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Historical Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Museum Curator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$62K - $68K/yr

Develop strategies for art, history or collections interpretation, through exhibitions ... of curatorial experience in the fields of art, history or museum collections; and To include two ...

$100K/yr

Reports to: Chief Curator FLSA: United States of America (Exempt) Employment Status : Regular ... A. or Ph.D.) in art history, costume history, or a related field * Demonstrated expertise in ...

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Historical Curator information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do historical curator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for historical 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.

How much do history museum curators make?

History museum curators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and the size of the institution. Salaries can vary widely, with those working in larger or more prominent museums earning higher wages and often requiring specialized knowledge and skills in collections management and research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Historical Curator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Historical Curator, you need expertise in history or museum studies, research proficiency, and often a relevant master's degree. Familiarity with collection management systems, artifact conservation techniques, and digital cataloging tools is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for public engagement and collaboration with stakeholders. These abilities ensure the accurate preservation, interpretation, and presentation of historical artifacts for educational and cultural enrichment.

What degree do I need to work as a museum curator?

A museum curator typically needs at least a master's degree in history, archaeology, art history, or a related field. A doctoral degree may be required for advanced positions or specialized roles, and relevant experience, research skills, and knowledge of collections management are also important.

What is the difference between Historical Curator vs Museum Educator?

AspectHistorical CuratorMuseum Educator
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History, Museum Studies, or related fieldBachelor's in Education, History, or related field; often requires teaching or communication skills
Work EnvironmentMuseums, archives, historical sitesMuseums, educational programs, community outreach
Employer & Industry UsageHistorical institutions, museums, archivesMuseums, educational organizations, cultural institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in historical preservation and curationLearning about educational roles within museums

The main difference is that a Historical Curator focuses on acquiring, caring for, and managing historical collections, while a Museum Educator emphasizes creating educational programs and engaging visitors. Both roles work within museums and cultural institutions but serve different functions in preserving history and educating the public.

What does a historical curator do?

A historical curator is responsible for acquiring, preserving, and managing collections of historical artifacts and documents. They conduct research, develop exhibits, and ensure proper conservation using specialized tools and techniques, often working in museums, archives, or cultural institutions.

What are some common challenges Historical Curators face when managing museum collections?

Historical Curators often encounter challenges such as preserving delicate artifacts, keeping up with evolving conservation techniques, and ensuring accurate documentation. Balancing the need for public access with the protection of sensitive items can also be difficult. Additionally, curators must regularly collaborate with conservators, researchers, and educators to interpret and display collections in engaging ways, all while managing limited budgets and resources.

Is a museum curator a high paying job?

Museum curators typically earn moderate salaries that vary by institution, location, and experience. While some senior or specialized curators can earn higher wages, the role is generally considered to have a moderate pay scale compared to other professions in the arts and culture sector.
More about Historical Curator jobs
What cities are hiring for Historical Curator jobs? Cities with the most Historical Curator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Historical Curator jobs? The most popular types of Historical Curator jobs are:
What states have the most Historical Curator jobs? States with the most job openings for Historical Curator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Historical Curator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Locum Tenens, 11% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.
Museum Curator

Museum Curator

City of Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$62K - $68K/yr

Other

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


City Of Albuquerque rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

387th of 693 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Summary The Albuquerque Museum welcomes a Curator of Art who is proficient in regional art from New Mexico and the Southwest. A successful candidate should have a national and international awareness to secure and manage important traveling art exhibitions. The candidate will work closely with the Assistant Curator of Art and will be responsible for leading the Art program in exhibition development and execution, acquisitions, and educational programming.

To supervise, assign, review and participate in the work of staff responsible for planning, developing and implementing an assigned program within the City museum including either the creation and installation of various museum exhibits, development of various educational museum programs or research and documentation of objects for inclusion in the museum collection and to handle, process, maintain, preserve and manage the physical artifact collection of the museum. Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review and participate in the work of staff responsible for planning, developing and implementing the art exhibition program within the City museum including either the creation and/or installation of various museum exhibits.

Research and document objects for inclusion in the museum collection. Develop strategies for art, history or collections interpretation, through exhibitions, publications, events and audio-visual presentations. Coordinate the acquisition of new objects for inclusion in the museum collection; confer with vendors regarding cost of acquisition, and work within city procurement systems, and exterior fund raising procedures, to secure objects for collections.

Establish schedules and methods for providing assigned museum collection services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources accordingly. Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; implement approved policies and procedures. Perform the more technical and complex tasks of the work unit including collecting and organizing exhibits within assigned area.

May plan, oversee and participate in the handling, processing, maintenance and preservation of museum collections. May coordinate the planning, construction, installation, maintenance, preservation and security of new museum exhibits; determine proper lighting and audio needs; select music for exhibits. May coordinate and schedule public programs including tours, lectures, symposia, workshops, gallery demonstrations, special events, films, videos and live performances.

May implement youth and school programs; conduct art and history and science workshops; coordinate youth photography exhibits. May organize and oversee the maintenance of the museum's audio-visual library including the operation of video equipment and the creation of a video reference library. May process, number and catalog incoming and outgoing objects; assist in artifact identification, condition assessment and photography.

Participate in the selection of museum staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures. SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS: Participate in the preparation and administration of the assigned budget; submit budget recommendations; monitor expenditures. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations within the assigned program area.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in art, art history, history, museum studies, cultural or ethnic studies, anthropology, communications or humanities; and Four (4) years of curatorial experience in the fields of art, history or museum collections; and To include two (2) years of supervisory experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days from date of hire. Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire. Working Conditions Environmental: Museum environment.

Physical: Essential and supplemental functions may require physical condition necessary for light to moderate lifting and for standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.


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