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Museum Collections Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

DataBP

Pechanga Collections Manager

Temecula, CA

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 ...

City of Sacramento

Registrar

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$56K - $79K/yr

Museum collections management practices, specifically museum registration and ethics. Principles of museum conservation. Museum standards and techniques for shipping artifacts. Understanding of legal ...

City of Sacramento, CA

Registrar

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$56K - $79K/yr

Museum collections management practices, specifically museum registration and ethics. * Principles of museum conservation. * Museum standards and techniques for shipping artifacts. * Understanding of ...

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Museum Collections Manager information

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$107.6K

How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collections manager in California is $57,953.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $64,600.00 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 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 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 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.

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 Manager jobs in California? For Museum Collections Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Museum Collections Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Museum Collections Manager job openings:
Museum Collections Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, 82% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,953 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Student Museum Collections Assistant

Chapman University

Orange, CA

$16.90/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Student Title Classification Information
Quick Link https://chapman.peopleadmin.com/postings/39648 Job Number SE196824
Position Information
Department or Unit Name Hilbert Museum Position Headcount 1 Position Title Student Museum Collections Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester Fall Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Grad and Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $16.90 Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
On which Campus will this work be done? Orange Approved Supervisor Emily Valdez Supervisor Email evaldez@chapman.edu
Scheduling

Please use dates within Chapman Academic Calendar
(https://www.chapman.edu/academics/academic-calendar.aspx)

Desired Start Date 08/24/2026 Projected End Date 12/12/2026 Average number of hours per week Up to 19 Hrs
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Provide general support to the Museum Registrar while gaining hands-on experience with museum policies and procedures. Assist with collections management, registration, and exhibition-related tasks. Collaborate with artists, curators, and museum staff on a variety of projects.
Responsibilities
  • Help Registrar with incoming and outgoing artwork condition reports for exhibitions and incoming art donations Learn and assist with art exhibition installations (September and November installations) including art movement and logistics
  • Enforce museum policies and procedures with visitors when needed
  • Research artists and artworks for the artwork database and future exhibitions
  • Regular gallery and artwork maintenance including making sure artwork is safe and secure, light dusting as needed, datalogger maintenance
  • Data entry into artwork database Assist in the research library as needed
  • Administrative tasks (copies, scans, filings, etc.)
  • Assist with additional duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
  • Little to minimal prior experience.
  • Must be proficient in computer skills, including Word, Excel, Outlook, google docs, etc.

Desired Qualifications
  • Have an interest in art and/or art history.
  • Friendly and open to conversing with visitors, staff and docents
  • Flexible schedule, weekday hours
  • Good organizational skills and detail-oriented.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must have federal work study and reside in California
Budget Information
Is Federal work-study required? Yes

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