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Museum Collections Manager Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

... the areas of collections management, database management, exhibition planning (including ... General exposure to the museum world and arts administration fields * Four free tickets to every ...

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Museum Collections Manager information

See Texas salary details

$28.9K

$54.7K

$101.6K

How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collections manager in Texas is $54,708.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,700.00 and $61,000.00 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 Texas? The most popular types of Museum Collections jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Collections Manager jobs in Texas? For Museum Collections Manager jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Manager jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Manager jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Museum Collections Manager jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Museum Collections Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Manager job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,708 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Registrar for Collections

McNay Art Museum

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

REGISTRAR FOR COLLECTIONS
ANNUAL SALARY $55,000
Benefits:
Medical
Dental
Vision
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Retirement Plan Company Match 6%
Position Overview
Reporting to the Curator of Collections/Collections Manager, the Registrar for Collections is responsible for the proper documentation and day-to-day stewardship of the Museum’s permanent collection and long-term loans. This includes maintaining records, coordinating loans, assisting in the safe handling and shipping of works of art, as well as in the housing, preservation, and storage of art in the Museum.
Essential Job Functions
Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed records of the Museum’s collections, including acquisitions, long-term loans, conservation, photography, and provenance. Completes incoming receipts for works on approval, deeds of gift, and/or warranties of clear title for new acquisitions. Organizes and facilitates materials for Art Committee meetings, in coordination with the Curator of Collections/Collections Manager and Head of Curatorial Affairs.
Policy Compliance: Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws as a representative of the Museum and its assets as well as adherence to the Museum’s written policies and procedures in all aspects of daily work and responsibilities.
Loan Coordination: In coordination with the Curator of Collections/Collections Manager, maintaining the loan process for objects in the collection, including paperwork, transportation, condition reporting, and insurance. Receives certification and annual training from the Museum’s Principal Facility Security Coordinator to remain in compliance with regulatory obligations for the Museum as a Certified Cargo Screening Facility for art shipping and TSA coordination.
Art Movement and Installation: Supervises the movement and/or installation of collection objects, including outdoor sculpture, working closely with the Lead Preparator, Preparator team, contracted art handlers, and all other pertinent Museum staff. May serve as a courier for outgoing collection loans and may aid visiting couriers.
Collection Care and Stewardship: Supporting the overall safety and preservation of the collection, working closely with the Curator of Collections/Collections Manager. Assisting with budgeting and purchasing for collections maintenance-related needs. Assisting with expediting photography requests, collection photography dockets, and rights and reproductions contracts. Assisting with data entry and data clean-up for the collection database, in coordination with the Curator of Collections/Collections Manager and Head of Curatorial Affairs/Curator of Prints amp; Drawings.
Performs other duties as required.

Essential skills and knowledge
Collaboration amp; Communication: Collaborating with colleagues across departments, in addition to curatorial staff; communicating collections needs and priorities; and interacting with donors, lenders, researchers, and other external stakeholders.
Interpersonal Skills: Training, guiding, and supervising volunteers and colleagues involved in collections-related activities, including proper handling of artwork and objects, documentation procedures, and safety protocols.
Problem-Solving: Understanding legal and ethical considerations related to collections management, including copyright laws, cultural heritage regulations, and repatriation issues, as well as adherence to the Museum’s written policies and professional standards.
Technical Proficiency: Demonstrating familiarity with collections management software and database systems used for cataloging, digitization, and data management and possessing the ability to adapt to new technologies and software.
Attention to Detail: Proven proficiency in cataloguing, accessioning, inventory management, and database administration to accurately document and track objects in the Museum’s collection. Experience in conducting thorough inventories; creating and updating collections records; and maintaining accurate documentation of object provenance, condition, and location.
Practical Application: Exhibiting skills in project planning, coordination, and budget management for collections-related projects such as acquisitions, deaccessions, exhibitions, loans, and digitization initiatives. Experience in conducting research on collections objects; documenting their historical and cultural significance; and contributing to scholarly publications, exhibition texts, and educational materials.
Other Skills
  • Excellent organizational and communication ability. Foreign language familiarity preferred.
  • Must be flexible as to working hours; evening and/or weekend duty may be required.
Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Must be able to climb ladders. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time, within reason.
Education and Experience
  • A degree in Art, Art History, Museum Studies, History, or another related field is preferred.
  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in museum work, preferably in museum registration.
  • Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, with additional proficiency in Adobe suite preferred.
  • Experience with collections management software and budgeting software preferred.