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Full Time Costume Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Woodruff Arts Center

$100K/yr

Regular/Full time About the Role: The High Museum of Art seeks an innovative and experienced ... A. or Ph.D.) in art history, costume history, or a related field * Demonstrated expertise in ...

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Full Time Costume Curator information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do full time costume curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time costume curator in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time costume curator?

Full Time Costume Curators are professionals responsible for managing, preserving, and displaying costume collections in museums, galleries, or theaters. They research the history and context of costumes, organize exhibitions, and ensure proper conservation of garments. Their work often involves cataloging new acquisitions, collaborating with historians or designers, and educating the public about the significance of clothing in cultural history. This role requires expertise in textiles, fashion history, and collection management.

What are some common challenges faced by full time costume curators when managing large collections?

One frequent challenge for Full Time Costume Curators is ensuring the proper preservation and storage of delicate materials, as textiles are particularly vulnerable to light, humidity, and pest damage. Additionally, curators must stay organized while cataloging items and creating detailed records, which is essential for both research and exhibition planning. Balancing the demands of ongoing conservation, public engagement through exhibitions, and collaboration with other museum staff often requires strong project management and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time costume curator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Costume Curator, you need expertise in textile conservation, art history, and collection management, often supported by a relevant degree in museum studies or fashion history. Familiarity with collection management software, conservation tools, and museum documentation standards is essential. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are key soft skills for collaborating with colleagues and engaging the public. These skills ensure the proper preservation, interpretation, and presentation of costume collections, enhancing both scholarly research and visitor experience.

What is the difference between Full Time Costume Curator vs Costume Archivist?

AspectFull Time Costume CuratorCostume Archivist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Fashion, or related field; experience in curationBachelor's or Master's in Library Science, Museum Studies, or related; archival training
Work EnvironmentMuseums, theaters, film studios, cultural institutionsArchives, museums, libraries, research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in museums and cultural institutions for managing costume collectionsCommon in archives and museums for preserving historical costumes and textiles

The Full Time Costume Curator primarily manages costume collections, organizes exhibitions, and ensures proper display and preservation. In contrast, a Costume Archivist focuses on cataloging, preserving, and maintaining costume archives for research and historical reference. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ in curation versus archival preservation.

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The most popular types of Costume Curator jobs are:

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Full Time Costume Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Costume Curator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Curator of Fashion, Lauren Amos Fashion Project

The Woodruff Arts Center

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Woodruff Arts Center employees play an integral role in creating and supporting great art and education initiatives at the nation's third largest arts center. Comprised of three Art Partners-Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art-there's a role for everyone at The Woodruff.
Reports to:
Chief Curator
FLSA:
United States of America (Exempt)
Employment Status:
Regular/Full time
About the Role:
The High Museum of Art seeks an innovative and experienced curator with expertise in contemporary fashion to lead the program for its new endeavor, the Lauren Amos Fashion Project. With the North American premiere in fall of 2025 of "Viktor&Rolf. Fashion Statements," the High will mark the first exhibition associated with the Project.
Under the supervision of the Chief Curator, the Curator of Fashion will oversee all aspects of the museum's curatorial program for international contemporary fashion. Leveraging their established relationships with major global fashion houses, patrons, and colleagues, the new curator will be responsible for utilizing their experience and expertise to develop and manage visionary new exhibitions, organize and present affiliated educational programs and special events, and create and publish new scholarship. The successful candidate will have demonstrated ability and success working with and cultivating fashion patrons, developing compelling exhibitions in the field, and managing complex international projects, teams, and budgets. While the museum does not actively collect fashion, the curator will be responsible for envisioning and developing a 5-year strategic plan for the Fashion Project, including an acquisition strategy for very select opportunities to add works by gift to the High's holdings of design. The curator will be committed to working creatively and collaboratively with a diverse group of High staff, patrons, and their network of national and international peers. The position is presently term-limited to five years.
Salary: $100,000
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
What you will do:
Exhibitions
  • Plan and manage the development of the High's fashion initiatives
  • Develop and manage highly creative exhibitions including proposing and organizing a major exhibition and select installations of fashion loans
  • Conceive and act as lead author for exhibition catalogues and fashion-related essays and all related texts, including digital content

Public Programs and Engagement
  • Collaborate effectively with the museum's department of Learning and Civic Engagement to develop, and lead public programs and community events related to fashion
  • Work in partnership with Learning and Civic Engagement staff to develop and produce related interpretive strategies and accompanying materials,
  • Conduct training for docents and provide new opportunities for community outreach

Patron Stewardship
  • Collaborate with the Development team and others to lead cultivation and stewardship of fashion patrons internationally, including regular participation in tours, events, and related activities
  • Foster and build excellent working relationships with existing and potential patrons, trustees, and museum colleagues across the country and abroad, as well as with the academic community, dealers, and collectors

Communications
  • Regularly and effectively communicate with museum staff, trustees, colleagues, and others to expand, and facilitate the program of fashion and to ensure that related content, including digital and social media, is creatively and accurately developed and represented
  • Provide tours of relevant exhibitions, respond to scholarly, public, and press inquiries as requested
  • Represent the museum in contemporary fashion circles, professional associations, symposia and other meetings and relevant events

What will we expect of you:
  • Excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills with designers, colleagues, donors and the public
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally, as needed
  • Serve as a mentor to fellows, assistants, and interns
  • Exhibit high ethical and professional standards
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills
  • Must be resourceful, creative, flexible, and work positively with staff in a highly collaborative environment

Education and Experience
  • Minimum five years of experience in curatorial or academic work related to fashion
  • Advanced degree (M.A. or Ph.D.) in art history, costume history, or a related field
  • Demonstrated expertise in contemporary fashion; knowledge of fashion history of the modern era
  • A strong network in the international fashion world and a collaborative, creative mindset
  • Expertise in exhibition and program development and management, including budgets and both national and international collaborations

Physical Requirements
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Some standing, walking, bending, frequent use of hands, stooping and light lifting
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

What you can expect from us/ Benefits of working here
  • Health Insurance
  • Life and AD&D
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • 403b (with employer match!)
  • Financial Wellness Program
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays (including employee's birthday!)
  • Discounts and complimentary offers to visit the High Museum, Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Apply