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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Wisconsin

Visitor Services Assistant

Madison, WI

$20.50/hr

Visitor Services Assistants also provide support for security and other museum operations such as ... of the museum's layout, collections, exhibitions, and events. * Monitor safety of visitors and ...

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Museum Collections Assistant information

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$10

$20

$30

How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collections assistant in Wisconsin is $20.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $23.27 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 Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Museum Collections jobs in Wisconsin are:

What are popular job titles related to Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Wisconsin?

For Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Wisconsin are:

Museum Collections Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,062 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Collections Move Technician

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM INC
Museums and Historical Sites • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM INCexternal

$15.45/hr

Other

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

MPM is seeking 1 temporary, part-time Collections Move Technician to support the museum's goal of moving its 4 million object collection to a new building. This position will operate within the Cultural Sciences but may be asked to assist with projects across all collections. This technician will work collaboratively under the supervision of the museum's Collections Move Project Assistant. Initial work will focus on work in the History collections. In addition to these tasks, future projects may include preparing and packing anthropological material and assisting with natural science projects on an as-needed basis.
While most of the work will be done at MPM, some work may be done at an offsite storage location or at the site of the new museum.
This position will require consistent standing, bending, and lifting throughout the day and tasks that require repetitive movements for long periods of time.
The schedule for the position is Monday through Thursday from 8:30 - 3:30, and the position will run for approximately 1 year with the possibility for extension. To perform this job successfully, ideal candidates will be expected to complete the following duties:
  • Safely handle and manipulate museum objects
  • Read and transcribe identifying numbers from object labels, catalog books, and catalog cards
  • Swiftly generate digital records from transcribed data into a spreadsheet
  • Create, tie, and attach barcodes to museum objects
  • Photograph objects and drawers of objects as required
  • Critically assess object stability and material makeup, pre-packing
  • Pack and unpack various types of objects safely and securely
  • Fabricate basic packing supports out of archival materials
  • Construct crates and other large scale packing material
  • Operate a standard pallet jack to move packed crates
  • Perform basic operations within the museum's collections database, EMu
  • Other move-related collections duties as assigned

Education and/or Experience:
Undergraduate or graduate degree in Museum Studies or a related field (complete or in-progress), along with past experience with museum collections. A documented history of collections experience may be substituted for a formal degree.
Competencies:
  • Comfortable undertaking fine dexterity work and handling delicate materials
  • Ability to complete repetitive tasks consistently, while maintaining accuracy, safety, and integrity
  • Detail oriented, with strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to wear PPE appropriate to the tasks assigned
  • Strongly developed 3D-spatial reasoning skills
  • Capable of working independently and as part of a team
  • The ability to use a ladder, and spend much of the day standing, bending, and lifting
  • Familiarity with Microsoft products, with specific experience in Excel
  • Proficient typing skills

Benefits:
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off package
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
  • Free Museum Membership
  • Museum Shop, Food & Beverage Discounts
  • Parking Subsidy/Discounted Bus Pass

The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) is a natural and human history museum located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum is among the oldest in the United States, with a history dating back to the 1850's. We offer great career opportunities for people with all levels of training, experience, and education. We are a composition of diverse and talented staff working together as a team to offer our visitors the best possible immersive experience in learning and enjoyment.
A career with the Milwaukee Public Museum allows you to connect your skills and abilities in a rewarding position with a non-profit organization doing good work in our community. MPM provides an unlimited opportunity to gain knowledge about our world, as you connect with visitors, donors, innovative staff members, curious students, interns and volunteers in your day-to-day-work. See what MPM has to offer and consider applying today!
The Milwaukee Public Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

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