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Museum Collections Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of New Mexico

Collections Associate

Taos, NM · On-site

$3.8K - $4.0K/mo

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 ...

National Park Service

Museum Specialist

Van Buren, MO · On-site +1

$61K - $80K/yr

The position functions as a collections manager for a park collection which consists of almost 54 ... Maintains museum protection standards including environmental, fire, and security monitoring ...

New

United States Golf Association

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Additional collections management projects as directed Research and Engagement * Assist with ... Support the preparation and organization of assets for Museum exhibitions and projects to promote ...

United States Golf Association

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Additional collections management projects as directed Research and Engagement * Assist with ... Support the preparation and organization of assets for Museum exhibitions and projects to promote ...

State of Arkansas

MUSEUM SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$52K - $77K/yr

The Museum Supervisor is responsible for supervising staff, managing collections, developing educational programs, and ensuring visitor engagement while maintaining compliance with state and federal ...

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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 Sep 10, 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,722 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Registrar (Museum)

Pierre, SD • On-site

SD Historical Society Foundation
See more jobs at SD Historical Society Foundationexternal

$21/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Registrar (Museum)Part-Time: 20-25 Hours per week
Location: Cultural Heritage Center | Pierre, SD
Salary: $21 per hour, commensurate with qualifications and experienceNow is an exciting time to join the museum team. The recently renovated Cultural Heritage Center is the home of South Dakota history, where the stories, people, and places that shaped our state are preserved and shared. On July 1, the State Museum welcomed visitors to three newly completed exhibits, with additional exhibits opening in the months ahead.Under the supervision of the Museum Director, the Registrar will support the physical management of approximately 35,000 objects in the South Dakota State Historical Society’s collection. Working closely with the Curator of Collections, Curator of Exhibits, and Curator of Interpretation, the Registrar will help ensure that artifacts are properly documented, cared for, accessible, and available for exhibitions, research, and education programs.Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Manage the museum's artifact database (Collector Systems)
  • Catalog and document incoming donations
  • Housing or rehousing artifacts and general artifact handling
  • Coordination of incoming and outgoing loans including all relevant paperwork
  • Maintain and revise (as needed) the museum’s collections management policies
  • Maintain the museum’s physical environment, including downloading environmental monitoring data and pest management throughout museum areas
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in museum studies, history, or a related field
  • Detail-oriented and with a high degree of accuracy
  • Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with staff
Position DetailsThe position is administered by the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising partner of the South Dakota State Historical Society. This is not a State of South Dakota position.Benefits include:
  • Paid vacation leave
  • Paid sick leave
  • Paid holidays
  • 5% employer match - 403(b) retirement plan
  • Professional development opportunities
How to ApplyAttach a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to:David Grabitske
Museum Director
South Dakota State Historical Society
900 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501Applications will be accepted through September 8, 2026, or until the position is filled.
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