitor areas, and distribute educational materials to patrons. In an art gallery, they may be responsible for organizing the viewing presentations and schedule for featured artists. Historical buildings utilize curatorial assistants to authenticate artifacts found at the site.

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

To thrive as a Curatorial Assistant, you generally need a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with collection management software, digital cataloging systems, and basic research tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure accurate collections care, seamless exhibition planning, and effective collaboration with curators and other museum staff.

What are some typical challenges curatorial assistants face when supporting exhibition planning?

Curatorial Assistants often encounter challenges like managing tight deadlines, coordinating with multiple departments, and ensuring the accuracy of cataloging and documentation. Balancing administrative duties with research tasks can be demanding, especially during periods of exhibition preparation. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are crucial, as Curatorial Assistants frequently collaborate with registrars, conservators, and external lenders to ensure the smooth execution of exhibitions.

What is the difference between Curatorial Assistant vs Collections Assistant?

AspectCuratorial AssistantCollections Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, or related fieldBachelor's degree often in museum studies, art, or related field
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions, assisting curatorsMuseums, archives, or collections management departments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in museums and art institutionsIn museums, galleries, and cultural organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in curatorial teamsUnderstanding roles in collections management

The main difference is that a Curatorial Assistant supports curators with research, exhibition planning, and educational programs, while a Collections Assistant focuses on cataloging, preserving, and managing collections. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in museum environments, but their specific responsibilities differ based on whether they support curatorial activities or collections management.

What skills should a curatorial assistant have?

A curatorial assistant should have strong research and organizational skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of art history or relevant collections. Proficiency with databases, cataloging systems, and basic administrative tasks is also important, along with good communication skills for collaborating with staff and visitors.
More about Curatorial Assistant jobs

What cities are hiring for Curatorial Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Curatorial Assistant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Curatorial jobs?

The most popular types of Curatorial jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Curatorial Assistant jobs?

The top employers for Curatorial Assistant jobs are:

What states have the most Curatorial Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Curatorial Assistant jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Curatorial Assistant jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Curatorial Assistant jobs are:

Curatorial Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curatorial Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,709 per year, or $22 per hour.

Curatorial Assistant

The J. Paul Getty Trust

Malibu, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Job Title

Curatorial Assistant

Job Summary

The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks to inspire curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts by collecting, conserving, exhibiting and interpreting works of art of outstanding quality and historical importance and is one of four programs of the J. Paul Getty Trust. The Museum operates two sites, the Getty Villa in Malibu, which exhibits its collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, and the Getty Center in Brentwood, which displays its collections of European art: Medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts, paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, drawings to 1900, and photography to the present day (including non-European works). The Museum mounts numerous temporary exhibitions a year across its two sites; maintains an annual permanent gallery improvement program and offers wide-ranging and ambitious programming for its visitors.

The department of Antiquities of the J. Paul Getty Museum located at the Getty Villa seeks a full-time 3-year limited term Curatorial Assistant to assist with and contribute to all aspects of the preparation and implementation of a major international loan exhibition addressing the Levant and the Classical World, scheduled to open in 2029. Reporting to the Anissa and Paul John Balson II Senior Curator of Antiquities, the ideal candidate will have an MA or PhD in Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Classics, Classical Archaeology, or a related field and be a highly organized, efficient multi-tasker.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for Getty, without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.

Major Job Responsibilities
  1. Assist with exhibition preparation, installation and deinstallation.
  2. Work collaboratively with curators, conservators, mount-makers, designers, editors, registrars, public programmers, lenders, catalogue contributors, and others both within and outside the museum.
  3. Coordinate with the Head of Exhibitions to manage curatorial task workflows, track project timelines, and ensure effective communication across teams to support the successful planning and execution of the exhibition.
  4. Prepare and track loan requests; maintain communication with lenders.
  5. Prepare, line-edit, and proofread catalogue copy and bibliographies; work with outside authors.
  6. Prepare, line-edit, and proofread in-gallery didactic materials, digital interactives, and on-line resources.
  7. Create and update photologs; prepare and track image requests and permissions.
  8. Assist with creation of exhibition website and PowerPoint presentations.
  9. Assist with Public Programming.
  10. Lead exhibition tours.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in art or art history required; Master's preferred
  • 0-2 years art historical or museum experience
  • Competent to work in basic curatorial functions
  • Reading fluency in at least one foreign language (modern or ancient) required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Prefer MA or PhD in Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Classics, Classical Archaeology, or a related field
  • Highly organized, efficient, able to work independently, multitask, and meet fixed deadlines
  • Excellent organizational, writing, editing, and communication skills; attention to detail
  • Ability to read one or more of the following languages: French, German, Italian or Arabic
Benefits and Perks

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
  • 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan – with up to 5% Getty Match
  • Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
  • Educational Assistance and professional development
  • Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
  • On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
  • Community service opportunities

Apply