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Hourly Museum Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Field Museum

Mount Shop Preparator I-III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

May photograph and measure objects , upload documentation to EMu, and collect and prepare materials ... Museum experience is strongly preferred. * This position requires the completion/passing of ...

Field Museum

Mount Shop Preparator I-III

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

May photograph and measure objects , upload documentation to EMu, and collect and prepare materials ... Museum experience is strongly preferred. * This position requires the completion/passing of ...

Field Museum

Mount Shop Preparator I-III

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

May photograph and measure objects , upload documentation to EMu, and collect and prepare materials ... Museum experience is strongly preferred. * This position requires the completion/passing of ...

associated

Events Coordinator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$29/hr

The opportunity The Jewish Museum of Maryland (JMM) seeks a part-time Events Coordinator to join a ... The hourly rate for this part-time position is $29.00, based on a sixteen-hour work week. Work ...

associated

Events Coordinator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$29/hr

The opportunity The Jewish Museum of Maryland (JMM) seeks a part-time Events Coordinator to join a ... The hourly rate for this part-time position is $29.00, based on a sixteen-hour work week. Work ...

associated

Events Coordinator

Baltimore, MD

$29/hr

The opportunity The Jewish Museum of Maryland (JMM) seeks a part-time Events Coordinator to join a ... The hourly rate for this part-time position is $29.00, based on a sixteen-hour work week. Work ...

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How much do hourly museum photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for hourly museum photographer in the United States is $20.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an hourly museum photographer do?

An Hourly Museum Photographer is responsible for capturing high-quality images of museum exhibits, artifacts, events, and sometimes staff or visitors. They work on an hourly basis, which means they are often hired for specific projects or events rather than as full-time staff. Their photos may be used for promotional materials, documentation, educational purposes, or online content. This role requires technical photography skills, attention to detail, and sometimes knowledge of museum protocols regarding the handling of delicate objects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an hourly museum photographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Hourly Museum Photographer, you need strong photography skills, a keen eye for detail, and familiarity with art or artifact handling, often supported by a relevant portfolio or photography education. Proficiency with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, lighting equipment, photo-editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, and sometimes digital asset management systems is typical. Strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills help you work efficiently with curators and other museum staff. These abilities ensure high-quality, accurate documentation of museum collections, supporting exhibitions, publications, and preservation needs.

What are some common challenges faced by hourly museum photographers and how can they be managed?

Hourly museum photographers often face challenges such as working around fluctuating visitor traffic, adhering to strict lighting and preservation guidelines, and coordinating with curators to photograph sensitive or rare objects. To manage these challenges, it’s important to maintain flexibility in your schedule, develop strong communication skills with museum staff, and stay updated on best practices for artifact handling and low-light photography. Being proactive about planning shoots during quieter times and using appropriate equipment can help ensure high-quality results while respecting the integrity of the museum’s collection.

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

AspectHourly Museum PhotographerPart-Time Museum Photographer
CredentialsPhotography experience, possibly a degree or certificationSimilar credentials, often the same as hourly roles
Work EnvironmentMuseum settings, exhibitions, special eventsSame as hourly, may include additional projects
Employment TypePaid hourly, based on hours workedPart-time, may be paid hourly or per project
UsageCommonly searched for freelance or temporary rolesOften used interchangeably, but may imply fewer hours

The main difference is that an Hourly Museum Photographer is paid based on hours worked, often for short-term or freelance projects, while a Part-Time Museum Photographer may work fewer hours regularly but could be paid hourly or per project. Both roles require similar skills and work in museum environments, but the terminology can vary based on employment structure.

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

The most popular types of Museum Photographer jobs are:

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Hourly Museum Photographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hourly Museum Photographer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Mount Shop Preparator I-III

Field Museum

Chicago, IL • On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position: Mount Shop Preparator I-III
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Department: Exhibitions
Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.
Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
  • Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
  • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
  • Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!
Under occasional supervision and as part of a team, the Preparator III (Mountmaker) is responsible for performing highly skilled mountmaking and production work for assigned projects or components of a project. This position may serve as a lead preparator, coordinate the work of up to six Preparators I and II, and oversee the operation of an assigned shop area.
Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Designs and develops object mounts based on exhibit case layouts, object requirements, and approved mount standards; utilizes established mount design references, templates, and approved mount types maintained within departmental resource files and documentation systems.
  2. Fabricates safe, stable structural support mounts for a variety of artifacts and specimens using materials such as metal, acrylic, fabric, and foam.
  3. Performs highly skilled mount-related tasks.
  4. Assists with handling and transporting artifacts within the Museum, maintains the safe storage of objects in the Mount Shop, and tracks incoming/outgoing objects.
  5. May serve as a project lead, coordinating the work of assigned staff, maintaining tools, equipment, and supplies, and coordinating with other departments, contractors, and suppliers.
  6. Coordinates with Conservation, Registration, and Collection Managers as needed to support project requirements
  7. May photograph and measure objects , upload documentation to EMu, and collect and prepare materials for Oddy testing and data entry into FileMaker.
  8. May train staff in mount-making methods.
  9. May assume overall responsibility for the oversight and operation of a major shop area (welding equipment, safety, vault climate).
  10. May assign and coordinate tasks to a team of up to six preparators for a period of time (6 months or fewer).
  11. May assist with determining specific material needs, quantities, construction sequences, finishes, and installation procedures and initiate purchase orders.
  12. May review shop drawings, materials, and mount designs for projects.
  13. Assist with the organization and content of traveling exhibits, records, packing instructions, assembly information, inventories, and related tasks.

Qualifications
  1. High School diploma or equivalent required; some college or formal training in a related area is preferred.
  2. Must have a demonstrated high level of proficiency with shop tools, equipment, and mount making processes and techniques. Must have a broad knowledge of materials and hardware.
  3. Minimum of two or three years of experience in mountmaking, welding, brazing, archival processes, rigging, specialized fabrication techniques, along with a broad understanding of the departmental production activities.
  4. Knowledge of administrative and supervisory skills is necessary.
  5. Experience working collaboratively as part of a project or fabrication team is required. Museum experience is strongly preferred.
  6. This position requires the completion/passing of pulmonary function exam and respirator test (post-employment offer, prior to start date).

Supervision Received:
Receives general supervision by TBD and Production Director.
Supervision Exercised:
The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Work Hours and Shift:
35 hours per week. Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm with occasional before, after or weekend hours required. Typically, scheduled in advance.
Hybrid Eligibility:
Not eligible
Location:
1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
Union Representation:
This position is represented by Field Museum Workers� United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO.
Other working conditions: Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.
Pay Range: 19.10-31.00/hourly. This posting covers the Mount Shop Preparator I-III. Final placement and starting hourly rate will be determined based on the selected candidate's relevant experience, education, and skill level.
PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.
The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.
At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org .

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