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Curatorial Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

P2P

Quantitative Trading Analyst Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

$240 - $260/hr

As a Quantitative Trading Analyst Intern , you will gain exposure to the dynamic worlds of trading ... Market research projects vary from macroeconomic data curation and analysis to application of ...

DRW

Quantitative Trading Analyst Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

$250K/yr

As a Quantitative Trading Analyst Intern , you will gain exposure to the dynamic worlds of trading ... Market research projects vary from macroeconomic data curation and analysis to application of ...

All JobsCuratorial Intern JobsCuratorial Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL

Curatorial Intern information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do curatorial intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for curatorial intern in Chicago, IL is $17.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a curatorial intern?

Curatorial Interns are individuals, often students or recent graduates, who assist museum or gallery curators in a variety of tasks. Their responsibilities typically include helping with research, cataloging collections, preparing exhibitions, and supporting educational programming. Curatorial internships provide practical experience and insight into the daily operations of museums and galleries, making them valuable for those considering a career in the arts or museum studies. Interns usually work under the supervision of experienced curators and gain hands-on exposure to collections management and exhibition planning.

What does a curatorial intern do?

As a Curatorial Intern, you can expect to assist with a variety of tasks such as researching artists and artworks, cataloging collections, helping prepare exhibitions, and supporting educational programming. You may also participate in team meetings, draft interpretive materials, and correspond with artists or lenders under supervision. This hands-on experience offers valuable insight into the curatorial process and provides opportunities to collaborate closely with curators, registrars, and exhibition designers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a curatorial intern?

To thrive as a Curatorial Intern, a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field, along with strong research and organizational skills, is essential. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital cataloging tools, and basic archival practices is typically expected. Attention to detail, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset are standout soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure that interns can support curatorial projects efficiently, contribute meaningfully to exhibition planning, and maintain the integrity of collections.

What is the difference between Curatorial Intern vs Museum Education Intern?

AspectCuratorial InternMuseum Education Intern
Required CredentialsUndergraduate or graduate degree in art, history, or related fieldSimilar educational background, often with focus on education or public programs
Work EnvironmentGallery or exhibition spaces, research areas, collection managementPublic programs, visitor engagement, educational workshops
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, galleries, cultural institutionsMuseums, science centers, cultural organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Curatorial Intern and a Museum Education Intern lies in their focus areas. Curatorial Interns primarily assist with research, exhibition planning, and collection management, while Museum Education Interns focus on developing educational programs and engaging visitors. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are found within museums and cultural institutions, but they serve different functions within the organization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Curatorial jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Curatorial jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Curatorial Intern jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Curatorial Intern jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Curatorial Intern jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Curatorial Intern jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Curatorial Intern jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Curatorial Intern job openings:

Curatorial Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curatorial Intern job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, 25% Full Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,504 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Museum Intern

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

Elk Grove Park District
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Elk Grove Park Districtexternal

$15/hr

Temporary

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Starting at: $15.00 per hour
Hours: Flexible
JOB SUMMARY
Here is a unique opportunity to apply first-hand the practices of the public historian. The Elk Grove Historical Museum campus includes an orientation/exhibition building, a furnished farmhouse, barn, chicken coop, and contains a fairly substantial collection for its size. The intern will experience multiple aspects of work as a public historian within a museum setting. The museum is located at 399 Biesterfield Rd. in Elk Grove Village, a northwest suburb of Chicago. Must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program including history, public history, museum studies, or related field of study.
The intern will be responsible for completing specific tasks designated at the outset of the internship. This would include becoming familiar with the basic history of the Elk Grove area and could also have the opportunity to provide tours of the site on occasion. Additionally, the intern would work directly with the collection. This would entail examining what is in the collection, assisting with an inventory, organizing the materials, and creating finding aids. Assistance with other museum duties including accessioning, exhibit design, event planning, and possibly assistance with events/programs themselves would be included. It is also possible for the intern to complete a specific project for the site. The specific topic as well as the scope of this project are to be approved by the curator of the museum and the student's advisor.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • The intern must be familiar with or become familiar with accessioning
  • Process items in the collection and catalog information in CatalogIt software
  • Photograph artifacts
  • Assist in research
  • Assist with exhibit planning
  • Assist with exhibit design
  • Conduct tours
  • Assist with the planning/facilitation of events/programs as schedule allows
  • Able to lift 30lbs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Basic computer skills - Google Docs, Sheets, etc. Experience with CatalogIt a plus
  • Knowledge of history, research, and writing processes a plus
  • Responsible, conscientious, self-motivated

Elk Grove Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Summary of Benefits

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