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Full Time Museum Buyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Buyer Planner

Trevose, PA · On-site

$53K - $73K/yr

Exempt (Professional) Full Time: Yes Salary Grade: Reports To: Supply Chain Manager Position ... Art Museum. On all projects we strive to utilize products that meet and exceed life safety ...

Buyer Planner

Trevose, PA · On-site

$53K - $73K/yr

Exempt (Professional) Full Time: Yes Salary Grade: Reports To: Supply Chain Manager Position ... Art Museum. On all projects we strive to utilize products that meet and exceed life safety ...

Denver Art Museum - 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204. Note: online applications ... buying decision-making process. * Ensures all display foods are merchandised attractively per ...

... museum-quality art, and a wine program drawn from Sotheby's cellar, all supporting Marcel's mission ... buying decision-making process. * Ensures all display foods are merchandised attractively per ...

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Showing results 1-20

Full Time Museum Buyer information

See salary details

$34.5K

$68.4K

$102.5K

How much do full time museum buyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time museum buyer in the United States is $68,384.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a full time museum buyer do?

A Full Time Museum Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing items for a museum’s gift shop or retail operations. They research market trends, negotiate with vendors, and select merchandise that aligns with the museum’s themes and audience interests. The role often involves inventory management, budgeting, and collaborating with curators to ensure that the products support the museum’s mission and enhance the visitor experience.

How does a full time museum buyer typically collaborate with curators and other departments when selecting pieces for acquisition?

A Museum Buyer works closely with curators, educational teams, and exhibition planners to ensure that acquisitions align with the museum’s mission and upcoming exhibitions. This collaboration often involves attending strategy meetings, researching potential pieces, and seeking input on historical or cultural significance. Buyers also coordinate with conservation and registration staff to assess the condition and provenance of items before finalizing purchases. Effective communication and teamwork are key to making informed, cohesive acquisition decisions that enhance the museum’s collection.

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

A Full Time Museum Buyer typically requires a background in art history, museum studies, or business, along with experience in procurement and collections management. Familiarity with inventory management systems, acquisition databases, and knowledge of relevant legal and ethical standards is essential. Strong negotiation, research, and relationship-building skills help buyers secure valuable acquisitions and foster vendor partnerships. These competencies ensure that museums build collections responsibly and sustainably while aligning with institutional goals and budgets.

What is the difference between Full Time Museum Buyer vs Part Time Museum Buyer?

AspectFull Time Museum BuyerPart Time Museum Buyer
Work HoursTypically 35-40 hours per weekFewer hours, often less than 20 hours per week
ResponsibilitiesFull scope of procurement, vendor negotiations, and inventory managementLimited procurement tasks, often supporting full-time staff
CredentialsRelevant experience, possibly certifications in museum studies or procurementSimilar credentials but may require less experience
Work EnvironmentOn-site at museum, collaborative team settingOn-site or remote, depending on institution

Full Time Museum Buyers handle comprehensive procurement duties with full-time hours, while Part Time Museum Buyers support these functions with fewer hours and responsibilities. Both roles require relevant experience, but full-time positions typically demand more extensive credentials and involvement in procurement processes.

More about Full Time Museum Buyer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Buyer jobs?

The most popular types of Museum Buyer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Full Time Museum Buyer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,384 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Store Lead, History Center Museum

Minnesota Historical Society

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$23.52 - $25.69/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

JOB TITLE: Store Lead, History Center Museum


OPEN TO: This job is open only to current employees of the Minnesota Historical Society.        


LOCATION: History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102

COMPENSATION: Typical starting rate $23.52 - $25.69 hourly.


STATUS & HOURS: Full-time, regular (approximately 2080 annual hours) position. 


BENEFITS:  Eligible to participate in State Employee Group Insurance Program and a retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals with additional paid holidays.


DESIGNATION: Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173


POSTING DATE: August 18, 2026


DEADLINE DATE: August 25, 2026

TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a resume and cover letter by the application deadline date. 



DESCRIPTION: This position exists to provide a high level of leadership and customer service in supporting the day-to-day retail operations of the Minnesota History Center. Additionally, this position exists to sell admission tickets to the Museum, sell admission tickets to the Minnesota History Center, sell memberships to the Minnesota Historical Society, greet and orient guests, provide customer service to a wide array of visitors, and lend administrative support.


SUMMARY OF WORK: 1) Assist in the daily operations of the museum store with an advanced knowledge of retail, data systems, and ticketing; 2) Assist Retail Buyer with online store operations, sales, and order fulfillment; 3) Provide support for administration, museum operations and other departments.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • Strong oral communication skills, ability to listen and be responsive to questions and comments.

  • Demonstrated reliability and ability to provide consistent, high quality customer service.

  • Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse public in a friendly and open manner.

  • Demonstrated ability to think imaginatively and problem solve.

  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate and contribute positively in a team environment.

  • Strong personal computer skills including intermediate skills with Microsoft Office and with GOOGLE suite.

  • Ability to complete record keeping and a variety of reports, including accounting and math skills.

  • Familiarity with technology, particularly admissions or retail software.

  • Ability to work a varied and flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

  • Ability to lift 25 pounds.

  • Willingness and availability to work a varied schedule that may include shifts on Wednesdays through Sundays, holidays, and occasional Mondays and Tuesdays, and evenings. 

  • Retail sales and admissions experience in a museum/historic site.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Previous experience mentoring, coaching, training and providing work direction for staff or volunteers.

  • Experience with Shopify and Google Suites.

  • Previous Lead experience in a Retail sales and/or admissions setting.

  • Knowledge of retail display and marketing techniques.  

  • Knowledge of Minnesota Historical Society programs and services.

  • Ability to troubleshoot software, hardware and point-of-sale issues.


Should you have questions with the application process, email humanresources@mnhs.org or call MNHS Job Line at 651-259-3181.   


At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.