1

Museum Collections Manager Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Museum Collections Manager information

See Kansas salary details

$27.6K

$52.4K

$97.2K

How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collections manager in Kansas is $52,371.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,100.00 and $58,400.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collections jobs in Kansas?

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

What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Manager jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Manager jobs in Kansas are:

Infographic showing various Museum Collections Manager job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,371 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Herpetology Undergraduate Collections Assistant - Student Hourly

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


University Of Kansas rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 623 rated colleges and universities


Job description

50% - Collections & Data Management
  • Assist Curators to ensure long-term integrity and preservation of the physical collections, associated data, and collection-storage environment.
  • Participate in the monitoring of status and organization of the fluid, tissue, and dry collections.
  • Help maintain collection database; digitize specimen data, records, and information.
  • Maintain collection-care protocols
  • Process specimen loans, exchanges, and gifts; maintain appropriate digital records of these activities.
  • Participate in annual reviews of outstanding specimen loans, specimen return reminders and recalls of overdue loans.
50% - Collection Acquisition
  • Work with Curators to organize and prepare specimens to be accessioned and cataloged in the collection.
  • Work with Curators on the staging of newly accessioned specimens and the digital capture of associated data for their integration into the collection and collection database, respectively.
,The mission of the KU Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum is to study past and present life on Earth to educate, engage, and inspire. Underlying our mission are the following values to which we are committed: education, excellence, respect, science, and transparency.
The ideal candidate will have an interest in Biology and Biodiversity Collections.
This position requires the handling of fluid-preserved specimens of amphibians and reptiles.

What University Of Kansas employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom