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Museum Cataloging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Riverside, CA

CURATOR OF HISTORY

Riverside, CA · On-site

$79K - $96K/yr

Locate, acquire, and house appropriate artifacts or specimens, in accordance with the Museum's Collections Development Plan. * Conduct detailed analysis and research to identify and catalog items.

SCIENTISTS IN PARKS

Museum projects will include cataloging paleontological specimens, updating museum database records, and researching specimen provenience to improve paleontological site documentation. The ...

City of Riverside

CURATOR OF HISTORY

Riverside, CA · On-site

$79K - $96K/yr

Locate, acquire, and house appropriate artifacts or specimens, in accordance with the Museum's Collections Development Plan. Conduct detailed analysis and research to identify and catalog items.

American Museum

Curatorial Associate

Manhattan, NY

$93K - $98K/yr

Curatorial Associate The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent ... Promote discoverability of the collections, access to catalog records and digital assets via ...

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Museum Cataloging information

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$31.5K

$44.2K

$56K

How much do museum cataloging jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum cataloging in the United States is $44,195.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $48,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Museum Cataloging position, and why are they important?

To succeed in Museum Cataloging, you need strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field. Familiarity with museum collection management systems like TMS (The Museum System) or PastPerfect, along with relevant certifications, is often required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and research skills help catalogers work effectively with curators and archivists. These abilities ensure accurate documentation, preservation, and accessibility of valuable museum collections.

What are typical daily responsibilities for someone working in museum cataloging?

Daily responsibilities in museum cataloging include documenting and entering details about new and existing collection items into specialized database systems, ensuring accurate descriptions, provenance, and condition reports. Catalogers often photograph objects, assign accession numbers, and collaborate closely with curators, conservators, and registrars to maintain up-to-date records. The role may also involve researching items to verify historical context and helping facilitate loans or exhibitions. Consistency and accuracy in these tasks are vital to maintaining the integrity and accessibility of the museum’s collections.

What is a Museum Cataloging job?

A Museum Cataloging job involves documenting and managing collections within a museum. Catalogers record detailed information about artifacts, including descriptions, provenance, condition, and storage locations, often using specialized database systems. Their work ensures accurate record-keeping, aids research, and supports exhibitions and conservation efforts. Museum catalogers may also collaborate with curators, conservators, and other professionals to enhance public access and knowledge.

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Museum Cataloging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Cataloging job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,195 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Collections Move Technician - Natural Science (Geology)

Collections Move Technician - Natural Science (Geology)

MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM INC

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$15.45/hr

Other

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

MPM is seeking 1 temporary, part-time Collections Move Technician to support the museum's goal of moving its 4 million object collection to a new building. The technicians will operate within the museum's Natural Science department, with possible work in the Geology, Zoology, and Botany collections. The technicians will work collaboratively under the supervision of the Collections Move Project Associate for the Natural Sciences. Initial work will focus on undertaking a systematic inventory of the museum's paleontology collections, which include vertebrate and invertebrate specimens from the Paleozoic era, as well as paleobotanical specimens. In addition to these tasks, future projects may include work with the mineral collection, and possibly the zoological collections and herbarium.
The schedule for the position is Monday through Thursday from 8:30 - 3:30, and the position will run for approximately 1 year with the possibility for extension. To perform this job successfully, ideal candidates will be expected to complete the following duties:
  • Safely handle and manipulate museum specimens
  • Read and transcribe identifying numbers from specimen labels, catalog books, and catalog cards
  • Swiftly generate digital records from transcribed data into a spreadsheet
  • Create, tie, and attach barcodes to museum specimens
  • Photograph specimens and drawers of specimens as required
  • Critically assess specimen stability and material makeup, pre-packing
  • Pack and unpack various types of specimens safely and securely
  • Fabricate basic packing supports out of archival materials
  • Construct crates and other large scale packing material
  • Operate a standard pallet jack to move packed crates
  • Perform basic operations within the museum's collections database, EMu
  • Other move-related collections duties as assigned

Education and/or Experience
A documented history (which can include undergraduate or graduate experience) in natural science coursework specifically, or commensurate experience with the natural sciences, is required. Specific work with a natural science museum collection is preferred.
Competencies
  • Comfortable undertaking fine dexterity work and handling delicate materials
  • Ability to complete repetitive tasks consistently, while maintaining accuracy, safety, and integrity
  • Detail oriented, with strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to wear PPE appropriate to the tasks assigned
  • Strongly developed 3D-spatial reasoning skills
  • Capable of working independently and as part of a team
  • The ability to use a ladder, and spend much of the day standing, bending, and lifting
  • Familiarity with Microsoft products, with specific experience in Excel
  • Proficient typing skills

Benefits
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off Package
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
  • Free Museum Membership
  • Museum Shop, Food, & Beverage Discounts
  • Parking Subsidy/Discounted Bus Pass

The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) is a natural and human history museum located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum is among the oldest in the United States, with a history dating back to the 1850's. We offer great career opportunities for people with all levels of training, experience, and education. We are a composition of diverse and talented staff working together as a team to offer our visitors the best possible immersive experience in learning and enjoyment.
A career with the Milwaukee Public Museum allows you to connect your skills and abilities in a rewarding position with a non-profit organization doing good work in our community. MPM provides an unlimited opportunity to gain knowledge about our world, as you connect with visitors, donors, innovative staff members, curious students, interns and volunteers in your day-to-day-work. See what MPM has to offer and consider applying today!
The Milwaukee Public Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

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