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Full Time Museum Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Museum Preparator FLSA Classification: Full-Time, Exempt The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has an opening for a full-time, exempt Museum Preparator in the Museum Services Department. Company ...

Art Preparator I

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$21 - $24.04/hr

Art Preparator I The Chrysler Museum of Art, located at 1 Memorial Place in Norfolk, VA, is ... Non-Exempt/Hourly Position Type: Full-time Supervisor duties: None Reports to: Chief Registrar Date:

Preparator

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

Regular/Full time POSITION SUMMARY: High Museum preparators are responsible for the overall safe ... Preparator in organization, inventory, purchasing of materials and supplies. * Other duties as ...

Regular/Full time POSITION SUMMARY: High Museum preparators are responsible for the overall safe ... Preparator in organization, inventory, purchasing of materials and supplies. * Other duties as ...

Museum Exhibitions Coordinator

Mesa, AZ ยท On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 16974 Department: (H400)Arts and Culture ... This classification may supervise the Museum Exhibits Preparator and/or the Museum Exhibits ...

Full Time Museum Preparator information

See salary details

$36K

$57.7K

$91.5K

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

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time museum preparator in the United States is $57,651.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by full time museum preparators, and how can they be addressed?

Museum preparators often face challenges such as safely handling fragile artifacts, meeting tight exhibition deadlines, and adapting to last-minute changes in exhibit design. To address these, preparators rely on strong communication and collaboration with curators, conservators, and other team members, as well as meticulous planning and adherence to best practices for object handling and installation. Continuous training in new materials and mounting techniques also helps preparators stay prepared for evolving exhibition needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time museum preparator?

To thrive as a Full Time Museum Preparator, you need expertise in art handling, exhibit installation, and a background in museum studies or fine arts. Familiarity with tools such as lifts, hand tools, and collections management software is typically required, along with knowledge of safe packing and environmental standards. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the safe handling and optimal presentation of collections, supporting both preservation and visitor experience.

What is the difference between Full Time Museum Preparator vs Museum Conservator?

AspectFull Time Museum PreparatorMuseum Conservator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in art, archaeology, or related field; specialized training in object handlingMaster's degree or higher in conservation, art history, or related field; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, storage, and exhibit spaces within museums; hands-on object handlingLaboratories, conservation studios; focus on preservation and treatment of artifacts
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions; involved in exhibit setup and object preparationMuseums, conservation labs; responsible for artifact preservation and restoration

While both roles work within museums and require knowledge of artifacts, a Full Time Museum Preparator primarily prepares objects for display and storage, focusing on physical handling and installation. A Museum Conservator specializes in the preservation, restoration, and long-term care of artifacts, often requiring advanced conservation training. Both roles are essential for museum operations but differ in their focus and expertise.

What is a full time museum preparator?

Full Time Museum Preparators are professionals responsible for the handling, installation, packing, and care of artworks and artifacts in museums and galleries. They work closely with curators, conservators, and exhibition designers to ensure objects are safely displayed and transported. Their duties include constructing display mounts, preparing gallery spaces, and maintaining proper environmental conditions. They play a key role in both permanent and temporary exhibitions, contributing to the overall presentation and preservation of museum collections.
More about Full Time Museum Preparator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Preparator jobs? The most popular types of Museum Preparator jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Museum Preparator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Museum Preparator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Full Time Museum Preparator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,651 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Museum Preparator

