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$8

$15

$21

How much do internship textile conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship textile conservation in the United States is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the meaning of internship?

An internship in textile conservation is a temporary position that provides hands-on experience in preserving and restoring textiles and historical fabrics. It typically involves working under supervision, learning conservation techniques, and gaining practical skills relevant to the field. Internships often have specific schedules and may require relevant coursework or background knowledge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Intern in Textile Conservation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Textile Conservation Intern, you need a background in art conservation, textile studies, or a related field, along with knowledge of textile materials and historical context. Familiarity with conservation tools, documentation software, and microscopy techniques is often expected. Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the accurate preservation, documentation, and restoration of valuable textile artifacts while supporting collaborative museum or heritage projects.

What is an internship and what does it do?

An internship in textile conservation is a temporary position that provides hands-on experience in preserving and restoring textiles. Interns learn techniques such as cleaning, repairing, and documenting artifacts under the supervision of professionals, often gaining skills with specialized tools and conservation methods. It helps individuals develop practical knowledge and industry understanding for future careers in conservation or related fields.

Is $20 an hour good for an internship?

For an internship in textile conservation, $20 an hour is generally considered a competitive rate, especially for entry-level positions that may involve specialized skills like handling delicate materials and using conservation tools. However, internship pay varies by location, organization, and industry standards, so it's important to compare with similar roles in your area and consider the experience gained. Compensation should also align with the workload and learning opportunities provided during the internship.

What is the difference between Internship Textile Conservation vs Textile Conservator?

AspectInternship Textile ConservationTextile Conservator
CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates; no formal certification requiredProfessional certification or advanced degree in conservation or related field
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, museums, conservation labs, often supervisedEstablished museums, galleries, private conservation studios
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with conservation tasks, learning techniques, gaining experiencePerforming conservation treatments, assessments, and research independently

In summary, an Internship Textile Conservation is an entry-level position focused on learning and assisting in conservation tasks, while a Textile Conservator is a trained professional responsible for performing conservation work independently. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a certified textile conservator.

What is an internship in textile conservation?

An internship in textile conservation is a temporary, practical training position where students or recent graduates work under the supervision of experienced conservators to learn how to preserve, restore, and care for historic and artistic textiles. Interns gain hands-on experience with conservation techniques, such as cleaning, stabilizing, and documenting textiles, while also learning about the ethical and scientific aspects of the field. These internships are often offered by museums, cultural institutions, or specialized conservation studios, and are essential for building professional skills and networks in textile conservation.

What kinds of projects or artifacts might I work on during a Textile Conservation internship?

As a Textile Conservation intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects involving historic and culturally significant textiles, such as garments, tapestries, flags, or costume accessories. Your daily responsibilities may include condition assessments, documentation, basic cleaning, mounting, or assisting senior conservators with more advanced treatments. Interns often collaborate closely with curators, collection managers, and other conservation specialists, gaining exposure to both practical techniques and preventive care strategies. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building your skills and understanding real-world conservation challenges.

Is a 3.4 GPA good for internships?

For an internship in textile conservation, a 3.4 GPA is generally considered acceptable, especially if complemented by relevant skills, coursework, or experience. Many employers value practical knowledge and passion for conservation work alongside academic performance, so GPA is just one factor in the application process.
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Internship Textile Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Textile Conservation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Internship, 32% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Associate Conservator of Costumes and Textiles

Associate Conservator of Costumes and Textiles

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 hours ago

Job description

We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace
At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Reporting to the Senior Conservator of Costume and Textiles, the Associate Conservator will take part in the preservation, conservation treatment, research and presentation of the museum’s renowned textile holdings, which include global dress and fashion, flat textiles, textile art, tapestries, carpets, and composite works of art from all museum curatorial departments. Candidates must possess outstanding visual and manual aptitudes, strong written and oral communication skills, a sound historical and technical knowledge of costume and textiles, and demonstrated ability to deal with the complexities and dynamic pace of a large cultural institution.
Specifically, you will:
  • Examine, conduct research, and perform conservation treatment on a range of textile-based objects
  • Evaluate and document the condition of works of art requested for loan, exhibition, or acquisition consideration
  • Collaborate with and advise colleagues across the museum on housing, installation, storage, mount-making, handling, packing, and the transport of works of art
  • Conduct technical and historical research to advance understanding of textile objects and as a basis for preservation, treatment, or display decisions
  • Collaborate with conservation scientists on chemical and instrumental analysis and characterization of textile materials. Assist in mentoring and training post-graduate fellows, interns, and technicians
  • Maintain the data collection tracking system for the museum's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, and co-ordinate and advise on mitigation activities Work to educate the museum staff about IPM
  • Promote public awareness of the role and work of the museum’s Conservation Division, in part through developing content for presentation and outreach
  • Engage professionally within the fields of costume and textile conservation and history, taking opportunities to publish work and to attend and present at conferences, colloquia, scholar’s days, and the like
  • Pursue continuing education opportunities within the profession to expand and refine knowledge and skills
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Your background and experience include:
  • Graduate degree from a recognized art conservation training program, or equivalent training, with a specialization in textile conservation
  • Minimum of 5 years of postgraduate experience in textile conservation in a museum setting, as well as experience with mannequin dressing
  • Proven ability to plan and execute a variety of complex textile conservation treatments on flat and three-dimensional objects
  • Experience with carrying out IPM in a museum setting
  • Experience working cooperatively with staff at large to meet departmental and institutional goals
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Adobe Photoshop
Position and Compensation Details
  • The salary for this position is $68,000
  • This position is full-time, Exempt, and 35 hours per week.
  • This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.
  • This position reports to the Penny and Bob Fox Senior Conservator of Costumes and Textiles
  • Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to access all public and staff areas of the museum campus, with or without accommodation.
  • Ability to move up to 30 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity and exceptional fine motor skills.
  • Excellent corrected eyesight, color discrimination and spatial perception

Institutional Requirements
  • Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
  • Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
  • Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
  • Maintains confidentiality.
  • Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline
Application deadline is June 12, 2026.
Please submit a resume and cover letter highlighting your interest in the role and relevant experience via the PMA website
What We Offer
Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:
  • Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
  • Discounted guest tickets for admission
  • Discounts on gift memberships
  • Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
  • Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
  • Health savings or flexible spending account program
  • Retirement savings program with museum match
  • Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.
 

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