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Internship Museum Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... the Registrar and Preparator. * Contribute to exhibition interpretation, layouts, and graphic ... Oversee interns and volunteers assigned to the department. * Assist with preparing reports and ...

Internship Museum Preparator information

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$9

$17

$23

How much do internship museum preparator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship museum preparator in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an internship museum preparator?

To thrive as an Internship Museum Preparator, you need a basic understanding of art handling, exhibit installation, and possibly a background in art, museum studies, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like hand and power tools, inventory management systems, and basic conservation materials is often required. Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure that artworks are handled safely and exhibits are installed efficiently, supporting the museum’s mission to display and preserve its collections.

What is the difference between Internship Museum Preparator vs Museum Preparator?

AspectInternship Museum PreparatorMuseum Preparator
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant educationRelevant experience and sometimes certifications in conservation or collections care
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, museums, internshipsMuseums, galleries, conservation labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with collections, learning techniques, supporting preparatory tasksPreparing exhibits, handling collections, conservation work

The main difference is that an Internship Museum Preparator is an entry-level, learning-focused role often held by students or recent graduates, while a Museum Preparator is a more experienced professional responsible for preparing and maintaining museum collections and exhibits. Internships serve as training opportunities, whereas museum preparators perform hands-on, specialized tasks in the industry.

What are the tasks and responsibilities of an internship museum preparator?

As an Internship Museum Preparator, you will assist full-time staff with the handling, installation, and deinstallation of artworks and exhibition materials. Your daily tasks may include packing and unpacking objects, constructing mounts, maintaining gallery spaces, and ensuring proper art handling techniques are followed. You’ll likely collaborate closely with curators, registrars, and conservation staff, providing a hands-on opportunity to learn about the technical and logistical aspects of exhibition preparation. This role helps develop practical skills and offers valuable insight into museum operations, making it an excellent starting point for a career in museum work.

What is an internship museum preparator?

Internship Museum Preparators are interns who assist in the preparation, installation, and maintenance of museum exhibits under the supervision of experienced preparators or curatorial staff. Their duties often include handling artworks or artifacts, building mounts, installing displays, and helping with packing and transportation. These internships provide hands-on experience in museum operations, conservation practices, and exhibit design, making them valuable for students or recent graduates interested in museum careers. Interns typically work in art museums, history museums, or science centers and may also learn about museum safety standards and proper documentation procedures.
More about Internship Museum Preparator jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Museum Preparator jobs? Cities with the most Internship 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 Internship Museum Preparator jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Museum Preparator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Internship Museum Preparator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Museum Preparator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Internship Museum Preparator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,995 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Program Coordinator & Assistant Museum Curator

Tuskegee Airmen National Museum

Detroit, MI • On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum
Position Summary
The Program Coordinator & Assistant Museum Curator is a hybrid role that supports the Museum’s Director of Program Innovation 80% & the Museum curator 20%. This position assists with structure, document, and support of education programs and exhibitions, collections care, and public storytelling. The role plays a key part in ensuring that exhibitions and programs are well-organized, repeatable, and clearly communicated through the museum’s voice and mission.
Job Description: Program Coordinator & Assistant Museum Curator
Salary:
Duties:
Programs & Flight Academy Support

Support summer enrichment programs, Flight Academy, and other education initiatives through scheduling, logistics, and materials preparation

Assist with organizing and documenting program workflows, timelines, and materials to support repeatability and growth

Help develop program tools such as checklists, templates, and training guides for instructors, interns, and volunteers

Support onboarding and coordination of program staff and volunteers

Assist in aligning exhibitions with education and program goals to strengthen learning outcomes
Note: This role supports program operations and documentation. Program strategy, curriculum design, and instruction remain under the direction of program leadership.
Exhibitions & Preparator Support

Research and develop temporary, traveling, and permanent exhibits that align with the museum's vision, subject matter, and donor requests

Make updates to traveling exhibit boards

Work with museum curator, director, and other related staff on installation, deinstallation, and travel of exhibits

Work with museum curator to pack, unpack, and crate objects and artwork

Maintain the appearance of galleries and exhibition spaces

Plan out both temporary and permanent exhibit spaces on our properties

Strategize best storage solutions at the Fort Wayne Location

Act as liaison between the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History curatorial and exhibit departments

Manage social media by posting museum updates, student progress, and historical/curatorial trivia

Develop virtual exhibit and museum content for official website
Storytelling, Content & Community Engagement

Coordinate and/or create weekly museum and program-related content for social media platforms

Capture and share behind-the-scenes exhibition work, programs in action, Flight Academy activities, and museum highlights

Assist with or direct the creation of flyers, promotional materials, and digital announcements

Ensure all public-facing content reflects the museum’s mission, history, and interpretive lens

Support website updates, virtual content, and digital storytelling initiatives
Qualifications

Master's degree preferred in museum studies or a related field preferred

Experience in exhibition preparation, gallery operations, or curatorial support

Background in museum education, public programming, or youth engagement

Strong organizational, writing, and interpretive communication skills

Experience creating or coordinating promotional or social media content in an institutional setting

Ability to work collaboratively across departments and manage multiple projects
Desired Skills & Attributes

Systems-oriented and detail-focused

Comfortable documenting processes and improving workflows

Strong visual and narrative storytelling skills

Adaptable and collaborative team member

Passion for education, community engagement, and museum work

Company Description

Tuskegee Airmen National Museum is a unique museum in that it introduces and teaches youth in aviation and aerospace science while at the same time chronicles the history of the Tuskegee Airmen.