Country Music Foundation

Nashville, TN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Museum Preparator
FLSA Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has an opening for a full-time, exempt Museum Preparator in the Museum Services Department.
Company Overview: Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fameยฎ and Museum documents and interprets the history of country music-a musical genre and culture central to the identity of the city, the state, and the nation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the museum proudly combines subject expertise, ambitious research, and preservation of an unparalleled collection with expressions of creativity in music, art, and history. The museum collects artifacts that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music and provides diverse learning opportunities through educational programs, publications, and exhibitions. The core exhibit follows the story of country music from its folk beginnings through its evolution as a commercial art form. Rotating exhibits examine a broad range of topics, from country classics to contemporary and emerging artists in American Currents. The museum owns Hatch Show Print, a letterpress print shop opened in 1879, and it operates Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley and many others recorded.
What We Offer for Full-Time Staff:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Options
  • Competitive Pay
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Days
  • Paid Holidays (13) and Floating Holidays (2)
  • 401(K) with Up to 3% Employer Match
  • Employee Assistance Program (Free Counseling and Legal Services)
  • Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
  • FREE 24/7 Downtown Parking and Transit Benefits
  • Continuing Professional Offerings
  • Complimentary Museum Admission (For Yourself, Family, and Friends)
  • Reciprocal Partnerships with Local Venues (The Nashville Zoo, Dollywood Theme & Water Parks, National Museum of African American Music, tours at The Opry and The Ryman Auditorium, and more)
  • Up to 25% Discount in Retail Stores and Onsite Restaurant Venues
  • Opportunities to Attend Exhibit Openings, Concerts and Special Events
  • Employee Engagement Activities and Opportunities
  • FSA and Dependent Care Options
  • Dog Friendly Work Environment
  • Volunteering and Community Engagement Opportunities

Division Overview: The Museum Services division is responsible for the museum's collections, exhibitions, and editorial content.
Position Overview: The Country Music Hall of Fameยฎ and Museum has an opening for a full-time exempt Museum Preparator to lead preparation, mounting, installation, and transportation of collections objects displayed in museum exhibitions, in compliance with American Association of Museums (AAM) collection standards and ethics. The position includes shared responsibility for gallery and exhibition monitoring and maintenance, and oversight of exhibition supplies and tools.
This position carries responsibility for irreplaceable objects and archival materials, and requires careful attention to detail, strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills, plus the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, and to work collaboratively and diplomatically.
This position reports to the Executive Director of Exhibitions and Curatorial Services. Excellent time management skills are essential.
Specific Job Duties:
  • Fabricating safe and stable structural support mounts for a variety of artifacts and specimens including 2-D and 3-D objects such as costumes, musical instruments, manuscripts, etc. Fabrication materials include metal, acrylic, fabric, and foam.
  • Mounting and dismounting artifacts
  • Assisting with artifact handling and transport within the museum.
  • Maintain exhibition work areas, including oversight of tools and equipment and exhibit supplies and furniture.
  • Work with exhibitions and collections staff to prepare and maintain gallery spaces.
  • Cleaning and repairing existing exhibits and displays, and/or identifying needs.
  • Assist collections staff with precise measurements and recordings of artifact dimensions.

Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, or a comparable academic field and relevant work experience and training.
  • 3-5 years of experience in museum exhibition installation and production.
  • Understanding of 3D and spatial design.
  • Experience with artifact preparation and mounting, knowledge of tools and installation methods, including soldering and welding. Carpentry experience is a plus.
  • Exhibition graphics installation experience

Physical Requirements:
  • Applicants should also be able to climb and work on ladders.
  • Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, twisting, sitting, bending, and stooping
  • Applicants should have the ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
  • Applicants should have the ability to work around paints, cleansers and other similar products in a gallery environment and work in spaces that collect dust.
  • Comfortable using and operating hand power tools

Conditions of Employment:
  • Must be able to work a flexible 40-hr./week schedule including some weekends, evenings, and holidays

Notes to Applicant:
The Country Music Hall of Fameยฎ and Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We respect the varied attributes, characteristics, and perspectives that make each person unique. The museum promotes an environment of respect, communication, and understanding, while actively providing opportunities for all employees of all backgrounds the skills, experience, and information necessary to succeed. The museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or characteristics, age, membership in an employee organization, military or veteran status, or other non-merit factor. The Country Music Hall of Fameยฎ and Museum does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
We are a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified candidates to apply for open positions. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and visitors. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and employment verification, including federally mandated E-Verify processes, as required for position.
Due to the high volume of applications received for this position, hiring managers will only contact candidates they are interested in scheduling for an interview. Please refrain from calling to inquire about the status of your application.
Please upload a resume and cover letter when applying for the position.
Applications are only accepted online on our career page: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/careers