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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Columbus Museum Of Art

Lichtenstein Fellow

Columbus, OH · On-site

$60K/yr

... museum's collections and exhibition program. Duties and Responsibilities: * Assist in the research, development, and implementation of exhibitions organized by the museum and its curators. This may ...

The Broad

Digital Asset Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Collections Data Administration * Assist in maintaining accurate records in the museum's collection management system (CMS), supporting exhibitions and collections management functions. Currently ...

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How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collections assistant 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 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.
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Museum Collections Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,672 per year, or $20 per hour.

Museum Preparator

Country Music Foundation

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Museum Preparator
FLSA Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has an opening for a full-time, exempt Museum Preparator in the Museum Services Department.
Company Overview: Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum documents and interprets the history of country music-a musical genre and culture central to the identity of the city, the state, and the nation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the museum proudly combines subject expertise, ambitious research, and preservation of an unparalleled collection with expressions of creativity in music, art, and history. The museum collects artifacts that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music and provides diverse learning opportunities through educational programs, publications, and exhibitions. The core exhibit follows the story of country music from its folk beginnings through its evolution as a commercial art form. Rotating exhibits examine a broad range of topics, from country classics to contemporary and emerging artists in American Currents. The museum owns Hatch Show Print, a letterpress print shop opened in 1879, and it operates Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley and many others recorded.
What We Offer for Full-Time Staff:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Options
  • Competitive Pay
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Days
  • Paid Holidays (13) and Floating Holidays (2)
  • 401(K) with Up to 3% Employer Match
  • Employee Assistance Program (Free Counseling and Legal Services)
  • Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
  • FREE 24/7 Downtown Parking and Transit Benefits
  • Continuing Professional Offerings
  • Complimentary Museum Admission (For Yourself, Family, and Friends)
  • Reciprocal Partnerships with Local Venues (The Nashville Zoo, Dollywood Theme & Water Parks, National Museum of African American Music, tours at The Opry and The Ryman Auditorium, and more)
  • Up to 25% Discount in Retail Stores and Onsite Restaurant Venues
  • Opportunities to Attend Exhibit Openings, Concerts and Special Events
  • Employee Engagement Activities and Opportunities
  • FSA and Dependent Care Options
  • Dog Friendly Work Environment
  • Volunteering and Community Engagement Opportunities

Division Overview: The Museum Services division is responsible for the museum's collections, exhibitions, and editorial content.
Position Overview: The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum has an opening for a full-time exempt Museum Preparator to lead preparation, mounting, installation, and transportation of collections objects displayed in museum exhibitions, in compliance with American Association of Museums (AAM) collection standards and ethics. The position includes shared responsibility for gallery and exhibition monitoring and maintenance, and oversight of exhibition supplies and tools.
This position carries responsibility for irreplaceable objects and archival materials, and requires careful attention to detail, strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills, plus the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, and to work collaboratively and diplomatically.
This position reports to the Executive Director of Exhibitions and Curatorial Services. Excellent time management skills are essential.
Specific Job Duties:
  • Fabricating safe and stable structural support mounts for a variety of artifacts and specimens including 2-D and 3-D objects such as costumes, musical instruments, manuscripts, etc. Fabrication materials include metal, acrylic, fabric, and foam.
  • Mounting and dismounting artifacts
  • Assisting with artifact handling and transport within the museum.
  • Maintain exhibition work areas, including oversight of tools and equipment and exhibit supplies and furniture.
  • Work with exhibitions and collections staff to prepare and maintain gallery spaces.
  • Cleaning and repairing existing exhibits and displays, and/or identifying needs.
  • Assist collections staff with precise measurements and recordings of artifact dimensions.

Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, or a comparable academic field and relevant work experience and training.
  • 3-5 years of experience in museum exhibition installation and production.
  • Understanding of 3D and spatial design.
  • Experience with artifact preparation and mounting, knowledge of tools and installation methods, including soldering and welding. Carpentry experience is a plus.
  • Exhibition graphics installation experience

Physical Requirements:
  • Applicants should also be able to climb and work on ladders.
  • Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, twisting, sitting, bending, and stooping
  • Applicants should have the ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
  • Applicants should have the ability to work around paints, cleansers and other similar products in a gallery environment and work in spaces that collect dust.
  • Comfortable using and operating hand power tools

Conditions of Employment:
  • Must be able to work a flexible 40-hr./week schedule including some weekends, evenings, and holidays

Notes to Applicant:
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We respect the varied attributes, characteristics, and perspectives that make each person unique. The museum promotes an environment of respect, communication, and understanding, while actively providing opportunities for all employees of all backgrounds the skills, experience, and information necessary to succeed. The museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or characteristics, age, membership in an employee organization, military or veteran status, or other non-merit factor. The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
We are a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified candidates to apply for open positions. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and visitors. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and employment verification, including federally mandated E-Verify processes, as required for position.
Due to the high volume of applications received for this position, hiring managers will only contact candidates they are interested in scheduling for an interview. Please refrain from calling to inquire about the status of your application.
Please upload a resume and cover letter when applying for the position.
Applications are only accepted online on our career page: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/careers

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