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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Museum Collections Assistant information

See Wisconsin salary details

$10

$20

$30

How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Collections Assistant, and why are they important?

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 are Museum Collections Assistants?

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 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:
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% 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 Care and Access Assistant - LTE

State of Wisconsin

Madison, WI • On-site, Remote

$18/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 26 days ago


State Of Wisconsin rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 50 rated states


Job description

Introduction
The Wisconsin Historical Society , considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization. The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history. Click here for more information about WHS' mission, vision, and core values.
Position Summary
Under the general direction of the Director of Collections Care and Access and in close collaboration with departmental staff, this position will support projects and activities related to best practices in the care and access of the collection during an exciting period of growth and capacity building. This role requires an individual with a broad interest in history and cultural heritage collections and a willingness to learn and apply new skills. Responsibilities primarily fall into the following areas:
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Track, document, clean, and organize collections to support collections workflows related to the Wisconsin History Center, including collections care and preparation for display
  • Aid with collection access and use tracking and documentation projects with data entry and updating databases as appropriate
  • Support general access and use of the State Archive Preservation Facility as assigned, including Wisconsin Historical Foundation led tours, private tours, public research, and staff scholarship related to the Wisconsin History Center
  • Assist with facilities care by maintaining clean facility and secure storage standards

Salary Information
Pay is $18.00 per hour. This classification is in schedule and class 13-04.
Please note this is a Limited Term Employment position so it does not include paid time off or benefits upon hire.
Job Details
A criminal background check will be conducted by WHS prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.
This is a Limited Term Employment (LTE) position and limited to 1,039 hours. This position will be part time and average 20 hours per week.
Wisconsin residency is required for Limited Term Employment positions.
Limited Term Employment (LTE) positions are not civil service classified positions, do not give any rights to permanent civil service classified positions and do not lead to permanent status.
WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
Certain positions within WHS may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.
Qualifications
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to use them as part of daily work
  • Ability to work independently and/or in close collaboration with teams
  • Working knowledge and interest of museum and cultural heritage collections
  • Comfortable asking questions and contributing to evolving workflows while respecting different perspectives
  • Ability to remain flexible and adjust to shifting priorities and project needs
  • Interest and willingness to learn new technology or databases for collections documentation
  • Ability to handle, measure, and/or move boxes and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
  • Ability to ascend and descend a ladder to remove or relocate material on shelves
  • Have valid driver's license and be able to drive a vehicle

How To Apply
Apply online! To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don't have an account. Once you are logged in, click "Apply for Job." Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here .
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.
Questions can be directed to dawn.garcia@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 264-6670
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.
Deadline to Apply
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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