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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Broad

Exhibition Registrar

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... museum's collections database and related systems. * Create and maintain photographic documentation related to artwork installations, exhibitions, and object movement. * Assist with domestic and ...

Scripps College

Visitor Services Associate

Claremont, CA · On-site

$23.35 - $25.95/hr

Facilitate ongoing visitor engagement with the Gallery and Scripps College collections. * Assist ... Collaborate with museum staff to implement accessibility measures. * Train interns and work-study ...

Scripps College

Visitor Services Associate

Claremont, CA

$23.35 - $25.95/hr

Facilitate ongoing visitor engagement with the Gallery and Scripps College collections. * Assist ... Collaborate with museum staff to implement accessibility measures. * Train interns and work-study ...

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Museum Collections Assistant information

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How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collections 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum collections assistant?

To thrive as a Museum Collections Assistant, you need a solid understanding of art history or museum studies, attention to detail, and experience handling and cataloging artifacts, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with collections management systems like TMS or PastPerfect and adherence to proper conservation techniques are typically required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you coordinate with curators and other staff. These skills ensure the preservation, accurate documentation, and accessibility of museum collections, which are crucial for the institution's educational and research missions.

What is the difference between Museum Collections Assistant vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum Collections AssistantMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree; some roles may prefer a bachelor's in museum studies or related fieldBachelor's degree often required; master's preferred in museum studies, history, or related fields
Work EnvironmentAssist with handling, cataloging, and maintaining collections; work under supervision in museums or galleriesOversee collections, develop exhibitions, and manage staff; more administrative and decision-making responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions for supporting collection managementEmployed in similar settings but with higher responsibilities for curation and program development

In summary, Museum Collections Assistants focus on supporting collection handling and organization, often requiring less formal education, while Museum Curators have broader responsibilities including developing exhibitions and managing collections, typically requiring advanced degrees and experience.

What is a museum collections assistant?

Museum Collections Assistants are professionals who help manage, document, and care for the objects and artifacts within a museum’s collection. They assist with cataloging, inventory, handling, and storing items to ensure their preservation and accessibility. These assistants often work closely with curators, conservators, and registrars, and may also help set up exhibitions and facilitate research requests. Their role is essential in maintaining the organization and integrity of the museum’s holdings.

What are some common challenges faced by museum collections assistants when managing and cataloging artifacts?

Museum Collections Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling delicate or fragile artifacts, ensuring accurate and detailed cataloging, and maintaining up-to-date records in collection management databases. Balancing the need for careful preservation with accessibility for research or exhibition can also be demanding. Additionally, assistants may need to coordinate with curators, registrars, and conservators to address storage limitations or implement new conservation protocols, requiring strong communication and organizational skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collections jobs in California? The most popular types of Museum Collections jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Collections Assistant jobs in California? For Museum Collections Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Museum Collections Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Museum Collections Assistant job openings:
Museum Collections Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% 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.

Student Museum Collections Assistant

Chapman University

Orange, CA

$16.90/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Student Title Classification Information
Quick Link https://chapman.peopleadmin.com/postings/39648 Job Number SE196824
Position Information
Department or Unit Name Hilbert Museum Position Headcount 1 Position Title Student Museum Collections Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester Fall Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Grad and Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $16.90 Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
On which Campus will this work be done? Orange Approved Supervisor Emily Valdez Supervisor Email evaldez@chapman.edu
Scheduling

Please use dates within Chapman Academic Calendar
(https://www.chapman.edu/academics/academic-calendar.aspx)

Desired Start Date 08/24/2026 Projected End Date 12/12/2026 Average number of hours per week Up to 19 Hrs
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Provide general support to the Museum Registrar while gaining hands-on experience with museum policies and procedures. Assist with collections management, registration, and exhibition-related tasks. Collaborate with artists, curators, and museum staff on a variety of projects.
Responsibilities
  • Help Registrar with incoming and outgoing artwork condition reports for exhibitions and incoming art donations Learn and assist with art exhibition installations (September and November installations) including art movement and logistics
  • Enforce museum policies and procedures with visitors when needed
  • Research artists and artworks for the artwork database and future exhibitions
  • Regular gallery and artwork maintenance including making sure artwork is safe and secure, light dusting as needed, datalogger maintenance
  • Data entry into artwork database Assist in the research library as needed
  • Administrative tasks (copies, scans, filings, etc.)
  • Assist with additional duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
  • Little to minimal prior experience.
  • Must be proficient in computer skills, including Word, Excel, Outlook, google docs, etc.

Desired Qualifications
  • Have an interest in art and/or art history.
  • Friendly and open to conversing with visitors, staff and docents
  • Flexible schedule, weekday hours
  • Good organizational skills and detail-oriented.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must have federal work study and reside in California
Budget Information
Is Federal work-study required? Yes

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