1

History Museum Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Museum Associate

Sterling, CO · On-site

$18.01 - $22.94/hr

The Museum Associate works closely with the Museum Curator and assists with a variety of ... The ideal candidate will enjoy working with people, have an interest in local history and museums ...

Museum Associate

Sterling, CO · On-site

$18.01 - $22.94/hr

The Museum Associate works closely with the Museum Curator and assists with a variety of ... The ideal candidate will enjoy working with people, have an interest in local history and museums ...

Curator

Columbia, SC · On-site

$48K/yr

... historic house museum and collection and performs established procedures necessary for the ... Work with Park Manager to create, track, and spend the curatorial and exhibitions budgets. Identify ...

Showing results 41-60

History Museum Curator information

See salary details

$28K

$76.3K

$135.5K

How much do history museum curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 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.
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:

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.

Sr. History Program Specialist (Museum Curator) with Security Clearance

Parsons

Springfield, VA • On-site

$103K - $181K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Parsons rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

268th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next! At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible. Job Description: The History Program Specialist (Museum Curator)- Senior, takes direction from the customer Historian and is responsible for the management and execution of the historical program, from research and writing to curation and operations. This individual leads the support to operate and maintain the material culture aspects of customer's history, to operate and maintain the archives and all associated material residing in the Historical Research Center, and to preserve and communicate customer's history to customer's employees and public affairs mission both internally externally. Duties include content development and execution, Historical Research Center management, museum management, and archiving and curation. As the senior level historian, provide oversight of history services within the contract to include AP Style copy editing. Duties Include: * Content Development & Execution: Research, develop, and, execute a high volume of historical content illustrating Customer's history for both internal and external audiences. Products include articles, brochures, social media posts, podcast production, website content, museum exhibits, and museum tour guides.
* Historical Research Center Management: Focus on artifact section, storage, and curation requirements while assisting the Customer Historian in refining internal charge out and external loan procedures for artifacts. This also includes archival management, artifact curation, and preservation. Key duties include processing, inventorying, and organizing all archival records and historical artifacts, ensuring their proper care and accessibility. Locate new materials and advise government customers on acquisition, preservation, and display possibilities. Help identify items for deaccession and work the process for proper removal.
* Customer Museum Management: Work with other museums on loans, exhibits, artifact solicitation, and advise in acquisition decisions. This also includes researching, developing, and producing historical displays, posters, exhibits, museum experiences, conducting guided museum tours and any museum specific communications about Customer history program.
* Internal Collaboration & Oversight: Provide copy editing and quality assurance for all history program products. Support the Customer Historian on inventorying and accountability procedures for historical artifacts in Customer custody to include measurement metrics and assisting in history program audits. Required Skills: * Education: A minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in History, Geography, Library Science, Museum Studies, Museum Science, or a related field.
* Experience: 12+ years total experience. A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in the career field of history, geography, library science, museum studies, or museum science role. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, the candidate must have 8+ years of direct museum practice, artifact preservation, curation, or history-related positions.
* Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities with an eagerness to draft, edit, and proofread materials.
* Current/Active TS/SCI clearance or higher. Security Clearance Requirement: An active Top Secret security clearance is required for this position. This position is part of our Federal Solutions team. The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now. Salary Range: $103,500.00 - $181,100.00 We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle! Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY! Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/ .

What Parsons employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom