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Exhibition Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The Assistant Preparator is responsible for supporting museum operations by assisting ... Performs lighting of exhibitions and storage in keeping with contractual requirements/ current best ...

The Assistant Preparator assists with all artworks installed throughout the Artis-Naples cultural ... Maintains inventory, executes movements, and organizes storage of exhibition equipment and ...

Coordinate case schedule and planning for special exhibition requirements. * Complete local pick ... Preparator in organization, inventory, purchasing of materials and supplies. * Other duties as ...

Assistant Preparator, Full-Time, Non-Exempt Why Join Us? Assist in all aspects of preparation and ... Must be able to interpret production drawings and specifications of exhibition components. * Assist ...

New

SMS Lab Preparator

Columbus, OH · On-site

$16.65 - $21.77/hr

SMS Lab Preparator Department: Dentistry | Sterilization Monitoring Service The Ohio State ... exhibits. The successful candidate will be detail oriented, self-motivated, a fast learner and ...

SMS Lab Preparator Department:Dentistry | Sterilization Monitoring Service The Ohio State ... exhibits. The successful candidate will be detail oriented, self-motivated, a fast learner and ...

Art Preparator I

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$21 - $24.04/hr

Art Preparator I The Chrysler Museum of Art, located at 1 Memorial Place in Norfolk, VA, is ... Exhibition Installation Accuracy - Ensuring artworks are mounted, lit, and displayed correctly ...

This classification may supervise the Museum Exhibits Preparator and/or the Museum Exhibits Technician classifications, as well as temporary agency personnel and volunteers. This class performs ...

Mount Shop Preparator I-III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Mount Shop Preparator I-III FLSA Status: Non-exempt Department ... Exhibitions Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to ...

Showing results 21-40

Exhibition Preparator information

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$9

$19

$33

How much do exhibition preparator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for exhibition preparator in the United States is $19.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exhibition preparator?

Exhibition Preparators are skilled professionals responsible for the physical installation and deinstallation of artworks and exhibits in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. They handle tasks such as mounting, framing, lighting, and safely transporting art pieces to ensure they are displayed according to the curator's vision and conservation standards. Preparators also work closely with curators, conservators, and artists to create safe, visually appealing, and accessible exhibitions for the public.

What are some typical challenges exhibition preparators face when installing new exhibits, and how can they be addressed?

Exhibition Preparators often encounter challenges such as working with delicate or irregularly shaped artworks, tight installation timelines, and coordinating with curators, artists, and other staff to ensure the exhibit vision is realized. Addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills, meticulous attention to detail, and flexibility to adapt to last-minute changes. Familiarity with proper handling techniques and collaborative planning meetings can help ensure installations go smoothly and artworks remain safe.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exhibition preparator?

To thrive as an Exhibition Preparator, you need expertise in art handling, installation techniques, and a solid understanding of museum standards, often supported by experience in galleries or museums and relevant training. Familiarity with tools such as drills, lifts, and art transportation systems, as well as knowledge of environmental controls, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with curators and ensuring artwork safety. These skills are essential to protect valuable collections and create engaging, professional presentations for public display.

What is the difference between Exhibition Preparator vs Museum Technician?

AspectExhibition PreparatorMuseum Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical or vocational training often preferred
Work EnvironmentArt galleries, museums, trade shows, exhibition spacesMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions
Job FocusPreparing, installing, and dismantling exhibits and displaysMaintaining, repairing, and installing museum collections and exhibits
Industry UsageCommonly employed in art, trade, and cultural exhibitionsPrimarily in museums and cultural institutions

The main difference between an Exhibition Preparator and a Museum Technician lies in their focus. Exhibition Preparators primarily handle the setup and dismantling of exhibits, while Museum Technicians focus more on maintaining and repairing collections. Both roles require technical skills and work in similar environments, but their specific responsibilities differ based on the setting and purpose of their work.

More about Exhibition Preparator jobs
What states have the most Exhibition Preparator jobs? States with the most job openings for Exhibition Preparator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Exhibition Preparator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 63% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,767 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 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:

  • 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

Employment Type: FULL_TIME