Exhibition Installer
Philadelphia, PA · On-site
We are seeking a full-time Art Exhibit Installer for our contract site at the Philadelphia ... This role works closely with the Exhibitions Preparator, Exhibitions Assistant, Assistant Director ...
Exhibition Installer
Philadelphia, PA · On-site
We are seeking a full-time Art Exhibit Installer for our contract site at the Philadelphia ... This role works closely with the Exhibitions Preparator, Exhibitions Assistant, Assistant Director ...
Exhibition Content Development & Research Specialist
Salt Lake City, UT · On-site
$20.36 - $34.98/hr
... Preparator): Works with this position on the physical placement of labels and objects during installation of gallery rotations. Key Responsibilities Research & Sourcing * Integrated Exhibit Research:
Exhibition Content Development & Research Specialist
Salt Lake City, UT · On-site
$20.36 - $34.98/hr
... Preparator): Works with this position on the physical placement of labels and objects during installation of gallery rotations. Key Responsibilities Research & Sourcing * Integrated Exhibit Research:
Exhibit Preparator information
See salary details
$11K - $15.7K
0% of jobs
$15.7K - $20.4K
0% of jobs
$20.4K - $25K
0% of jobs
$25K - $29.7K
0% of jobs
$29.7K - $34.4K
0% of jobs
$34.4K - $39.1K
22% of jobs
$39.5K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$39.1K - $43.8K
30% of jobs
$43.8K - $48.5K
0% of jobs
$48.5K - $53.1K
4% of jobs
$57.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$53.1K - $57.8K
19% of jobs
$57.8K - $62.5K
24% of jobs
$11K
$48.8K
$62.5K
How much do exhibit preparator jobs pay per year?
As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for exhibit preparator in the United States is $48,775.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Exhibit Preparator, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Exhibit Preparator, you need expertise in art handling, installation techniques, and a background in museum studies or fine arts. Familiarity with tools such as power drills, measuring devices, rigging equipment, and knowledge of museum collection management systems is typical. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills help ensure safe and visually appealing displays. These competencies are crucial for preserving valuable objects, maintaining exhibit integrity, and supporting the institution's educational mission.
What are some common challenges Exhibit Preparators face when installing or deinstalling exhibitions?
Exhibit Preparators often encounter challenges such as handling delicate or oversized artworks, adapting to last-minute curatorial changes, and working within tight installation schedules. They must coordinate closely with curators, registrars, and conservation teams to ensure proper handling and placement of objects. Additionally, maintaining safe working conditions and following museum-quality standards are essential, requiring attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills during setup or takedown.
What are exhibit preparators?
Exhibit preparators are professionals who design, construct, install, and maintain displays and exhibitions in museums, galleries, and similar institutions. They work closely with curators, conservators, and designers to ensure that artifacts and artworks are safely handled and visually presented in accordance with curatorial vision and preservation standards. Their duties may include mounting artwork, building display cases, lighting installations, and ensuring the security of displayed items. Exhibit preparators play a crucial role in creating engaging and educational visitor experiences.
What is the difference between Exhibit Preparator vs Museum Technician?
| Aspect | Exhibit Preparator | Museum Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | High school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer technical training | High school diploma; technical or vocational training often preferred |
| Work Environment | Designing, building, and installing exhibits in museums or galleries | Maintaining and repairing museum collections and exhibits |
| Industry Usage | Primarily in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions | In museums, historical sites, and similar institutions |
| Common Search/Comparison | Often compared for roles involving exhibit setup and construction | More focused on collection care and maintenance |
Exhibit Preparators focus on designing, constructing, and installing museum exhibits, requiring skills in carpentry, painting, and installation. Museum Technicians typically handle the maintenance, repair, and preservation of collections. While both roles work within museums, Exhibit Preparators are more involved in exhibit creation, whereas Museum Technicians focus on collection upkeep.
More about Exhibit Preparator jobs
What states have the most Exhibit Preparator jobs? States with the most job openings for Exhibit Preparator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Exhibit Preparator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Exhibit Preparator jobs are:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 25 days ago
Job description
About Company:
Elliott-Lewis is the premier HVAC service company in Philadelphia, providing total engineering, installation and maintenance services. We are seeking a full-time Art Exhibit Installer for our contract site at the Philadelphia International Airport.
The Exhibition Installer is responsible for the preparation and painting of walls and pedestal furniture, installation, art handling, framing and matting, and the daily cleaning and maintenance of the artwork and cases. This role works closely with the Exhibitions Preparator, Exhibitions Assistant, Assistant Director, and Director of Guest Experience and Chief Curator to ensure timely and safe installations. Performs related work as required.
All work is performed in accordance with standard museum and airport best practices. As an overview, nature of work requires excellent verbal and organizational skills, manual dexterity, heavy lifting, and skilled care in the handling of valuable art objects.
