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Museum Collections Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cleary University

FWS: Museum Assistant

Howell, MI · On-site

Museum Assistant: Arthur Secunda Museum Duties Under the direction of the Curator, the Museum ... Collections * Conduct collections inventory, checking work against collections management system ...

Cleary University

FWS: Museum Assistant

Howell, MI

Museum Assistant: Arthur Secunda Museum Duties Under the direction of the Curator, the Museum ... Collections * Conduct collections inventory, checking work against collections management system ...

University of New Mexico

Collections Associate

Taos, NM · On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

The Collections Associate manages the museum's collections management database and coordinates all aspects of incoming and outgoing loans, object movement, condition reporting, packing and shipping ...

University of New Mexico

Collections Associate

Taos, NM

$17 - $23.50/hr

The Collections Associate manages the museum's collections management database and coordinates all aspects of incoming and outgoing loans, object movement, condition reporting, packing and shipping ...

Museum of the Bible

Collections Manager

Washington, DC

$65K - $70K/yr

Senior Collections Manager Travel: Approximately 25% Salary: $65,000-$70,000. Depending on ... Catalog and document Museum special collections according to Museum documentation standards * Move ...

Smith College

Collections Registrar

Northampton, MA · On-site

$52K - $71K/yr

Department Museum of Art Job Summary As a member of the Collections Management team at the Smith College Museum of Art, the Associate Registrar plays a key role in the stewardship, documentation, and ...

DataBP

Pechanga Collections Manager

Temecula, CA · On-site

SUMMARY: The Collections Manager is responsible for contributing to and maintaining the Tribe ... Bachelor's degree in history, art history, museum studies, or a closely related field required * A ...

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Museum Collections Manager information

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$31K

$58.7K

$109K

How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collections manager in the United States is $58,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $65,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a museum collections manager do?

A Museum Collections Manager is responsible for overseeing the care, documentation, and organization of a museum's collection of objects or artworks. They ensure that items are properly cataloged, stored, and preserved, following established conservation and handling protocols. Collections Managers also facilitate access for researchers, support exhibitions, and may help with acquisitions and loan agreements. Their work is essential to preserving cultural heritage and making museum collections accessible to the public and scholars.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum collections manager, and why are they important?

A Museum Collections Manager should have expertise in art history or museum studies, experience with collection care, and typically a relevant degree such as a master's in museum studies or a related field. Familiarity with collection management systems (like TMS or PastPerfect), conservation techniques, and proper documentation practices is critical. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that help ensure accuracy and collaboration across departments. These competencies are vital for preserving artifacts, maintaining accurate records, and supporting the museum’s mission to educate and engage the public.

What are some common challenges faced by museum collections managers when implementing new collection management systems?

Museum Collections Managers often encounter challenges when introducing new collection management systems, such as ensuring data accuracy during migration, training staff on new procedures, and integrating the system with existing workflows. Coordinating input from various departments and balancing the need for accessibility with security protocols can also be complex. Successful implementation typically involves careful planning, open communication with stakeholders, and ongoing support to adapt to evolving museum needs.

What is the difference between Museum Collections Manager vs Museum Registrar?

AspectMuseum Collections ManagerMuseum Registrar
Primary FocusOversees collection care, preservation, and managementHandles documentation, cataloging, and record-keeping of collections
CredentialsOften requires a degree in museum studies, history, or related fieldsTypically requires similar credentials, with emphasis on record management skills
Work EnvironmentInvolves hands-on collection work, conservation, and planningPrimarily administrative, working with databases and records
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in museums, galleries, and cultural institutionsFound in similar settings, focusing on collection documentation

The Museum Collections Manager and Museum Registrar roles share overlapping credentials and work environments but differ mainly in focus. The Collections Manager emphasizes collection care and preservation, while the Registrar concentrates on documentation and record-keeping. Both positions are vital in museum operations and often work closely together to ensure collections are well-maintained and accurately documented.

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Museum Collections Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,722 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Part-Time Museum Collections Assistant

Layton City

Layton, UT • On-site

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of general administrative duties as needed to assist with the digitization of the collections, help with the planning and installation of rotating exhibits, and assist with events as needed. The collections digitization project involves updating computer records, photographing artifacts in the collection, and rehousing items in archival boxes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Promotes and follows the City's mission statement, values, and expectations.

Conducts research and identification of the historical identification and interpretation of museum artifacts and other items with historical significance, assists with the inventory and cataloging of items in the museum collections, assists in the research for, design of, and installation of museum exhibits, and helps with the planning and running of events.

May also be asked to watch the front desk of the museum when the curator is away.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  1. Education and Experience:
  1. Concurrent enrollment or recent graduation from a degree program in museum studies, art history, public history, history, anthropology, archaeology or related field;
  1. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  1. Basic Knowledge of museum best practices in collections management and preventative conservation methods.
  2. Working knowledge of the operation of personal computers and various software applications, including spreadsheets, word processing, and basic photo editing software.
  3. Familiarity with collections management database systems; knowledge of Past Perfect preferred.
  4. General experience with technology including scanners and cameras.
  5. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
  6. Considerable ability to work independently.
  1. Special Qualifications:

            None

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