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Curatorial Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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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 ...

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

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How much do curatorial jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 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 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, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,840 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Associate Curator

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
General Summary of Duties
A vital member of The Wright Staff, the Associate Curator is the driving force behind the identity of the museum's curatorial programming, as well as the overall identity of The Wright at large. The Associate Curator significantly contributes to The Wright's vision and ongoing growth.
This dynamic position includes speaking engagements acting as a representative of the institution, supervision of exhibition realization, ongoing collaboration with development and education teams, and multifaceted interaction with the community.
Essential Duties of the Position:
Exhibitions
  • Develop and manage exhibitions and installations in the galleries as well as satellite projects outside the building/in the community.
  • Curate exhibitions and produce supporting content for publications.
  • Foster ongoing collaborative relationships with artists for existing and future exhibitions
    Alongside the VP of Exhibitions & Collections, approve final schedule of forthcoming exhibitions.
  • Oversee installation and de-installation of exhibitions, including staff responsible for arranging crating, shipping, insurance, contracts, travel policies, and artwork loan agreements.
    Formulate and maintain budgets for exhibitions.
  • Work with a variety of vendors and companies during the production process of exhibitions (fabricators, custom framers, painters, etc.)
  • Collaborate with VP of Learning & Engagement to coordinate complementary materials including wall text, brochure content, and artist talks.

Directorial Duties/Community Outreach
  • Help shape The Wright's creative vision through innovative programming and operational ideas.
  • Make key decisions regarding planning and budget.
  • Serve as a spokesperson for The Wright in the community and beyond.
  • Moderate and facilitate artist panels and discussions.
  • Initiate new forms of artist and museum engagement with the public.

External Affairs/PR/Development
  • Provide interviews to local, national, and international media contacts.
  • Collaborate with development team for grant and sponsorship proposals.
  • Cultivate relationships with museum sponsors.
  • Contribute to press releases on exhibitions.

Requirements
Required Education and Experience:
  • Master's degree in Art History, Fine Arts, History, arts administration, or related field required.
  • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in a museum or commercial gallery environment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • Natural command for approaching exhibition-making in a critical, innovative capacity.
    Highly motivated, ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work independently as well as in a team environment.
  • Maintains highest standards of integrity, including confidentiality of privileged information
    Excellent writing and public speaking abilities.
  • Knowledge of museum management, collections/exhibitions management, curatorial principles and practices.
  • High level of attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to set and meet deadlines.
  • Personable demeanor.

Apply