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Curatorial information

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How much do curatorial jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 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:

Curatorial jobs near you
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

The J. Paul Getty Trust

Malibu, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

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