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Exhibition Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Indiana

Lighting Preparator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$56K/yr

As an Experience Lighting Preparator, you will create and contribute to the lighting, production ... exhibitions. You will interact with Exhibit Production team members, Experience Design and ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Museum Exhibitions Coordinator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

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 ...

American

Part-Time Art Handler II

Campus, IL

$25 - $30/hr

The Art Handler II works during the 3 - 5 week installation and de-installation period between the AU Museum's various exhibition cycles, and assists the Museum Preparator with specialized roles ...

State of Nevada (NV)

EXHIBITS MANAGER

Carson City, NV · On-site

$64K - $95K/yr

This role requires a deep understanding of exhibition best practices, including accessibility ... OR two years of experience as an Exhibit Preparator II in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent ...

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Exhibition Preparator information

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$9

$19

$33

How much do exhibition preparator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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:
What job categories do people searching Exhibition Preparator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Exhibition Preparator jobs are:
Exhibition Preparator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exhibition Preparator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 3% 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.

Preparator I (As Needed)

Asian Art Museum

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$31.19/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY
Are you ready to be part of something inspiring? We're actively hiring several passionate and detail-oriented Preparator I (On-Call/As Needed) candidates to join our dynamic exhibitions team! In this hands-on role, you'll dive into a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks- from preparing and fabricating exhibit components to installing and taking down stunning displays and furniture. You'll work closely alongside our expert full-time staff whenever handling priceless works of art, ensuring every piece is showcased with care and precision. If you're enthusiastic about art, craftsmanship, and behind-the-scenes magic, we'd love to hear from you!
The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is the world's leading museum dedicated to connecting global audiences with Asian and Asian American art and culture. With a collection of 20,000 objects spanning over 6,000 years - from ancient sculpture to contemporary installations - the museum offers a powerful lens into the depth and diversity of Asian cultures. A vibrant center for public engagement, the museum is a place where history and the present meet to inspire a more connected future. The museum's mission is to celebrate, preserve, and promote Asian and Asian American art and cultures for local and global audiences. It serves as a dynamic forum for exchanging ideas, inviting collaboration, and fueling imagination to deepen understanding and empathy among people of all backgrounds.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join an organization that values creativity, teamwork, collaboration, and inclusion and where you will be surrounded by a diverse, talented, and enthusiastic group of colleagues.
The nature of the work involves heavy lifting, manual dexterity, and the ability to assist in the handling of delicate, valuable, and irreplaceable art objects with extreme care.
The Preparator I (as needed/on-call) provides assistance to the Preparation department during periods of peak workload or on special projects. The Preparator I (as needed/on-call) must be open to work on temporary assignments varying in the number of hours and days.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Assists in the preparation, hanging, installation and deinstallation of art objects utilizing proper handling and security techniques.
  • Assists in the loading and unloading of art objects.
  • Assists with carpentry, finish work, packing/crating, lighting, A/V and mount making as required.
  • Paints and/or constructs walls, platforms, pedestals, and other exhibition fixtures.
  • Performs various skilled and semi-skilled tasks including working with power tools, adhesives, and metals.
  • Participates in general shop operations including cleaning, and organization of shop spaces.

OTHER FUNCTIONS
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Two (2) years of experience in installation of exhibit displays including the installation of three-dimensional objects in conjunction with wire object mounts, or a relevant combination of education, training, and experience.
  • Knowledge and skill in the use and care of standard hand and power tools; practices and methods of exhibit installation; safe work practices related to the installation of art.
  • Ability to problem solve and work well under pressure with conflicting demands.
  • Ability to lift and move heavy objects up to 75 lbs. and at heights up to 6 feet.
  • Extremely flexible, reliable, and dependable; integrity and sense of humor

WORKING CONDITIONS
Preparators' Shop. Physical agility, good vision, and manual dexterity are required to fabricate mounts, move art, and operate tools/equipment. Also involves medium to heavy work requiring lifting, carrying, and moving materials, tools, and equipment, and finished exhibit and display fixtures and furniture. May involve exposure to chemicals, fumes, heat, dust, and toxins. Required to wear safety glasses and mask when necessary for health and safety.
This position is represented by Local 1021, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and new hires start at step 1 of the wage range: $31.1975/ hour. This is an as needed/on-call position with the museum.
OUR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMITMENTS
At the Asian Art Museum, we are dedicated to ideating, building, and holding ourselves accountable for Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion in everything we do. We strive to foster a culture of respect, belonging and inclusivity for all employees.
Our mission is to celebrate, preserve, and promote Asian and Asian American art and cultures for local and global audiences. We provide a dynamic forum for exchanging ideas, inviting collaboration, and fueling imagination to deepen understanding and empathy among people of all backgrounds.
Diversity of thought and experience is essential to our mission, and we are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Apply online at https://about.asianart.org/careers/. Ensuring a smooth and enjoyable candidate experience is critical for us. Application materials will be screened in relation to the criteria described. Candidates deemed to be the most highly qualified will be invited to participate in the interview process. Our interview process tends to take about 4 weeks to complete but may fluctuate depending on the role. Appointment is subject to completion of a thorough background check process.
The Asian Art Museum is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories (arrest and criminal histories) consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.
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.

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