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Curatorial Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Minnesota

Senior Curator

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

The Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota is seeking a seasoned curatorial leader with a proven track record of conceiving ambitious curatorial projects. This position provides direction ...

Elixir Technologies

Curator

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Work with the entire curatorial team on donor relations and regularly participate in the Museum's Acquisition Review Committee * Evaluate, propose, and organize new collections to fill gaps within ...

Audubon Institute

Curator of Birds

New Orleans, LA · On-site

This is a working curatorial position. Day to Day Responsibilities • The Curator supervises all staff (Keepers, Senior Keepers, Lead Keepers, and Assistant Curators) in their assigned areas. • ...

Colby College

Chief Curator

Waterville, ME · On-site

They will establish and direct curatorial strategy at a time of institutional transformation, develop and steward the Museum's art collection, and lead an ambitious staff of five while contributing ...

City of Riverside, CA

CURATOR OF HISTORY

Riverside, CA · On-site

$79K - $96K/yr

Also included are curatorial responsibilities relating to informed care and interpretation of the Museum's Victorian-era Heritage House (the only property currently open to the public and the ...

Colby

Chief Curator

Waterville, ME · On-site

They will establish and direct curatorial strategy at a time of institutional transformation, develop and steward the Museum's art collection, and lead an ambitious staff of five while contributing ...

City of Riverside

CURATOR OF HISTORY

Riverside, CA

$79K - $96K/yr

Also included are curatorial responsibilities relating to informed care and interpretation of the Museum's Victorian-era Heritage House (the only property currently open to the public and the ...

Colby College

Chief Curator

Waterville, ME · On-site

They will establish and direct curatorial strategy at a time of institutional transformation, develop and steward the Museum's art collection, and lead an ambitious staff of five while contributing ...

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Curatorial information

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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 Associate

Curatorial Associate

American Museum of Natural History

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$93K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Curatorial Associate
Department
Invertebrate Zoology - 011
Position Summary
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 information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition.
The Invertebrate Zoology Division is seeking a full-time Curatorial Associate to manage the day-to-day care, organization and accessibility of the Invertebrate Zoology collections. The Division houses over 23 million specimens (insects, arachnids, crustaceans, mollusks, cnidaria and other non-vertebrate animals). The main responsibilities of this position are grounded in collections stewardship.
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Lead and manage the Division's collections curation program.
  • Work with curators and Museum Specialists to manage the collections, including space, infrastructure, storage facilities, equipment, collections management, databases and the informatics program, as well as Museum staff and volunteer efforts.
  • Supervise and facilitate Divisional processing of new acquisitions, loans, visitors, stewardship, pest management and compliance with federal permitting, wildlife transactions and Museum policy.
  • Work with the chair and curators to seek external support for collections improvement, digitization of collections and other initiatives related to collections management.
  • Handle collections reporting and other administrative tasks, as assigned.
  • Train staff and volunteers as needed on the use of equipment and facilities.
  • Serve as department safety liaison and fire evacuation warden.

The expected salary range for the Curatorial Associate is $93,000/annual - $98,000/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.
Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Completed PhD or PhD candidate in Invertebrate Zoology or its subfields.
  • Two years experience with collections management and collections care standards, including handling, rehousing, conservation and data management.
  • Two years experience working with specimen databases and digitization workflows.
  • Proficiency with KE EMu and/or other collections databases.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of invertebrate groups.
  • Experience managing type material.
  • Proficient experience working with public repositories.
  • Knowledge of data sharing standards.

Physical Demands
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
  • Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
  • Positioning/change of positioning: Must be able to frequently position oneself/body to accomplish job duties.
    • Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force frequently. May include any of the following:
      • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward or outward.
      • Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
      • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position.

Category
Full-Time
Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period
70
Union Status
Non-Union
FLSA
Exempt
Expected Salary Minimum
$93,000/annual
Expected Salary Maximum
$98,000/annual
EEO Statement
The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.
Quick Link
https://careers.amnh.org/postings/4529
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
GS920P
Open Date
09/03/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants

Apply