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How much do herbarium curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for herbarium 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 does a herbarium curator do?

A Herbarium Curator manages and maintains a collection of preserved plant specimens for research, education, and conservation. They are responsible for cataloging, preserving, and updating specimens, as well as facilitating access for researchers and the public. Curators may also conduct fieldwork, contribute to scientific studies, and oversee digitization efforts. Additionally, they often collaborate with botanists, educators, and institutions to promote plant science and biodiversity conservation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a herbarium curator?

To thrive as a Herbarium Curator, you need expertise in botany, plant taxonomy, and specimen management, often backed by an advanced degree in biology or a related field. Familiarity with collection management databases, herbarium mounting techniques, and scientific cataloging tools is important, and certifications in museum or archival studies can be beneficial. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for documenting collections and engaging with researchers. These skills ensure accurate preservation, cataloging, and accessibility of plant specimens, supporting research and educational initiatives.

Do herbarium curators make a lot of money?

Herbarium curators typically earn a moderate salary that varies based on experience, education, and location. According to industry data, the average annual salary ranges from $40,000 to $60,000, with higher earnings possible for those with advanced degrees or specialized skills in botany or collections management.

How do you become a herbarium curator?

To become a herbarium curator, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in botany, plant science, or a related field, with many positions requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Relevant skills include plant identification, collection management, and familiarity with herbarium software; experience through internships or research is also valuable.
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Herbarium Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Herbarium Curator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Herbarium Curatorial Assistant

The New York Botanical Garden

Bronx, NY • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

NYBG Job DescriptionTitleReports to

Herbarium Curatorial Assistant

Assistant Director of the Herbarium

Position Summary:

Assist in all basic functions of the Herbarium by carrying out a wide variety of daily herbarium tasks.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Filing specimens into the Herbarium as well as maintenance and curation of the collection to reflect new determinations of specimens and taxonomic revisions.
  • Processing newly collected specimens to obtain determinations. Maintaining meticulous records about these specimens.
  • Digitizing specimens. Both imaging and data entry of specimen label information into our internal database.
  • Assisting visiting researchers to use the Herbarium. Updating/filing specimens the researchers have worked with.
  • Attending staff meetings.
  • Participating in outreach to the public.
Qualifications:
  • Experience working in a herbarium preferred.
  • Undergraduate degree in biology, preferably with coursework in taxonomy.
  • Organized person with ability to switch between different tasks easily.
  • Familiarity of scientific plant names and geography.
  • Understanding of data handling, experience with databases and/or spreadsheets.
  • Ability to reach specimens in cabinets 8 ft and at ground level.
  • Knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese a plus.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to, at minimum, use a computer; see and read printed and handwritten specimen labels; stand at an counter-height work space; be able to reach specimens in cabinets at ground level, or up to 11ft high (via ladder or rolling stairs); crouch, bend, and reach with hands and arms; carry and move up to 25 pounds; move a rolling herbarium cart. Work is indoors.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Baseline Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Salary: $50,000

Benefits:

  • 15Vacation Days
  • 13 Paid Holidays
  • 12 Sick Days
  • Health and Dental Insurance Coverage
  • 401K
  • Pension Plan

Please include a cover letter.

If you require an accommodation for any part of the application process, please notify the Human Resources department atHR@nybg.org.

If you are interested in applying for a position at the New York Botanical Garden, please go tohttp://www.nybg.org/employmentto submit your application.

EOE

Employment Type: Full Time

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