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How much do museum collection assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collection assistant in California is $19.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a museum collection assistant?

As a Museum Collection Assistant, your daily tasks may include cataloging new acquisitions, updating and maintaining collection records, assisting with condition reports, and preparing objects for exhibition or storage. You may also help with packing and shipping objects, supporting inventory audits, and collaborating closely with curators, conservators, and registrars to ensure each item is handled appropriately. The role often involves a combination of behind-the-scenes work in storage areas as well as occasional public-facing duties during exhibitions or events. Being detail-oriented and organized is essential, as accuracy in documentation and care directly impacts the preservation of valuable artifacts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the museum collection assistant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Collection Assistant, you need a solid background in art history or museum studies, attention to detail, and experience in collections care or inventory management. Familiarity with collection management software (such as TMS or PastPerfect), as well as knowledge of proper object handling, documentation, and sometimes certification in collections care is valuable. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a collaborative approach are important soft skills. These qualifications ensure the safe preservation of collections, accurate record-keeping, and smooth coordination within museum teams.

What is a museum collection assistant?

A Museum Collection Assistant helps manage and preserve a museum's collection by cataloging, organizing, and maintaining artifacts. They assist with research, documentation, and storage to ensure items are properly cared for. Additionally, they may help with exhibition preparation and loan coordination. This role requires attention to detail, knowledge of preservation techniques, and familiarity with museum databases.

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What cities in California are hiring for Museum Collection Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Museum Collection Assistant job openings:
Museum Collection Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collection Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,127 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Administrative Assistant II, Museum

Skirball Cultural Center

Los Angeles, CA

$23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Skirball Cultural Center seeks a collaborative, detail-oriented team player to serve as the Administrative Assistant in the Museum Department. Reporting to the Museum Director, the Administrative Assistant is responsible for providing administrative, organizational, and fiscal management support to the Museum Director, Deputy Director, Chief Curator, and other members of the Museum Department.

The compensation for this full-time position is $23/hour.

Responsibilities:

  • Schedule both virtual and onsite meetings for the Museum team, often involving multiple Skirball departments and outside stakeholders. Maintain the Museum Department calendar. Attend meetings and take notes for circulation as assigned
  • Organize, track, and respond to all incoming exhibition acquisition proposals using Microsoft Teams
  • Forward correspondence regarding the museum collection to the registrars and curators as relevant.
  • Serve as the main liaison between the Museum and the Finance Department to process, track and reconcile all invoices, payments, purchases, vendor contracts, department credit card purchases and reconciliations, petty cash disbursement and replenishments and other financial transactions; prepare budget reports as needed for review by the Museum Director, Deputy Director, and Exhibitions Coordinator
  • Assist the Deputy Director and Exhibitions Coordinator in tracking all contracts, invoice vendors, and partner institutions
  • Serve as the first point of contact for the Museum, fielding all general inquiries via telephone and email, and greeting guests as needed
  • Prepare a wide variety of routine correspondence, forms, reports, and spreadsheets using various databases and software applications
  • Prepare a wide variety of routine correspondence, forms, reports, and spreadsheets using various databases and software applications
  • Manage general office operations, including office-space maintenance, mail sorting and distribution, supply orders, and equipment repairs or replacement
  • Coordinate and book all department staff travel; generate travel memos as assigned
  • Track and maintain institutional memberships
  • Assist in general exhibition coordination
  • Work with the Development team to compile Museum Department guest lists for exhibition openings and other public-facing events using Altru database; greet and check guests in during exhibition openings
  • Manage collaborative project files using Microsoft Teams; enforce Microsoft Teams workflows and protocols
  • Organize and maintain digital and physical department files and records

Qualifications, Experience, and Attributes:

  • 2+ years of administrative/clerical experience
  • Bachelor’s degree, with some coursework in the humanities
  • Strong attention to detail and deadlines; proven ability to prioritize tasks, resolve problems, exercise good judgment, take initiative, be flexible, multitask, and manage a changing and varied workload
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Team player with a positive, professional demeanor and a proactive mindset; demonstrated success working well with others and independently, and managing multiple projects at once
  • Strongly Preferred: Prior experience working with budgets and finance

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