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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RICHMOND MUSEUM ASSN INC

Administrative Assistant

Richmond, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

... collections, historical artifacts, documents, photographs. The Museum staff is small but what we lack in capacity, we far make up for in enthusiasm and love for our work. The Richmond Museum of ...

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 · 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 ...

City of Ontario, CA

Assistant Curator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

The Assistant Curator assigned to Education is responsible for development and coordination of ... Experience Two years of museum experience, including either collections management, exhibition ...

City of Ontario

Assistant Curator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

The Position Assistant Curator Are you passionate about working and contributing to a creative ... Experience Two years of museum experience, including either collections management, exhibition ...

The Broad

Curatorial Assistant, Publications

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$27.50 - $29.32/hr

... collections of postwar and contemporary art, which continues to grow as new artists and artworks ... The museum is also the headquarters of The Broad Art Foundation's worldwide lending library, which ...

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Museum Collections Assistant information

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How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 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 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.

How to get into museum collections assistant work?

To become a museum collections assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring or requiring a bachelor's degree in museum studies, history, archaeology, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, organization, and familiarity with cataloging tools or databases. Gaining experience through internships or volunteering at museums can improve job prospects and understanding of collection management practices.

How to get museum collections assistant experience?

To gain experience as a museum collections assistant, individuals often start by volunteering or interning at museums to develop skills in collection handling, cataloging, and conservation. Relevant education in museum studies, archaeology, or history, along with familiarity with collections management software, can enhance prospects. Entry-level positions may require attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work with delicate artifacts.

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, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% 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

RICHMOND MUSEUM ASSN INC

Richmond, CA • On-site

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

The Richmond Museum of History is located in the heart of downtown Richmond and is proud to be the oldest organization in West Contra Costa County dedicated to preserving local history. The Richmond Museum of History is housed in a Carnegie Library and owns the most significant collection of historical material and documents in the local area. The permanent collection was established in 1950 and is comprised of a variety of materials including textiles, fine art, archaeological collections, historical artifacts, documents, photographs.

The Museum staff is small but what we lack in capacity, we far make up for in enthusiasm and love for our work. The Richmond Museum of History is currently transitioning from a grassroots, volunteer lead effort to a professional nonprofit lead by academically trained staff. The staff is working to reinvigorate the museum, gain new support within the community and seeks to become more relevant to the modern residents of Richmond. Join us!

Local history museum needs help with basic administrative duties such as filing, making copies, stuffing envelopes and data entry.

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