Applicants should have knowledge of:
• Framing/matting, fabrication, art handling, and installation experience
• Museum art handling standards and procedures. The ability to handle valuable and delicate works of art with extreme care.
• Museum packing standards and procedures. The ability to safely unpack and repack art objects.
• Standard tools, practices, and methods used in painting, rough and finish carpentry work, and the use of different materials such as various kinds of lumber, fabrics, plastics, mechanical fasteners, and adhesives.
• Comfortable with use of standard power tools.
• Picture framing standards, including matting and label fabrication.
The ideal candidate will have ability to:
• Prioritize and work on several projects simultaneously.
• Work well with a team.
• Supervise freelance art handlers and art shippers.
• Assist with the construction of props, backgrounds, and exhibit furniture.
• Prepare, hang, and install art objects for exhibit.
• Move and handle art objects safely.
• Physically handle often large-scale, heavy, and valuable works of art with extreme care. Work from sketches and follow instructions as to construction and installation of museum exhibits.
• Select and use a variety of materials, techniques, and equipment to create and safely present the artwork.
• Requisitions lumber, paint, fabrics, lighting, tools, and materials as needed for specific installations and anticipates long-range material and equipment needs and advises accordingly.
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Check and clean exhibition areas on a regular basis to ensure that the exhibitions are maintained as originally designed.
• Provide for the proper security of art objects by arranging the appropriate security measures and devices when necessary.
Preferred Education:
• Completion of Bachelor's Degree program at an accredited college or university with major in art related field.
Ideal Candidate Experience:
• Preferred 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the preparation, construction, and installation of exhibit displays; or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• One-year full-time experience as an exhibition's installer within a professional exhibition facility
• Experience working within an airport arts environment is exceptional
Compensation:
We recognize that great talent can come from a variety of backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to affirmative action and diversity. Background, MVR checks, and drug tests are performed for all positions.
Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Vets
Elliott-Lewis is the premier HVAC service company in Philadelphia, providing total engineering, installation and maintenance services. We are seeking a full-time Art Exhibit Installer for our contract site at the Philadelphia International Airport.
The Exhibition Installer is responsible for the preparation and painting of walls and pedestal furniture, installation, art handling, framing and matting, and the daily cleaning and maintenance of the artwork and cases. This role works closely with the Exhibitions Preparator, Exhibitions Assistant, Assistant Director, and Director of Guest Experience and Chief Curator to ensure timely and safe installations. Performs related work as required.
All work is performed in accordance with standard museum and airport best practices. As an overview, nature of work requires excellent verbal and organizational skills, manual dexterity, heavy lifting, and skilled care in the handling of valuable art objects.
Applicants should have knowledge of:
• Framing/matting, fabrication, art handling, and installation experience
• Museum art handling standards and procedures. The ability to handle valuable and delicate works of art with extreme care.
• Museum packing standards and procedures. The ability to safely unpack and repack art objects.
• Standard tools, practices, and methods used in painting, rough and finish carpentry work, and the use of different materials such as various kinds of lumber, fabrics, plastics, mechanical fasteners, and adhesives.
• Comfortable with use of standard power tools.
• Picture framing standards, including matting and label fabrication.
The ideal candidate will have ability to:
• Prioritize and work on several projects simultaneously.
• Work well with a team.
• Supervise freelance art handlers and art shippers.
• Assist with the construction of props, backgrounds, and exhibit furniture.
• Prepare, hang, and install art objects for exhibit.
• Move and handle art objects safely.
• Physically handle often large-scale, heavy, and valuable works of art with extreme care. Work from sketches and follow instructions as to construction and installation of museum exhibits.
• Select and use a variety of materials, techniques, and equipment to create and safely present the artwork.
• Requisitions lumber, paint, fabrics, lighting, tools, and materials as needed for specific installations and anticipates long-range material and equipment needs and advises accordingly.
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Check and clean exhibition areas on a regular basis to ensure that the exhibitions are maintained as originally designed.
• Provide for the proper security of art objects by arranging the appropriate security measures and devices when necessary.
Preferred Education:
• Completion of Bachelor's Degree program at an accredited college or university with major in art related field.
Ideal Candidate Experience:
• Preferred 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the preparation, construction, and installation of exhibit displays; or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• One-year full-time experience as an exhibition's installer within a professional exhibition facility
• Experience working within an airport arts environment is exceptional
Compensation:
- Our organization welcomes applicants that are both union members and non-union and we offer a robust compensation package including:
• Highly competitive base salary,
• Merit-based raises,
• Medical / Health Insurance Plans,
• Vision coverage,
• Dental coverage,
• 401k Retirement Plan with company match,
• Two weeks vacation during first year at entry-level with even more earned over tenure,
• many additional voluntary benefits including several life insurance options, accident insurance, several disability insurance options, and more.
We recognize that great talent can come from a variety of backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to affirmative action and diversity. Background, MVR checks, and drug tests are performed for all positions.
Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Vets