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Curatorial Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Curator of Public Programming

Dearborn, MI

Curator, Public Programming Job Status: Full-time Job Summary: Under limited supervision, the Curator of Public Programming uses specialized knowledge in Arab American and Middle Eastern studies ...

ACCESS

Curator of Public Programming

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Curator, Public Programming Job Status: Full-time Job Summary: Under limited supervision, the Curator of Public Programming uses specialized knowledge in Arab American and Middle Eastern studies ...

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Curatorial information

See Michigan salary details

$6

$19

$28

How much do curatorial jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for curatorial in Michigan is $19.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $21.59 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 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.

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 large institutions can earn higher salaries, especially with advanced degrees and experience. Salary growth often depends on skills, certifications, and the size of the organization.

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 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Curatorial jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Curatorial jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Curatorial jobs in Michigan? For Curatorial jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Curatorial jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Curatorial jobs in Michigan are:
Curatorial jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curatorial job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,840 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Associate Curator of Mammals

Detroit Zoological Society

Royal Oak, MI

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

General Description
The Associate Curator of Mammals, Primates and Large Carnivores, assists in the development, maintenance and oversight of animal care and welfare practices for the Mammal Department including daily oversight of staff and facility operations, repair, and maintenance.
The Associate Curator of Mammals will support, both publicly and privately, the principles of the Detroit Zoological Society, maintain a professional manner when dealing with all constituencies, and always preserve a high level of confidentiality.
This job description is by no means all-inclusive and may be subject to change during a performance period due to the needs of the Detroit Zoological Society and its leadership. This document will be reviewed on a continual basis and will be modified as needed.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide oversight of all Mammal Department operations, including animal care and welfare, staff training, habitat maintenance, research, guest interaction activities, special events and other projects as needed.
  • Coordinate with other Life Science Departments for supervisory coverage as needed.
  • Create staff schedules to ensure optimum care of animals and exceptional conditions for guests.
  • Supervise subordinate Mammal Department staff including goal setting, team building, adherence to protocols, and evaluations.
  • Assist in coordinating and executing animal transactions including paperwork, permits, and transports.
  • Participate in recruitment and selection of Mammal Department staff.
  • Ensure scheduled maintenance of equipment and facilities.
  • Submit work orders for the repair of equipment and facilities.
  • Coordinate animal health and other medical procedures with veterinary staff.
  • Assist in preparation and monitoring of budgets as required.
  • Maintain records and provide written and verbal reports as required.
  • Conduct emergency response drills to ensure emergency preparedness.
  • Conduct and/or coordinate research projects.
  • Assist in executing the Living Animal Plan by researching and identifying new mammal species that will meet strategic goals toward increasing our animal population while contributing to AZA conservation programs and creating engaging guest experiences.
  • Contribute to strategic and other institutional planning processes.
  • Contribute to planning for major/minor capital improvement projects for the Mammal Department.
  • Ensure mammal areas exceed AZA accreditation standards and USDA animal welfare standards.
  • Participate in cooperative management programs, such as studbooks, Population Management Plans, Species Survival Plans and Taxon Advisory Groups.
  • Develop and conduct presentations at professional meetings.
  • Conduct educational presentations in both formal and informal settings.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in zoology or a closely related discipline.
  • Four years of experience in the care of captive wildlife.
  • Three years of supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Must have strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, team building, and effective time management skills.
Preferred
  • Advanced academic achievement.
  • Experience in a curatorial, education or research capacity.

Working Conditions
Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions, with frequent exposure to and contact with dangerous animals, with risk of zoonotic disease transmission (Hepatitis B, Herpes B, Tuberculosis, Salmonella and others), and with exposure to computer monitors. Weekend and evening work will be required as necessary.
Physical Requirements
The ability to perform principal duties is required. The Associate Curator of Mammals must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.

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