ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Museum Archivist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Studio Museum in Harlem

Archivist

New York, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

About Our Organization Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of ... Job Summary The Archivist will work under the direction of the Director of Collection and ...

City of Norfolk

Museum Attendant

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$40K - $68K/yr

Situated in downtown Norfolk, VA the Memorial consists of a museum, archive and research center, education center, theater, welcome center, and a gift shop. A visit to the Memorial will allow you to ...

Zimmerman Associates, Inc.

Archivist

Washington, DC · On-site

$43.76/hr

Graduate degree in Library Science, Archives, or Museum Studies * Minimum of 3 years of experience performing archival work, including project and workflow management * Strong knowledge of archival ...

Zimmerman Associates, Inc.

Archivist

Washington, DC · On-site

$43.76/hr

Graduate degree in Library Science, Archives, or Museum Studies * Minimum of 3 years of experience performing archival work, including project and workflow management * Strong knowledge of archival ...

City of Oakland

Archivist

Oakland, CA · On-site

$91K - $112K/yr

The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill one Archivist vacancy at the African American Museum and Library of Oakland, a division of the Oakland Public Library (AAMLO). The ideal candidate ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMuseum Archivist Jobs

Museum Archivist information

See salary details

$28.5K

$72.8K

$119K

How much do museum archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum archivist in the United States is $72,781.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a museum archivist do?

As a museum archivist, you help appraise and maintain the materials and documents associated with a specific collection. In this role, you may help restore historical items, research this history of specific objects, oversee other museum staff, and otherwise authenticate various materials. Museum archivists also help coordinate educational study programs, manage tours and workshops, and otherwise help keep the museum functioning. Archivists usually work for curators, who serve as directors and help manage the daily operations of each facility. Many museum archivists specialize in specific areas, such as botany, geography, or metallurgy, and what you specialize in can affect the number and type of archivist roles you qualify for.

What does a museum archivist do?

A Museum Archivist is responsible for preserving, organizing, and managing the historical records and documents of a museum. Their tasks include cataloging and maintaining archives, ensuring the proper storage and conservation of materials, and making these records accessible to researchers and the public. Archivists may also assist with exhibitions, digitalization projects, and educating staff or visitors about the museum's collections. Their work is essential for safeguarding the museum’s history and supporting research activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum archivist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Archivist, you need expertise in archival science, records management, and preservation techniques, usually supported by a degree in library science, history, or a related field. Familiarity with digital asset management systems, cataloging software, and archival standards such as DACS or EAD is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure the accurate preservation, organization, and accessibility of valuable museum collections for research, education, and public engagement.

What are some common challenges faced by museum archivists when managing large or diverse collections?

Museum archivists often encounter challenges such as limited storage space, preservation of delicate or aging materials, and the need to balance accessibility with security. Managing large or diverse collections requires meticulous organization and the adoption of digital cataloging systems to ensure accurate tracking and retrieval. Additionally, archivists must stay updated on best practices for preservation and digitization to protect artifacts while making them available for research and exhibitions.

Are museum archivists in demand?

Museum archivists are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for preserving and managing historical collections. Employment opportunities often depend on the size of the institution, funding, and the archivist's skills in cataloging, digital tools, and conservation. Job growth is expected to be steady, with competition for positions in larger or specialized museums.

What do museum archivists do in museums?

Museum archivists organize, catalog, and preserve historical documents, photographs, and artifacts to ensure their long-term accessibility. They often use specialized software for digital records and may conduct research or assist visitors with archival materials.
More about Museum Archivist jobs

What cities are hiring for Museum Archivist jobs?

Cities with the most Museum Archivist job openings:

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

The most popular types of Museum Archivist jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Museum Archivist jobs?

The top employers for Museum Archivist jobs are:

What states have the most Museum Archivist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Museum Archivist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Museum Archivist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Archivist jobs are:

Museum Archivist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Archivist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,781 per year, or $35 per hour.

Museum Curator/ Archivist/ Cataloger

National Experienced Workforce Solutions

Richmond, CA • On-site

$58.30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Museum Curator/ Archivist/ CatalogerID:NPSJOMU-001-009Location:RichmondProgram:NPS
Wage/Hr:$58.30Hours/Week:40Minimum Age:55

For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States.

NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the National Park Service (NPS). These experienced professionals provide administrative expertise, facilities management, natural and cultural resource planning, and a broad array of other professional skills that support the National Park Service through the Experienced Services Program (ESP).

Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an ?at-will? relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

PLEASE NOTE: An ?Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ?Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the agency and administered by NEW Solutions.

This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.

Duration

This position is funded for up to 449 total hours.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 10 year(s) of experience in museum collections management including research, cataloging, documentation, photography, and storage. OR BA/BS Degree in Museum Management, Archives, History, Anthropology OR Previously completed training in Management of federal museum archives and collections, artifact and archival processing.

  • Ability to work independently in a quiet setting. Experience with historical research and data management.
  • Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel
  • Museum Collection Management System
Duties:

The enrollee will support Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, Eugene O?Neill National Historic Site, John Muir National Historic Site and Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial ? parks that lack sufficient staffing to meet museum and collections management goals and objectives.

  • Research historic artifacts and archival materials   20%
  • Photograph historic artifacts and digitize archival materials   20%
  • Catalog historic artifacts and archival materials into the NPS Museum Collections Management System (MCMS) or approved Excel spreadsheet   50%
  • Prepare collections for long-term preservation storage and digitization.   10%

Other:
  • Physical requirements: Enrollee must be able to maneuver boxes weighing up to 25 lbs. The work may involve some walking, standing, bending, or carrying of items such as files, computer reports, or office supplies. Work is performed in an office setting with adequate light, heat, and ventilation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.