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History Museum Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

The University of Oklahoma

Curator Archivist

Norman, OK · On-site

$18.99/hr

Curator Archivist Job no: 493385 Work type: Professional hourly Location: Norman Categories: Arts ... history collections, such as Biology, Biological Sciences, Museum * Studies, or a related field ...

Idaho State University

Curator/Assistant Professor, Idaho Museum of Natural History & Biological Sciences (3756) Pocatello - Main NOT eligible for remote work, on-campus position Priority Date: October 30, 2026 Institution ...

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How much do history museum curator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 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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History Museum Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various History Museum Curator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,262 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Museum Curator, IS-1015-12

Washington, DC • On-site

Smithsonian Institution
Museums and Historical Sites • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Smithsonian Institutionexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

OPEN DATE: September 8th, 2026          
CLOSING DATE: September 18th, 2026 (This job will close once 100 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date).         
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE:  Trust Indefinite
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 

Position sensitivity and risk - Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
 
Conditions of Employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
  • Complete a Probationary Period.
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
  • The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo.  This position is in the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture.  
The Museum Curator is in the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture and is located in the Office of Curatorial Culture
The Museum Curator provides scholarly research, defines and implements plans for development of a pre-eminent collection in African American history and culture, with specialty in Black diasporic studies.
In this position, you will:
  • Initiate, develop, and personally participate in research programs that characteristically involve a systematic research approach to a problem area of considerable scope.
  • Prepare for publication, scholarly reports of a descriptive and theoretical nature based on any specialization of Black diasporic studies.
  • Define and implement plan for development of a collection.
  • Verify, validate and assure proper identification, documentation, authentication, and storage of collection.
  • Serve as expert and consultant on professional matters to other governmental agencies, colleagues, writers, educational institutions, research foundations and the public.

Applicants must possess the following basic requirements:   
  1. Degree: museum work in African American history and culture; or in an applicable subject-matter field. OR
  2. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major, as shown in 1 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. OR
  3. Four years of experience that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study as shown in 1 above.
Unofficial transcripts are required at the time of application if you're utilizing education to qualify.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

In addition to the basic education requirements, the ideal candidate should have demonstrated experience described below:
  1. Conducting research in history and culture.
  2. Organizing, managing, developing or refining collections of artifacts.
  3. Organizing, developing, maintaining or refining exhibitions.
  4. Conducting presentations pertaining to artifacts or exhibitions.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
  
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
 
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.  
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
 
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact humphriesy@si.edu.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures (https://www.si.edu/OEO/IndividualswithDisabilities). 
 
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo   

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