ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Museum Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

All JobsEntry Level Museum Curator Jobs

Entry Level Museum Curator information

See salary details

$28K

$76.3K

$135.5K

How much do entry level museum curator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level museum curator in the United States is $76,262.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Museum Curator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Museum Curator, you need a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field, along with knowledge of collection management and exhibit design. Familiarity with museum database systems, cataloging software, and digital archiving tools is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualities ensure proper care of collections, engaging exhibitions, and productive collaboration within museum teams.

Are museum curators in high demand?

Museum curators are in moderate demand, with employment growth driven by increased interest in cultural and historical institutions. However, competition for positions can be strong, and candidates with specialized knowledge, advanced degrees, or experience with digital collections may have better prospects.

What level of degree do you need to be a museum curator?

To become an entry-level museum curator, a bachelor's degree in fields such as art history, archaeology, anthropology, or museum studies is typically required. Many positions also prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with relevant experience or internships in museum settings.

What experience do you need to be a museum curator?

Entry level museum curators typically need a bachelor's degree in history, art, archaeology, or a related field, along with some experience in collections management, research, or exhibit development. Internships or volunteer work in museums can also provide valuable hands-on experience. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or specialized training, along with strong organizational and communication skills.

How do I get into a museum curator?

To become an entry-level museum curator, typically a bachelor's degree in art history, archaeology, anthropology, or a related field is required, often supplemented by internships or volunteer work in museums. Gaining experience with collections management, research, and exhibit development, along with strong organizational and communication skills, can improve job prospects; a master's degree is often preferred for advancement.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level museum curators, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level museum curators often face the challenge of balancing multiple responsibilities, such as assisting with collections management, supporting exhibit planning, and conducting research, all while learning institutional protocols. They may also need to quickly adapt to working with diverse teams, including conservators, educators, and administrative staff. To overcome these challenges, new curators should seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, proactively communicate across departments, and continuously expand their knowledge through professional development and hands-on experience.

What does an entry level museum curator do?

An entry level museum curator assists with the acquisition, documentation, and care of museum collections. They may help organize exhibitions, conduct research on artifacts, and support educational programs. Their responsibilities often include cataloging items, preparing displays, and collaborating with other museum staff. Entry level curators also engage with the public and help ensure artifacts are preserved and presented accurately.

What is the difference between Entry Level Museum Curator vs Museum Collections Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Museum CuratorMuseum Collections Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Museum Studies, History, or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentCurating exhibits, developing collections, researchAssisting with collection management, cataloging
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, cultural institutions, galleriesMuseums, archives, historical societies
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Museum Curator vs Museum Collections Assistant

The Entry Level Museum Curator typically takes on responsibilities like developing exhibits and conducting research, requiring a relevant bachelor's degree. In contrast, a Museum Collections Assistant focuses on supporting collection management tasks such as cataloging and organizing artifacts. Both roles are common in museums and cultural institutions, but the curator role involves more decision-making and exhibit development, while the assistant role emphasizes operational support.

More about Entry Level Museum Curator jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Museum Curator jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Museum Curator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Curator jobs? The most popular types of Museum Curator jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Museum Curator jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Museum Curator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Museum Curator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Museum Curator jobs are:
Entry Level Museum Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Museum Curator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,262 per year, or $36.7 per hour.
Apprentice Engineer

Apprentice Engineer

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities:
  • Assists Stationary Engineers in providing adequate HVAC (heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing) and maintaining equipment for the museum physical plant and other properties
  • Maintains museum vehicles, grounds, and other special projects
  • Reviews daily equipment logs for accuracy
  • Completes assigned work orders in a timely fashion
  • Escorts E&F contractors to work sites on MFAH properties and supervise work
  • Works on installation and de-installation of exhibitions with Curatorial, Preparations, Lighting, and Electrical
  • Installs and de-installs banners for exhibitions
  • Sets up and breaks down tables, chairs, and other equipment for events
  • Assists in the installation and de-installation of the Retail shop for rotating exhibitions
  • Operates various aerial lifts (20ft to 85ft) and fork lifts to complete tasks
  • Drives cargo van, box truck, and pickup truck to and from work sites
  • As part of the essential staff- protects museum properties during natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, ice storms, etc.)
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
  • Basic knowledge of A/C, heating, boilers, chillers, air handling units, electrical, plumbing, and auxiliary equipment
  • Willing to work rotating shifts, weekends, and overtime
  • Willing and able to respond to emergency calls when off duty
  • Able to lift 75 pounds, work bending and stooping, and climb a ladder
  • Must have a valid Texas driver license and good driving record
  • Able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Previous maintenance experience, which includes work with boilers, chillers, electrical, plumbing, or other mechanical equipment preferred

Equal Opportunities for All
At the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and to our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.
Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.org
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply