1

Curatorial Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Curatorial information

See California salary details

$7

$21

$32

How much do curatorial jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for curatorial in California is $21.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a curatorial job?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a curatorial professional?

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.

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.

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 make a lot of money?

Curators typically earn a median annual salary that varies by experience, location, and type of institution, with salaries ranging from around $40,000 to over $80,000. Advanced degrees, specialized knowledge, and experience can lead to higher earnings, especially in prominent museums or galleries. However, salaries are generally moderate compared to other professions requiring similar education levels.

How hard is it to get a job as a museum curator?

Securing a position as a museum curator can be competitive, often requiring a master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as art history, archaeology, or museum studies, along with several years of experience in collections management or research. Strong skills in research, communication, and project management, as well as familiarity with collection databases and conservation practices, are also important for increasing job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Curatorial jobs in California?

The most popular types of Curatorial jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Curatorial jobs in California?

For Curatorial jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Curatorial jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Curatorial jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Curatorial jobs?

Cities in California with the most Curatorial job openings:

Infographic showing various Curatorial job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,111 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Curatorial Assistant/Fellow

Miami University

Berkeley, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

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 the preparation of an exhibition and related highlights catalog publication, incorporating the history of the Art Museum and its collections. They will also contribute to the development of related social media, video, blogs, and website content. This a two year position (24 months) intended for an early career curator, arts researcher, or art historian who is a recent post-graduate in art history, curatorial practices or a related field.

Curatorial Assistant /Fellow to assist the Curator of Exhibitions and museum team members in the preparation of an exhibition and related highlights catalog publication, incorporating the history of the Art Museum and its collections. They will also contribute to the development of related social media, video, blogs, and website content. Responsibilities include researching and writing didactic materials for a future exhibition, assisting with the selection of objects and support images, and generating the narrative for the highlights catalog.

Core responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Research on physical and digital collections of relevant object collections and museum photographic and physical archives, including donor files, collections, exhibitions and staff histories
  • Writing didactic materials for exhibition purposes.
  • Assist with the selection of objects for display and relevant support images, and image research and coordination of new photography.
  • Writing and editing text panel, object label, and catalog content.
  • Entering information into The Museum System (TMS) database (Collections Management System) and creating online catalogs of collections
  • Opportunities to engage in educational program planning and facilitation.
  • Help develop social media outputs with digital media team.
  • Assist with design of the installation plan and exhibition flow.

Under the supervision of the Curator of Exhibitions, this individual will work independently and as part of a team to undertake a variety of curatorial and administrative tasks including exhibition research, planning, programs and events; managing contacts and correspondence; assisting with the coordination of a catalog, didactic materials, and exhibition documentation; writing and editing exhibition-related copy; and assisting with registration activities using the museum's database. In addition, the Curatorial Assistant may have the opportunity to contribute to generation of original programs and exhibitions. Additionally, the Curator of Exhibitions/Fellow will assist in preparation of classes and research visits involving access and study of physical and digital collections; Work assignments may require advanced knowledge, skills, or abilities; Implement museum policies and procedures in accordance with University guidelines and professional best practices; Some independent judgment or initiative; May require physical exertion, adverse hours or working conditions; Areas of work include Art Museum & Sculpture Park, spaces within Miami University pertaining to artworks and collections, and spaces outside Miami University related to lending and collaborative activities with other museums; May assist in facilitation of lending of collections to other institutions; May contribute to outreach initiatives by providing content for newsletters, social media, and related communications; May be responsible for supervising student interns or employees.

Minimum Requirements: Master's degree in Art History or Anthropology, Museum Studies, Library Science, Arts Management, or a related field; 1 year experience in exhibition development at a museum, arts, education, or non-profit institution.

Consideration may be given to candidates with: Master's degree in Museum Studies, Library Science, Arts Management, or a related field such as Art History or Anthropology; 2 or more years experience in exhibitions at a museum, arts, education, or non-profit institution; Successful grant writing experience; Experience in archives and digitization best practices.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Excellent writing skills and ability to research independently; General knowledge and awareness of history of art, familiarity with art materials and processes, as well as exhibition planning processes; Knowledge and use of Collections Management Systems, such as TMS or similar; Knowledge of standard office procedures and equipment; Knowledge of computers and office applications, including Google and Adobe applications; Some knowledge of administrative procedures which may include budgeting, research, preparing reports and evaluations; Work well with others and as part of a team, ranging from student assistants, staff, faculty and volunteer docents; Ability to manage simultaneous priorities and to work effectively with other team members; Familiarity with American Alliance of Museums core standards and document requirements; Ability to communicate effectively in written form; Skill in communicating effectively orally / in person as appropriate for the needs of the audience; Knowledge of federal and state policies and procedures relating to collections and exhibition ethics, and legal regulations relating to museum collections. Experience and knowledge of varied materials and preservation needs for collections in a museum environment.