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How much do museum collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collection 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Museum Collection position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Museum Collection role, you need a background in art history, museum studies, or archival science, with strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Familiarity with collections management systems (such as TMS or PastPerfect), digital cataloging, and proper handling, conservation, and storage techniques is critical. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills help individuals manage collection tasks and collaborate across departments. These abilities ensure collections are accurately documented, preserved, and accessible for exhibitions and research.

What is a Museum Collection job?

A Museum Collection job involves managing, preserving, and organizing artifacts, artworks, or historical objects in a museum. Professionals in this role handle cataloging, storage, conservation, and sometimes exhibition planning. They ensure proper documentation and environmental conditions to protect items for future generations. The job may also involve research and collaboration with curators, historians, and other museum staff.

What are some of the typical daily responsibilities for someone working in a Museum Collection position?

Professionals in Museum Collection roles typically spend their days cataloging new acquisitions, updating collection records, monitoring environmental conditions, and assisting with the safe handling and movement of objects. They may work closely with curators, conservators, and educators to prepare materials for exhibitions, facilitate research access, and support loan agreements with other institutions. Regular tasks also include condition reporting, inventory audits, and digital data entry to ensure the integrity and accessibility of the collection. These varied responsibilities allow for a dynamic and engaging work environment, especially for those passionate about art, history, or cultural heritage.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collection jobs in California? The most popular types of Museum Collection jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Collection jobs in California? For Museum Collection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Collection jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Collection jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Museum Collection jobs? Cities in California with the most Museum Collection job openings:
Museum Collection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collection job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,127 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Collection Technician

Collection Technician

Petersen Automotive Museum

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About Petersen Automotive Museum
We are more than just an iconic museum; we're a fast-paced, high-energy team driven by innovation, passion, and a deep love for car culture and storytelling. From world-class exhibitions to unforgettable events, we bring history, design, and horsepower to life every day.
At Petersen Automotive Museum, we work hard, move fast, and have a blast doing it, all while pushing the boundaries of what a museum can be. If you're ready to shift into high gear with a crew that values creativity, integrity, and a good laugh along the way, you'll fit right in.
About the Role
We are seeking a skilled and passionate Senior Automotive Technician to join our restoration and preservation team. This individual will be responsible for the mechanical restoration, maintenance, and repair of historic, rare, and significant vehicles in the museum's collection.
The ideal candidate is as comfortable working with pre-war classics as they are with modern supercars and understands the importance of historical accuracy in all aspects of vehicle care.
What You'll Do
  • Diagnostic & Maintenance: Diagnose, repair, and maintain a wide variety of vehicles, including vintage, classic, racing, and concept cars.
  • Preventive Care: Conduct routine inspections and preventive maintenance to ensure operational integrity.
  • Historical Restoration: Assist with historically accurate mechanical restorations, including engine rebuilds, drivetrain repairs, and component fabrication.
  • Curatorial Collaboration: Collaborate with curators and historians to ensure authenticity in restoration work and work within conservation guidelines to preserve vehicle originality.
  • Exhibitions & Events: Prepare vehicles for exhibitions, special events, and driving demonstrations, including assisting with loading/unloading and transport preparations.
  • Documentation: Maintain detailed service records, including condition reports and restoration documentation.

Who You Are
  • Detail-Oriented & Authentic: You value historical accuracy and care deeply about preserving the integrity and story of each unique vehicle.
  • A Collaborative Problem-Solver: You possess strong diagnostic skills and enjoy working alongside historians, curators, and fellow technicians.
  • Adaptable & Versatile: You feel at home across eras, moving comfortably between vintage engineering and modern automotive tech.
  • Self-Driven & Accountable: You work effectively both independently and as part of a team, taking ownership of documentation and long-term care plans.

What You Bring & Qualifications
  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in automotive repair, mechanical restoration, or equivalent technical training.
  • Technical Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of vintage and classic vehicle systems (electrical, fuel, ignition, etc.).
  • Diagnostic Skills: Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities across diverse automotive eras.
  • Fabrication Skills: Fabrication and machining experience is a plus (e.g., welding, lathe, milling).
  • Museum Practices: Familiarity with conservation practices in museum or collection settings is highly desirable.
  • Licensing: Valid driver's license (CDL or racing licenses a plus).

Why Join Us
  • Work with a collaborative, supportive team that values hard work and a bit of fun.
  • Thrive in a culture that celebrates accountability, curiosity, and kindness.
  • Make a meaningful impact, your voice and ideas are valued.
  • Enjoy competitive pay, benefits, professional development, and room to grow.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
  • Environment: Primarily shop, garage, and display gallery environments. Involves active physical work around classic, vintage, and high-performance vehicles.
  • Physical Demands: Requires bending, lifting, reaching, and working on/under vehicles for extended periods.
  • Safety: Use of protective gear and adherence to shop safety protocols required.

The pay range for this role is:
25 - 30 USD per hour (Petersen Automotive Museum)

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