1

Museum Collection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Facilitates access to the museum's collection. * Works closely with Museum staff, students and faculty in the development and execution of collection-based exhibitions, including responsibilities ...

By supporting research, organizing exhibitions and displays of its collection, and convening a diversity of people and perspectives, the Museum incubates art scholarship and practice to explore and ...

By supporting research, organizing exhibitions and displays of its collection, and convening a diversity of people and perspectives, the Museum incubates art scholarship and practice to explore and ...

By supporting research, organizing exhibitions and displays of its collection, and convening a diversity of people and perspectives, the Museum incubates art scholarship and practice to explore and ...

Communicates Museum policies regarding the safety of the collection and ensures staff and visitors adhere to established protocols to safeguard the collection from damage * Conducts opening and ...

Communicates Museum policies regarding the safety of the collection and ensures staff and visitors adhere to established protocols to safeguard the collection from damage * Conducts opening and ...

Inventory, catalog, and document artifacts and archival items in the Museum's collection management system (Ke EMu) * Research, compile, and prepare written information about collections for ...

Art Preparator I

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$21 - $24.04/hr

Art Preparator I The Chrysler Museum of Art, located at 1 Memorial Place in Norfolk, VA, is renowned for its extensive collection of over 30,000 objects displayed across 50 galleries. The Museum ...

... museum collection of approximately 17,500 objects. The Collections Manager and Registrar is responsible for the continuity of care for works of art under RCCAM's stewardship, for receiving and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Museum Collection information

See salary details

$10

$20

$30

How much do museum collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collection in the United States is $20.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $23.08 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.

How do I get into museum collections?

To work in museum collections, candidates typically need a background in art history, archaeology, or a related field, along with experience in cataloging, preservation, or collections management. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of collection databases, and sometimes certifications in conservation or archival practices. Entry often involves internships or volunteering to gain practical experience before applying for full-time positions.

Which museum jobs pay the most?

Senior museum positions such as museum directors, curators, and chief conservators tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures depending on the institution and location. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong leadership skills. Other well-paying roles include museum administrators and specialized conservators with expertise in high-demand areas.

What kinds of jobs are at museums?

Museum jobs include roles such as curators, collections managers, conservators, education specialists, exhibit designers, security staff, and administrative personnel. These positions often require knowledge of art, history, or science, as well as skills in research, preservation, and public engagement.

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.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired as a museum collection professional can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in museum studies, history, or a related field, along with experience in collections management. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with collection databases or preservation techniques are also important for securing a position.
More about Museum Collection jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Collection jobs? Cities with the most Museum Collection job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collection jobs? The most popular types of Museum Collection jobs are:
What states have the most Museum Collection jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Collection jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Museum Collection jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Collection jobs are:
Registrar-Museum - Sam Fox

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 hours ago


Washington University In St. Louis rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

217th of 538 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Scheduled Hours37.5Position SummaryThe Registrar of the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts is responsible for the organization and maintenance of orderly forms, legal documents, files and retrieval systems associated with acquisitions, accessions, deaccessions, cataloging and loans. The Registrar plays a key role in overseeing the care and management of the Museum's 8,000+ object permanent collection and works in close collaboration with the curatorial staff to review loans and realize exhibitions and installations of works from the collection. The Registrar actively participates in the formulation, regular review, and execution of associated policies and procedures as they relate to the management of the collection. Supervises part-time student assistants, vendors, contractors, and interns.Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Oversees registration activities relating to the care and management of the permanent collection.

  • Coordinates all related activity pertinent to the acquisition, accessioning and deaccessioning of objects.

  • Regularly updates and maintains all collection object records - including gift documents, IRS forms, appraisals, condition, and conservation-related information.

  • Undertakes cataloging and condition reporting of collection objects.

  • Responsible for the accurate recording of all object-related information - both analog and digital.

  • In collaboration with Museum staff; designs appropriate housing (for storage and display) for collections objects.

  • Organizes and participates in the regular inventory of the permanent collection.

Facilitates access to the museum's collection.

  • Works closely with Museum staff, students and faculty in the development and execution of collection-based exhibitions, including responsibilities associated with the establishment and monitoring of related schedules, checklists, and budgets.

  • Aligns mission critical access to the Museum's collection to students, faculty, scholars, and researchers - both within the university and beyond.

Coordinate outgoing loans from the permanent collection.

  • Reviews and coordinates negotiation of terms in the best interest of the Museum in consultation with appropriate staff.

  • Communicates terms and special requirements of loans to appropriate staff.

  • Monitors compliance with such terms and conditions.

  • Serves as courier as needed - for both domestic and international loans.

Collaborate with curatorial and editorial staff to ensure accuracy of all electronic and print based collection-related information conforms to Museum standards of quality and consistency, including:

  • All gallery related content.

  • Publications - both printed and electronic.

  • Permanent collection database.

Serve as a representative and liaison between the Museum and outside contacts, including donors, artists, galleries, borrowers, peer institutions, and related professional organizations.

In collaboration with the Assistant Director for Collections & Exhibitions, serves as staff liaison for Art Collections Committee. Responsible for the coordination and documentation of bi-annual meetings.

Supports other priority departmental projects as assigned (e.g., temporary exhibition management).

Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

  • Normal office environment.

  • Exposure to loud noises and equipment during exhibition de/installations.

  • Ability to travel on/off campus (both domestically and internationally) for the couriering of artwork (via air and/or follow cars and trucks).

  • Typical work conditions include museum galleries, fine art storage locations, art preparation spaces and outdoors when coordinating maintenance on select sculptures.

Physical Effort

  • Typically sitting at a desk or table.

  • Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement..

Equipment

  • Office equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.Required Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.


Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.


Work Experience:

Relevant Experience (3 Years)


Skills:

Not Applicable


Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.More About This Job

Required Qualifications:

  • M.A. or equivalent experience in art history, museum studies, or related field.

  • Familiarity with best practices as they relate to professional museum standards and procedures, including registration, conservation, art historical research, and collections management and care.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in an academic art museum.

  • Experience with domestic and international loans.

  • 8 years of related experience.

  • Demonstrated knowledge and application of best practices and procedures for fine art collections management including the handling, preservation and installation of art, registration methods, electronic collection records, loan administration, and fine arts insurance.

  • Ability to supervise student assistants, vendors, contractors, and interns.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.


Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.


Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills:

Adaptability, Analytical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Detail-Oriented, French Language, German Language, Google Workspace, Interpersonal Communication, Italian Language, Microsoft Office, Museum Collections Management, Oral Presentation, Personal Organization, Problem Solving, Project Management Software (PMS), Self Motivation, Time Management, Work Collaboratively, Written CommunicationGradeG11Salary Range$53,100.00 - $90,600.00 / AnnuallyThe salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please emailCandidateQuestions@wustl.eduor call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.Pre-Employment ScreeningAll external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.Benefits Statement

Personal

  • Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

  • Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

  • Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

  • WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

  • Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

  • We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We've got you covered.

  • WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO StatementWashington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

What Washington University In St. Louis employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Washington University in St. Louis logo

About Washington University in St. Louis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Washington University in St. Louis, often simply known as WashU, is a prestigious private research university in the United States. Headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri, the university operates within the Education industry offering an array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs encompassing various areas like arts, sciences, business, design, medicine, and engineering. Established in 1853, the university has a storied past rooted in determination, resilience, and commitment to knowledge and innovation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1853