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Curatorial Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Museum

Curatorial Associate

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$93K - $98K/yr

Curatorial Associate The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate ...

Unf

Assistant Curator

Jacksonville, FL

$42K/yr

Department MOCA, Curatorial Compensation $42,000.00 Annual General Description The Assistant Curator reports to the Senior Curator and collaborates with the Curatorial team to support the planning ...

Woodruff Arts Center

$50K/yr

Senior Curator, Modern & Contemporary Art FLSA: United States of America (Exempt) Employment Status : Regular/Full time ABOUT THE HIGH The High brings art, ideas, and people together to amplify the ...

Harvard University

Curatorial Assistant II

Boston, MA · On-site

The Curatorial Assistant conducts curatorial tasks in the Herbarium of Cultivated Plants, inventories plants in the living collections, and supports other plant records and curatorial initiatives ...

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How much do curatorial jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for curatorial in the United States is $21.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.76 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 are curatorial jobs?

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

What qualifications are needed to be a curator?

A curator typically needs a bachelor's degree in art history, archaeology, museum studies, or a related field, with many roles preferring a master's degree or higher. Relevant experience in collections management, research, or exhibition planning, along with strong organizational and communication skills, are also important. Certifications in museum or archival practices can enhance job prospects.

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.

Do I need a PhD to be a curator?

A PhD is not strictly required to become a curator, but many positions prefer candidates with advanced degrees in art history, archaeology, or related fields. Relevant experience, strong research skills, and knowledge of collections are also important for curatorial roles.

What are the jobs of a curator?

A curator is responsible for acquiring, managing, and interpreting collections of artwork, artifacts, or specimens in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions. They develop exhibitions, conduct research, and ensure proper preservation and documentation of items, often using specialized knowledge and tools. Curators also collaborate with educators and the public to provide educational programs and enhance visitor engagement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Curatorial professional, and why are they important?

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.
More about Curatorial jobs
What cities are hiring for Curatorial jobs? Cities with the most Curatorial job openings:
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Curatorial jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curatorial job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,709 per year, or $22 per hour.
CURATORIAL INTERN

CURATORIAL INTERN

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART

San Antonio, TX

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Title: Curatorial Intern (Fall 2026)

Department: Curatorial

Reports To: Chief Curator

Job Type: Internship

Pay: Unpaid

Interns needed:  1
Dates: Start date and end dates to be determined with supervisor
Hours: will be determined with supervisor 

Summary:
SAMA’s Curatorial Department Intern will support the museum’s curator of Asian art with targeted projects that will give them a unique perspective into both the department’s day-to-day and long-term responsibilities. These projects include:

  • Cataloguing curatorial files (exhibitions, object studies, and programs)
  • Conducting research on upcoming special exhibitions
  • Conducting research on artworks and artists in SAMA’s permanent collection


 

Learning Objectives/Responsibilities:

By the conclusion of the internship, the intern should expect to:

  • Learn about the varied responsibilities of SAMA’s individual departments, with a special understanding of the curatorial department
  • Gain hands-on creative and administrative experience at a major non-profit arts organization
  • Gain knowledge of museum best practices
  • Learn about SAMA’s extensive collection and the process of collections cataloguing and display

Qualifications:

  • Possesses a strong work ethic
  • Excels at working independently/within a flexible schedule
  • Highly organized and self-motivated
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Comfortable working in a collaborative team environment
  • A strong interest in the visual arts is preferred
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
  • Familiarity with at least one Asian language a plus

Work Hours:

  • Work Hours: Schedule is flexible and can be arranged in discussion with the supervisor.

Work Hours: Schedule is flexible and can be arranged in discussion with the supervisor.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements of the position described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully.

  • Walking, bending, climbing, stooping, and lifting up to 35 pounds.
  • Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time.
  • Physical ability to climb stairs and work in a multi-level building.

About the San Antonio Museum of Art  

The San Antonio Museum of Art brings people together with art by collecting, preserving, and presenting significant works of art representing a broad range of history and cultures, advancing human connection and understanding, and inspiring curiosity, creativity, and discovery. The museum houses more than 30,000 objects that represent cultures from around the world. Some of the regions represented are the Ancient Mediterranean, Asia, Latin America, and the United States. The museum also has an ever-increasing collection of Modern & Contemporary art. SAMA’s Curatorial department is responsible for the research, exhibition, acquisition, and stewardship of the museum collection. Each curator specializes in a dedicated area of the collection.

Since opening in 1981, the San Antonio Museum of Art has mentored and/or trained more than 1000 interns, docents, and other volunteers. Interns play an essential role at SAMA and gain valuable experience for future course study and careers in non-profit arts and administration.

http://www.samuseum.org

EEO Statement:

San Antonio Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role.  Therefore, if much of this job posting describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role. 

 SAMA is committed to equal employment opportunity.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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