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History Museum Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Mesa

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ

$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 ...

City of Albuquerque

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 ...

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 ...

Collier County

Museum Curator

Naples, FL

$66K - $107K/yr

Uploads historic photographs, maps, and documents with software to maintain the museum's online archive. Uploads historic photographs and information to the County's SharePoint system. Cleans exhibit ...

Collier County, FL

Museum Curator

Naples, FL · On-site

$66K - $107K/yr

Handles artwork and/or graphic panels. • Uploads historic photographs, maps, and documents with software to maintain the museum's online archive. • Uploads historic photographs and information to ...

Elixir Technologies

Curator

New Orleans, LA · On-site

MA in History, Museum Science or related specialty * Minimum of four years' experience in a curatorial role at a history museum, cultural center, or similar institution * Extensive knowledge of the ...

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All JobsHistory Museum Curator Jobs

History Museum Curator information

See salary details

$28K

$76.3K

$135.5K

How much do history museum curator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 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.

How to become a history museum curator?

To become a history museum curator, typically a bachelor's degree in history, archaeology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's degree or higher for advanced positions. Relevant experience through internships, volunteering, or work in museums, along with strong research, organizational, and communication skills, is also important.

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.

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

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.

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

Securing a position as a museum curator typically requires a relevant master's degree in history, archaeology, or a related field, along with several years of experience in collections management or research. Competition can be high, and strong skills in research, organization, and communication are essential, often complemented by familiarity with collection management software and professional networking.

What are History Museum Curators?

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 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.

How much do you get paid as a museum curator?

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 based on location, with larger museums often offering higher pay, and additional skills such as collections management and research can influence compensation.

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 knowledge, and additional responsibilities such as managing collections or leading exhibitions.
More about History Museum Curator jobs
What cities are hiring for History Museum Curator jobs? Cities with the most History Museum Curator job openings:
What states have the most History Museum Curator jobs? States with the most job openings for History Museum Curator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching History Museum Curator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for History Museum Curator jobs are:
History Museum Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various History Museum Curator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Locum Tenens, 68% As Needed, 7% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 13% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,262 per year, or $36.7 per hour.
Museum Curator

Museum Curator

City of Mesa

Mesa, AZ

$75K - $102K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

City Of Mesa rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

175th of 693 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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