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Film Preservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Film Institute

Be Seen First

Chief Communications Officer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$225K - $250K/yr

... preserve, to honor and to educate. This individual is responsible for the "look" and the "voice" of the American Film Institute - promoting a national brand that resonates to a vast and varied ...

Xpel

PPF and Tint Installer

Tampa, FL · On-site

Install automotive film with a high level of quality * Maintain and preserve professional relationships with local XPEL customers, both wholesale and retail * Transport vehicles to and from XPEL ...

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Film Preservation information

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$15

$29

$48

How much do film preservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for film preservation in the United States is $29.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in film preservation?

Film preservationists often encounter challenges such as deteriorating physical media, limited access to original materials, and the need to balance historical authenticity with modern restoration techniques. Working with fragile film stock requires specialized knowledge and equipment, and securing funding for preservation projects can be competitive. Collaboration with archivists, historians, and technical experts is crucial to ensure both the physical and digital longevity of films.

What is film preservation?

Film preservation is the process of protecting, restoring, and maintaining motion picture film so that it can be enjoyed by future generations. This involves repairing damaged film, transferring film to modern formats, and storing it in climate-controlled environments to prevent deterioration. Film preservationists play a crucial role in safeguarding cultural and historical records captured on film, ensuring that important works are not lost due to decay or technological obsolescence.

What are film preservation jobs?

When you work in film preservation, your job duties involve restoring and repairing aging and damaged film to preserve the original images to its original quality or better. Examples of jobs in this industry include film conservator, film historian, multimedia archivist, archivist or archivist assistant, imaging assistant, processing archivist, and preservation technician. Depending on the specific job, your work may go beyond just film. You may also restore DVDs, videotapes, and even scripts and other film-associated texts. Film preservation professionals often collaborate with other professionals in the field, such as curators, librarians, academics, and contractors, as well as students and interns.

What is the difference between Film Preservation vs Film Restoration?

AspectFilm PreservationFilm Restoration
GoalsProtect and maintain original film materials to prevent deteriorationRepair and recover damaged or degraded films to restore original quality
Work EnvironmentArchives, museums, film librariesPost-production facilities, specialized labs
CredentialsConservation training, archival skillsFilm technology, restoration techniques
Industry UsageLong-term preservation of film collectionsRestoring films for viewing, screenings, or digital transfer

While both roles focus on film care, Film Preservation emphasizes safeguarding original materials for future generations, whereas Film Restoration involves actively repairing and enhancing damaged films to restore their original appearance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a film preservation specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Film Preservation Specialist, you need expertise in film history, archival science, and conservation techniques, often supported by a degree in film studies, library science, or a related field. Familiarity with film scanning equipment, digital restoration software, and cataloging systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong organizational skills help professionals excel in preserving fragile media. These skills ensure the accurate restoration and long-term safeguarding of culturally significant films for future generations.
More about Film Preservation jobs
What cities are hiring for Film Preservation jobs? Cities with the most Film Preservation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Film Preservation jobs? The most popular types of Film Preservation jobs are:
What states have the most Film Preservation jobs? States with the most job openings for Film Preservation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Film Preservation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Film Preservation jobs are:
Film Preservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Film Preservation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,552 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Audiovisual Preservation Initiative Lead (Washington)

International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives

Washington, DC • On-site

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Smithsonian Institution, Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative
Overview

The Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative (AVMPI), under the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives, is seeking applicants for two positions to support the Initiative’s ongoing goals. This new pan-institutional initiative is focused on preserving the 300,000 audio, video, and film assets found across the Smithsonian, through the design and creation of a central laboratory, prioritization of collections, development of standard workflows, and the conservation and digitization of audiovisual assets.


Positions

  • Initiative Coordinator — will be responsible for planning, developing, and managing the Initiative, as well as ensuring the completion of goals in a timely manner. A strong background in project management, media conservation, and budgeting is desired. To apply and for a full position description, please see the USAJobs posting here: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/615011800 (link is external).

  • Curator of Recorded Material — will be responsible for researching, analyzing, and reviewing existing audiovisual media collections across several Smithsonian units. They will assist with the overall prioritization of collections for digitization, as well as develop online and in-person exhibitions to highlight the importance of audio, video, and film collections to the history of the Smithsonian and the world. To apply and for a full position description, please see the USAJobs posting here: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/615011300 (link is external).

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