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History Museum Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Mesa

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Description/Duties The current vacancy is in the Arizona Museum of Natural History; however, this ... The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Continuous Description/Duties The current vacancy is in the Arizona Museum of Natural History ... The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of ...

Campbell County, WY

Museum Curator

Gillette, WY · On-site

$70K/yr

This includes, but is not limited to, administrative and technical work in historical and ... The Museum Curator will also assist the Museum Director with management of the museum by serving as ...

Veit

Auto Museum Curator & Caretaker

Rogers, MN · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Design, plan, and curate permanent and temporary exhibits highlighting automotive history ... The Museum Curator role requires the ability to lift and move objects up to 25-40 pounds, including ...

Veitusa

Auto Museum Curator & Caretaker

Rogers, MN

$80K - $95K/yr

Design, plan, and curate permanent and temporary exhibits highlighting automotive history ... The Museum Curator role requires the ability to lift and move objects up to 25-40 pounds, including ...

Benrey

IDGC Museum Curator

Appling, GA · On-site

$20/hr

IDGC Museum Curator (Short-term contract position) Responsible to: IDGC Manager Background: The ... The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, creative, and will have a passion for the history of ...

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History Museum Curator information

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$28K

$76.3K

$135.5K

How much do history museum curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for history museum curator in the United States is $76,262.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a history museum curator?

History Museum Curators are professionals responsible for acquiring, preserving, and interpreting historical artifacts and collections. They design and organize exhibitions, conduct research on historical items, and educate the public through programs and displays. Curators also manage collection records, collaborate with other museums or institutions, and may oversee staff or volunteers. Their work helps bring history to life and ensures important objects are protected for future generations.

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

To thrive as a History Museum Curator, you typically need an advanced degree in history, museum studies, or a related field, along with expertise in research, artifact preservation, and exhibit design. Familiarity with collections management software, digital archiving tools, and conservation techniques is essential. Strong organizational, communication, and public engagement skills help curators develop compelling exhibits and educational programs. These skills ensure the effective preservation, interpretation, and presentation of historical collections for diverse audiences.

What are some common challenges faced by history museum curators when developing new exhibits?

History museum curators often encounter challenges such as ensuring historical accuracy while making content engaging for diverse audiences. They must carefully research artifacts, coordinate with other experts, and balance educational objectives with available space and resources. Additionally, curators often collaborate with conservators, educators, and designers to create exhibits that are both informative and visually appealing, all while adhering to budget and time constraints.

What is the difference between History Museum Curator vs Archivist?

AspectHistory Museum CuratorArchivist
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in History, Museum Studies, or related fieldBachelor’s or Master’s in Archival Science, History, or related field
Work EnvironmentMuseums, cultural institutions, galleriesArchives, libraries, museums, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in museums managing collections and exhibitsManaging and preserving records and documents in various institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in museum curation and collection managementUnderstanding archival work and record preservation

The main difference between a History Museum Curator and an Archivist lies in their focus: curators manage museum collections and develop exhibits, while archivists preserve and organize historical records and documents. Both roles require related educational backgrounds and work in cultural or historical institutions, but their daily tasks and objectives differ significantly.

How do you become a history museum curator?

To become a history museum curator, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in history, archaeology, or a related field, with many positions requiring a master's degree or higher. Relevant experience through internships, volunteering, or working in museums is important, along with strong research, organizational, and communication skills. Certification or specialized training in collections management or conservation can also enhance job prospects.

How hard is it to get a job as a history museum curator?

Securing a position as a history museum curator can be competitive, often requiring a master's degree or higher in history, museum studies, or a related field, along with relevant experience such as internships or volunteer work. Strong research, organizational skills, and knowledge of collections management are also important for success in this role.

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 location. Salaries can increase with advanced degrees, specialized skills, and working in larger or more prominent institutions.
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What states have the most History Museum Curator jobs?

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History Museum Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various History Museum Curator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,262 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Museum Curator

City of Mesa

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

City Of Mesa rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

220th of 848 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description/Duties The current vacancy is in the Arizona Museum of Natural History; however, this recruitment will also be used to establish an eligible list for possible future vacancies in other assignment areas. The first review of all applications will be on Monday, July 6, 2026. The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of the Arizona Museum for Natural History for the fields of natural and social sciences.

Responsibilities include: developing and implementing procedures of a general curatorial nature relating to the fields of Social Sciences (history, ethnology, archaeology, anthropology) or Natural Sciences (paleontology, geology, biology); conducting original and secondary research; ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws in the acquisition and collection of objects; writing policies, plans, grant proposals, reports, etc., regarding museum collections, general curatorial information, or a designated subject area; and providing curatorial expertise on certain changing and permanent exhibits. The Museum Curator also supervises full-time, part-time, contractual, and volunteer personnel. This class is also responsible for performing related duties as required

Anthropology Assignment: Conducts primary and/or secondary research in anthropology or related disciplines; oversee the disciplines of ethnology, and archaeology; coordinates the permanent gallery rotations, changes and updates exhibits, public engagement, and educational programming. General supervision is received from the Chief Curator, who reviews work through conferences, meetings, reports, and overall results achieved. This class is FLSA exempt professional.

Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions. Qualifications & Requirements Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity. Minimum Qualifications Required.

Any combination of training, education, or experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area. Considerable (3 - 5 years) collections experience in museums, cultural centers, institutes, academics, or equivalent. Preferred/Desirable Qualifications.

A Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as: Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area and experience in responsible positions in a museum is preferred. Experience in Triassic paleobiology field collection and publication desirable

Experience in application and administration of grants, permits, and federal and state repositories. Experience in large museum projects. Link to Job Description http://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4225.pdf

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