ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Museum Conservator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Arizona

Assistant Conservator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Assistant Conservator Posting Number req26343 Department Arizona State Museum Department Website Link Location Tucson Campus Address Tucson, AZ USA Position Highlights Arizona State Museum (ASM) at ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsMuseum Conservator Jobs

Museum Conservator information

See salary details

$31.5K

$44.2K

$56K

How much do museum conservator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum conservator in the United States is $44,195.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $48,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum conservator?

A Museum Conservator is responsible for preserving and restoring artifacts, artworks, and historical objects to prevent deterioration. They analyze materials, assess damage, and use specialized techniques to clean, repair, and stabilize items. Conservators often work in museums, archives, or historical sites, collaborating with curators and researchers. Their role ensures that cultural heritage remains accessible for future generations through careful preservation and documentation.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a museum conservator?

Museum Conservators spend their days assessing the condition of artifacts and artworks, performing restoration treatments, and documenting their work in detail. They often collaborate with curators, registrars, and exhibit designers to ensure items are safely displayed and stored according to best practices. Routine tasks can include scientific analysis, preventive conservation planning, and responding to potential risks such as environmental changes or pest infestations. This role often requires both hands-on laboratory work and written reporting, making it dynamic and intellectually engaging. Those in the position also frequently participate in research, professional development, or public outreach activities to stay current in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum conservator?

To thrive as a Museum Conservator, you need specialized knowledge in materials science, conservation techniques, and art history, typically supported by an advanced degree in conservation or a related field. Familiarity with scientific analysis tools, conservation lab equipment, and digital documentation systems is crucial, along with relevant professional certifications like the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) membership. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication make candidates stand out in collaborative and multidisciplinary environments. These competencies are essential to ensure the long-term preservation, restoration, and interpretation of priceless artifacts and artworks.

How do you become a museum conservator?

To become a museum conservator, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in conservation, art history, chemistry, or a related field, followed by a master's degree in conservation or a specialized program. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships and obtaining professional certification, such as from the American Institute for Conservation, can enhance job prospects. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of preservation techniques, and familiarity with conservation tools are essential for success in this field.

What does a museum conservator do in a museum?

A museum conservator is responsible for preserving, repairing, and maintaining artworks, artifacts, and historical objects to ensure their long-term stability. They assess the condition of items, perform treatments using specialized techniques and tools, and document conservation processes to protect cultural heritage. Conservation work often requires knowledge of chemistry, art history, and the use of protective environments like climate-controlled storage.
More about Museum Conservator jobs

What cities are hiring for Museum Conservator jobs?

Cities with the most Museum Conservator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Conservator jobs?

The most popular types of Museum Conservator jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Museum Conservator jobs?

The top employers for Museum Conservator jobs are:

What states have the most Museum Conservator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Museum Conservator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Museum Conservator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Conservator jobs are:

Museum Conservator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Conservator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,195 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Assistant, Associate or Full Conservator - Paintings

Saint Louis Art Museum

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$88K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Applications received by July 24 will be given preference. Positions will remain open until filled.
Summary: Produces examinations, proposals, and other related documentation for collections objects, considered acquisitions, and loans from other entities. Conducts treatment on collection objects and provides recommendations for care and risk reduction. Consults with curators and external clients on preservation and treatment strategies. Assesses and reports the suitability of collection objects for loan and when necessary acts as a courier. Collaboratively advises museum staff and contractors on packing, handling, storage, installation, and environmental conditions required for collection objects. Assists with departmental planning, exhibition proposal review, and policy development & establishment. Assists with supervision of technicians, interns, and volunteers. Performs other duties according to the priorities assigned by senior staff
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Examine, document and treat art works in the Museum's permanent collection and on loan under supervision of senior staff.
  • Design and carry out conservation treatment in consultation with Curators and stakeholders.
  • Provide written and photographic documentation to record condition of objects, treatments proposed, and treatments performed according to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
  • Carry out and/or facilitate study and analysis of works in the collection in support of curatorial, treatment, or research projects.
  • Produce presentations and/or publications for the advancement of the field and to highlight research initiatives.
  • Maintain professional networks and continuing education opportunities to remain current with best practices and philosophies.
  • Identify, solicit, and contract specialized vendors to supplement the museum's in-house equipment or analytical capabilities.
  • Recommend other Conservators outside their field of expertise to consult and/or contract on projects, as needed.
  • Assist with the supervision of technicians, interns, and volunteers.
  • Advise on preventative maintenance in the Museum as a whole in the areas of environment, pest management, display, handling, packing, storage, and installation.
  • Work collaboratively with the Curator, Designer, Mountmaker and Preparators on the design of appropriate measures for display and/or storage.
  • Examine artworks prior to acquisition to aid the Curatorial staff in determining their physical and aesthetic condition, as well as their authenticity.
  • Examine works requested for loan to determine suitability for travel and to document their condition and advise on any special packing and shipping considerations.
  • Act as a courier for works of art, particularly objects with condition or handling concerns.
  • Monitor stock and order conservation supplies for the lab and specific projects.
  • Assist with public outreach, programs, and fundraising initiatives.

Assistant Conservator Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree from an accredited conservation program or its equivalent and full-time post-graduate experience practicing conservation in their field of specialty.
  • Familiarity with and adherence to the American Institute for Conservation's (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
  • Experience in The Museum System (TMS) collections database or equivalent content management system, facility in digital documentation and productivity software, and experience.

Additional Details:
Pay Range: $60,561 - $74,187/year, commensurate with experience
Status: Regular, Full-Time
Associate Conservator Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree from an accredited conservation program or its equivalent and minimum of 5 years full-time post-graduate experience practicing conservation in their field of specialty.
  • Familiarity with and adherence to the American Institute for Conservation's (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
  • Experience in The Museum System (TMS) collections database or equivalent content management system, facility in digital documentation and productivity software.

Additional Details:
Pay Range: $68,131 - $83,461/year, commensurate with experience
Status: Regular, Full-Time
Conservator Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree from an accredited conservation program or its equivalent and 8 or more years full-time post-graduate experience practicing conservation in their field of specialty.
  • Familiarity with and adherence to the American Institute for Conservation's (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
  • Experience in The Museum System (TMS) collections database or equivalent content management system, facility in digital documentation and productivity software
  • Experience working in a Fine Arts museum is preferred

Additional Details:
Pay Range: $88,302 - $110,377/year, commensurate with experience
Status: Regular, Full-Time
The Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience, without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Apply