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Hourly Museum Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Mesa

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

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 ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

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 ...

Campbell County, WY

Museum Curator

Gillette, WY · On-site

$33.87/hr

The Museum Curator will also assist the Museum Director with management of the museum by serving as a second in command. Essential Duties and Responsibilites The intent of this is to provide a ...

National Park Service

Museum Curator

Natchitoches, LA · On-site +1

$74K - $97K/yr

Summary You will serve as a Museum Curator for the Cane River Creole National Historic Park. Cane River Creole National Historical Park consists of two non-contiguous plantation units located ...

Veit

Auto Museum Curator & Caretaker

Rogers, MN · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Museum Curator and Caretaker is responsible for preserving, interpreting, and showcasing the museum's collection of antique and historically significant automobiles. This role ...

Veitusa

Auto Museum Curator & Caretaker

Rogers, MN · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Museum Curator and Caretakeris responsible forpreserving, interpreting, andshowcasingthe museum's collection of antique and historically significant automobiles. This role ...

Benrey

IDGC Museum Curator

Appling, GA · On-site

$20/hr

IDGC Museum Curator (Short-term contract position) Responsible to: IDGC Manager Background: The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) is a player-run international nonprofit organization. There ...

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Hourly Museum Curator information

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$28K

$76.3K

$135.5K

How much do hourly museum curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for hourly 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.

Are hourly museum curators in high demand?

Hourly museum curators are generally in moderate demand, with employment levels influenced by funding, museum size, and regional interest in cultural institutions. Competition can be strong for part-time or hourly positions, which often require specialized knowledge of collections and exhibit management. Overall demand varies based on the institution's needs and budget constraints.

How much money can you make as an hourly museum curator?

Hourly museum curators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the size of the institution. Salaries can be higher with advanced degrees, specialized skills, or in larger museums with more extensive collections.

What is an hourly museum curator?

Hourly museum curators are professionals who oversee and manage collections, exhibitions, and educational programs in museums while being compensated on an hourly basis rather than a salaried position. Their responsibilities often include researching artifacts, organizing displays, and ensuring the proper care and documentation of collections. Hourly curators may work part-time or on a project basis, providing flexibility for both the museum and the employee. This type of arrangement is common in smaller museums or for special exhibitions where full-time staff are not required.

What are some common challenges faced by hourly museum curators, and how can they effectively manage their responsibilities within limited shifts?

Hourly museum curators often face the challenge of balancing a diverse set of responsibilities—such as exhibit maintenance, artifact documentation, and visitor engagement—within a limited time frame. Prioritizing tasks, maintaining clear communication with full-time staff, and staying organized are key to managing these demands effectively. Additionally, hourly curators may need to adapt quickly to changing schedules or exhibit needs, making flexibility and time management essential skills. Collaborating closely with other museum professionals can help ensure continuity and uphold the museum's standards, even when working part-time.

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

Securing an hourly museum curator position can be competitive and typically requires relevant education such as a bachelor's or master's degree in museum studies, history, or a related field. Experience with collections management, research, and familiarity with museum tools or software can improve chances, but availability of part-time or hourly roles may be limited depending on the institution's needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an hourly museum curator?

To thrive as an Hourly Museum Curator, you need expertise in art history or museum studies, experience with collections management, and usually at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with cataloging software, digital archives, and basic conservation tools is often required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective public communication help curators engage visitors and manage exhibits efficiently. These skills ensure the preservation of artifacts, compelling educational experiences, and smooth museum operations.

What is the difference between Hourly Museum Curator vs Part-Time Museum Assistant?

AspectHourly Museum CuratorPart-Time Museum Assistant
ResponsibilitiesOversees exhibits, conducts research, manages collectionsAssists with daily operations, visitor services, and basic exhibit setup
CredentialsBachelor's degree in history, art, or related field; experience in curationHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentMuseum galleries, offices, research areasMuseum front desk, galleries, event spaces
Employment TypeTypically hourly, may be full or part-timePart-time, hourly

The Hourly Museum Curator and Part-Time Museum Assistant roles differ mainly in responsibilities and required experience. Curators handle research and collections management, while assistants support daily operations. Both roles are often hourly and part-time, but curators usually need specialized education and experience, whereas assistants require less formal credentials.

How much do you get paid as a Hourly Museum Curator?

Hourly museum curators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the size of the institution. Salaries can vary based on education, specialized skills, and whether the position is part-time or full-time.

What cities are hiring for Hourly Museum Curator jobs?

Cities with the most Hourly Museum Curator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Curator jobs?

The most popular types of Museum Curator jobs are:

What states have the most Hourly Museum Curator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hourly Museum Curator jobs include:

Hourly Museum Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hourly Museum Curator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Locum Tenens, 46% As Needed, 4% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 30% 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

City of Mesa

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 18 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

218th of 845 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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