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Hourly Museum Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Art Preparator I

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$21 - $24.04/hr

Art Preparator I The Chrysler Museum of Art, located at 1 Memorial Place in Norfolk, VA, is ... Non-Exempt/Hourly Position Type: Full-time Supervisor duties: None Reports to: Chief Registrar Date:

Mount Shop Preparator I-III

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Assists with handling and transporting artifacts within the Museum, maintains the safe storage of ... Pay Range: 19.10-31.00/hourly. This posting covers the Mount Shop Preparator I-III. Final placement ...

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Mount Shop Preparator I-III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.10 - $31/hr

Assists with handling and transporting artifacts within the Museum, maintains the safe storage of ... Pay Range: 19.10-31.00/hourly. This posting covers the Mount Shop Preparator I-III. Final placement ...

Mount Shop Preparator I-III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Assists with handling and transporting artifacts within the Museum, maintains the safe storage of ... Pay Range: 19.10-31.00/hourly. This posting covers the Mount Shop Preparator I-III. Final placement ...

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Hourly Museum Preparator information

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$36K

$57.7K

$91.5K

How much do hourly museum preparator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for hourly museum preparator in the United States is $57,651.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hourly Museum Preparator vs Museum Technician?

AspectHourly Museum PreparatorMuseum Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training in conservation and exhibit setupHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certification in museum work
Work EnvironmentArt and artifact preparation areas, exhibit spaces, conservation labsExhibit installation, maintenance, and repair areas within museums
Industry UsageCommonly employed in museums, galleries, and cultural institutionsOften used interchangeably with museum preparator, focusing on exhibit and artifact handling

Both roles involve handling artifacts and preparing exhibits, but museum technicians typically focus more on installation, maintenance, and technical support, while museum preparators often specialize in artifact conservation and detailed preparation tasks.

More about Hourly Museum Preparator jobs
What cities are hiring for Hourly Museum Preparator jobs? Cities with the most Hourly Museum Preparator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Preparator jobs? The most popular types of Museum Preparator jobs are:
What states have the most Hourly Museum Preparator jobs? States with the most job openings for Hourly Museum Preparator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hourly Museum Preparator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 47% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,651 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Temporary Museum Preparator

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL • On-site

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Nova Southeastern University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 615 rated colleges and universities


Job description

About Us:
We are excited that you are considering joining Nova Southeastern University!
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) was founded in 1964, and is a not-for-profit, independent university with a reputation for academic excellence and innovation. Nova Southeastern University offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including tuition waiver, retirement plan, excellent medical and dental plans and much more. NSU cares about the health and welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors and is a tobacco-free university.
We appreciate your support in making NSU the preeminent place to live, work, study and grow. Thank you for your interest in a career with Nova Southeastern University.
NSU considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Job Title: Temporary Museum Preparator Location: Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida Work Type: Temporary Job Category: Non-Exempt Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience Pay Basis:
Hourly
Subject to Grant Funding?: Yes Essential Job Functions: Perform a variety of manual tasks and duties. Emphasis is placed on construction and carpentry.
1. Install and de-install exhibitions, as designed by Curators which includes but not limited to:
a) Receive and unload exhibition crates and deliver to appropriate storage and/or galleries.
b) Unpack and repack exhibition crates.
c) Properly store crates.
d) Construct exhibition cases on as needed basis.
e) Properly and carefully handling, hanging and moving art objects (all media) throughout the Museum.
f) Meet exhibition deadlines.
2. Prepare galleries for exhibitions including clearing of galleries and gallery walls in preparation of new exhibitions and proper repairing and painting of gallery walls.
3. Clean, maintain and insure proper order of exhibition galleries, including but not limited to: cleaning glass/plexi, dust frames, pedestals, and sculptures.
4. Build pedestals and displays as needed for exhibitions.
5. Call for appropriate help if artwork is damaged.
6. Observe and report any and all defects, deterioration, and wear on the facilities. Marginal Job Functions: 1. Must be able to lift, carry, push or pull a variety of tools, equipment and materials.
2. Must be able to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach overhead to gain access to equipment.
3. Handles a variety of hand and power tools.
4. Occasional exposure to wet and/or hot conditions.
5. Exposed to noise and vibration from operating machinery.
6. Must be able to lift any trade tools, material and equipment.
7. Must be able to safely lift 50 lbs.
8. May be required to work in confined areas to access equipment. Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Competent in carpentry, wall preparation and painting.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to understand and apply Museum and Departmental policies and procedures.
Ability to multitask.
Ability to work flexible hours and adaptable to exhibition deadlines. Job Requirements: Required Certifications/Licensures: Required Education: High School Diploma or equivalent Major (if required): Required Experience: A minimum of 1 year of experience in art handling, construction and shop supervision. Preferred Qualifications: Is this a safety sensitive position? Yes Background Screening Required? Yes Pre-Employment Conditions:
Sensitivity Disclaimer: Nova Southeastern University is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities, and will make reasonable accommodation when necessary.

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