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Museum Archivist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Speedway Motors Inc.

Archivist Intern

Lincoln, NE · On-site

Job overview The Archivist Intern will support the Telegraph Museum's archive organization and collections documentation work. This role will focus on cataloging, physical organization, photography ...

Speedway Motors

Archivist Intern

Lincoln, NE

Job overview The Archivist Intern will support the Telegraph Museum's archive organization and collections documentation work. This role will focus on cataloging, physical organization, photography ...

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 ...

ROCS

Museum & Archives Coordinator

Linthicum, MD · Hybrid

$30/hr

About the Role A well-established national nonprofit association is seeking a Museum & Archives Coordinator to support historical projects, museum exhibits, communications initiatives, and research ...

Vanderbilt University

Museum Registrar

Nashville, TN · On-site

Responsible for the maintenance and care of the museum archives, including the care of existing accession, exhibition, and loan files; creates new accession, exhibition, and loan files * Organizes ...

Smithsonian Institution

Supervisory Archivist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex ... Apply professional archival principles and methods of archival collections development, arrangement ...

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

$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 ...

Smithsonian Institution

Supervisory Archivist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex ... Apply professional archival principles and methods of archival collections development, arrangement ...

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Museum Archivist information

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$28.5K

$72.8K

$119K

How much do museum archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 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.

How do you become a museum archivist?

To become a museum archivist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in history, library science, archival studies, or a related field, with many pursuing a master's degree for advanced positions. Relevant skills include organization, attention to detail, and familiarity with archival management software; some roles may also require certification or experience in preservation. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in archives or museums is also beneficial.

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 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 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 is the average salary of an archivist?

The average salary of a museum archivist typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Archivists with specialized skills or working in larger institutions may earn higher salaries, and certifications can also influence compensation.

Can archivists work at museums?

Yes, museum archivists are employed to preserve, organize, and manage historical collections and records within museums. They often use specialized tools and require knowledge of archival standards, and may need relevant certifications or degrees in history, library science, or archival studies.
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Museum Archivist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Archivist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Locum Tenens, 17% As Needed, 14% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 29% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,781 per year, or $35 per hour.
Museum Archivist - Cogswell Heritage House

Museum Archivist - Cogswell Heritage House

American School for the Deaf

West Hartford, CT • On-site

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

THE AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

ANNOUNCES AN OPENING FOR

Museum Archivist – Cogswell Heritage House

CLOSING DATE: Open Until filled


CREATED: 04/13/2026

POST: 04/14/2026



The American School for the Deaf (ASD) maintains written Job Descriptions for most jobs. The Job Description is a guide to the basic and essential functions of each job; it is not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities. These Descriptions are revised to meet the changing needs of ASD at the sole discretion of the executive leadership team and/or in accordance with guidelines and standards set for an approved private special education program.



POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position: Museum Archivist – Cogswell Heritage House

Department: Museum

Supervisor: Executive Director or Designee

Description: Full time – 12 Months Benefits Eligible

Union Status: Non-Collective Bargaining (non-union)

SCOPE OF DUTIES

The Archivist is a multi-faceted position that integrates the roles of Archivist, Registrar, Project Manager, and Museum Manager. This role is responsible for the professional stewardship of collection materials, including accession, repatriation, cataloging, and conservation. The Archivist manages both physical and digital operations of the Cogswell Heritage House/American School for the Deaf Archival Database, ensuring all practices comply with federal and state regulations and standardized archival and museum practices. Additionally, the position is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the building housing the archive.


Primary Responsibilities:

1. Archive & Collection Management

  • Accessions & Inventory Management: Manage an inventory control process that incorporates existing accession records and researches potential new acquisitions.
  • Standardized Processing: Ensure all new materials are documented according to registration standards and oversee the repatriation of deaccessioned items.
  • Cataloging: Manage and catalog collections using archival field standards and best practices for both physical and digital materials and objects.
  • Institutional Collaboration: Maintain existing and establish new relationships with other institutions to facilitate collaborative projects, exhibits, item loans, and the accession or deaccession of materials.
  • Access & Retrieval: Develop finding aids and archival databases to facilitate research and access to collections.
  • Technical Standards: Establish standardized classification systems and nomenclature systems for organizing diverse collections.


2. Archival Preservation & Documentation

  • Archival Database Management: Oversee the digital operations of the CHH/ASD Archival Database, including procedures related to the Connecticut Digital Archive (CTDA).
  • Digital Preservation: Execute digital imaging for documentation and ensure the accuracy and proper formatting of transcripts for both new and existing acquisitions.
  • Collection Care: Implement proper storage methods and environmental controls for diverse materials, ensuring items are housed correctly both on and offsite.


3. Museum Stewardship & Public Programming

  • Facility Management & Disaster Planning: Maintain CHH/ASD facilities and equipment, including the development and implementation of a disaster plan for the collections.
  • Guided Tours: Manage and coordinate requests for historic guided tours of the Cogswell Heritage House and ASD’s West Hartford Campus. Responsibilities include:
    • Maintaining timely communication with requestors regarding dates, group size, and specific needs.
    • Arranging necessary interpreters, including ASL, International, and Tactile.
    • Coordinating museum volunteers and guiding tours when volunteers are unavailable.
  • Research Requests: Manage and coordinate responses to all external and internal requests for research.
  • Public Outreach: Prepare reports, updates, and articles for the Annual Report and ASD’s weekly newsletter; deliver public presentations related to projects and collections.


4. Administrative Leadership

  • Budgeting & Funding: Advise on the annual budget, oversee expenditures, and identify potential funding sources in cooperation with Institutional Advancement.
  • Project Leadership: Develop project plans, identify and track tasks, and supervise the work of interns and volunteers.


Core Competencies:

  • Strong knowledge of Deaf history and key historical figures, with a specific understanding of the history of the American School for the Deaf.
  • Excellent interpersonal, writing, research, and time-management skills.
  • Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.
  • Ability to lift 30 lbs.
  • Proven reliability, trustworthiness, and a positive demeanor.



MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Graduate degree required (MA required, PhD preferred) in History, Museum Studies, Library Science, or a related field.
  • Five or more years of experience in the archival field (or equivalent education/certification).
  • Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in database software and archival metadata standards.
  • Experience digitizing archival materials and managing digital objects.
  • Knowledge of programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the Connecticut Digital Archive (CTDA).
  • Ability to properly handle historical and fragile documents.
  • American Sign Language proficiency strongly preferred or commitment to learn.
  • Ability to flex work hours as needed to meet the needs of the museum.



SALARY AND BENEFITS:

  • Group health insurance and other fringe benefits are available.
  • $1000 sign on bonus after one year of service for newly hired employees, not applicable for re-hires.


ASD is ALL ways able. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources Department.


The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).


All applicants will be screened, and the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview.