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Hourly Museum Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CURATOR 2

Carson City, NV · On-site

$59K - $87K/yr

Job Summary The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City, is seeking a Curator of Education (Curator 2). As part of the Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, the museum relies on this position ...

$100K/yr

The High Museum of Art seeks an innovative and experienced curator with expertise in contemporary fashion to lead the program for its new endeavor, the Lauren Amos Fashion Project.With the North ...

Curator, Public Programming Job Status: Full-time Job Summary: Under limited supervision, the ... the museum's audience base • Assist with marketing and fundraising efforts including grant ...

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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 7, 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:
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.

Assistant Curator, European Paintings

100 The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Chicago, IL • On-site

$87K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

About the Metropolitan Museum of Art The Met presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online. Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment with a staff as diverse as the audiences we engage. Our staff members are art lovers who are passionate about working toward a common goal: creating the most dynamic and inspiring art museum in the world. At The Met, every staff member – from security officers to researchers to scientists and beyond – lives by our core values of respect, inclusivity, collaboration, excellence, and integrity. Respect: Engage one another with collegiality, empathy, and kindness, always. Inclusivity: Ensure that all are and feel welcome and valued. Collaboration: Reach across boundaries to exchange ideas and work together toward our shared mission. Excellence: Lead the cultural world in quality and expertise—and inspire curiosity and creativity. Integrity: Hold ourselves to the highest moral standards, admit when we fall short, and then evolve. GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES: As Assistant Curator, or Associate Curator with commensurate experience, you are a forward-looking art historian specializing in 19th-century art with a particular focus on paintings. In this role, the curator will be responsible for the research, display, study, growth, and care of this area of the European Paintings collection. The ideal candidate will be passionately interested in paintings; in shaping the department's future; in advancing the Museum's mission of public engagement and outreach through gallery installations; and in organizing ambitious exhibitions built around this area of the collection. The curator will be integral to the exciting project of reenvisioning the presentation of the permanent collection. The Museum may recommend that a new hire at Assistant Level be awarded credit for time worked in the same or similar role with comparable responsibilities as outlined in the Regulations for Curatorial, Education, Library, Conservation, and Scientific Research employees. An Associate level may also be considered with an additional 5 years' experience. Application Deadline: August 14, 2026 PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES: Commitment to scholarship in fields of specialization, and to communicating the results of that scholarship, both to a broad public and specialist communities; Curate gallery installations with the attendant tasks of research, label writing, working with paintings technicians, and participating in related digital platforms; Research, generate and produce scholarly publications on works in the collection under his/her/their curatorial responsibility, contribute to entries in The Met's online collection database; Organize path-breaking exhibitions that help to redefine an artist, period, or work of art; Participate in the Museum's public education and outreach programs; Develop and maintain good working relationships with donors, trustees, and colleagues from other institutions in the U.S. and abroad, as well as with the scholarly community, dealers and collectors; Actively cultivate potential sponsors and supporters, including departmental membership groups; Research, propose, and present works for acquisition; Respond to inquiries relating to the collection and assist the public and visiting scholars; work with scholars throughout the field to enrich and expand the collection's narratives; Collaborate with colleagues throughout the Museum and the broader field of art history on related projects and programs; Maintain commitment to the field of art history by participating in conferences, scholarly publications, and other forums; Other related duties as assigned REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D in art history and a specialization in 19th-century paintings, with demonstrated knowledge and particular focus on Impressionism; Reading knowledge of French or German, and competency in the European languages central to the candidate's discipline; Two years curatorial or academic experience in specialized field; Demonstrated scholarly achievement through publications and exhibitions; Strong presentation and advocacy skills when working with donors, the public, and museum staff COMPENSATION RANGE: Pay Range: $87,000 - $92,000 / Annually The advertised pay scale reflects the good faith minimum and maximum salary range for this role. The advertised pay scale is not a promise of a particular wage for any specific employee. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, special licensing or qualifications, and other factors. Location Requirements At time of employment, employees are expected to be located within commuting distance of the Museum. "Commuting distance" means that they are located in one of following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania (the "Tri-state and PA" areas), and be able to commute to and from the Museum in a single day. Benefits Offerings The Museum provides competitive compensation, and generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees. Note: Benefits Offering may differ based based on Employee Status. Medical, dental, vision and life insurance 403(b) basic retirement plan and optional matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and 13 Museum holidays Long-term disability coverage Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Account (pre-tax income for eligible health care expenses) Commuter benefits (pre-tax income for parking or mass transit expenses) Free financial-planning services Financial assistance for relevant coursework, seminars, and training programs 25% discount for staff in Museum shops A subsidized staff cafeteria Access to the Museums Council pass, which grants free admission to various museums and cultural institutions We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the desired attributes for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role. The Met is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, The Met will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed in this process, please contact benefits@metmuseum.org. The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides an opportunity for employees to enrich and develop their love of the arts while contributing their specific skills and talents to the mission of the Museum. Career opportunities at The Met are as varied as the cultures represented in the Museum's collection, and require all levels of training, experience, and education. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment with a staff as diverse as the audiences we engage. Our staff members are art lovers who are passionate about working toward a common goal: creating the most dynamic and inspiring art museum in the world. Respect: Engage one another with collegiality, empathy, and kindness, always. Inclusivity: Ensure that all are and feel welcome and valued. Collaboration: Reach across boundaries to exchange ideas and work together toward our shared mission. Excellence: Lead the cultural world in quality and expertise—and inspire curiosity and creativity. Integrity: Hold ourselves to the highest moral standards, admit when we fall short, and then evolve. Transparency in Coverage UnitedHealthcare creates and publishes the Machine-Readable Files on behalf of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in compliance with the Transparency in Coverage Rule. To link to the Machine-Readable Files, please click on the URL provided: http://transparency-in-coverage.uhc.com/ #J-18808-Ljbffr