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Museum Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Mesa

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ

$75K - $102K/yr

The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of the Arizona Museum for Natural History for the fields of natural and social sciences. Responsibilities ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of the Arizona Museum for Natural History for the fields of natural and social sciences. Responsibilities ...

Ladgov Corporation

Museum Curator

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

$52 - $76/hr

Museum Curator U.S. Navy Seabee Museum - Port Hueneme, CA Job Type Full-Time Work Schedule * Monday - Friday * 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM * No work on Federal holidays when the museum is closed Place of ...

Ladgov Corporation

Museum Curator

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

$52 - $74/hr

Museum Curator U.S. Navy Seabee Museum - Port Hueneme, CA Job Type Full-Time Work Schedule * Monday - Friday * 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM * No work on Federal holidays when the museum is closed Place of ...

Campbell County, WY

Museum Curator

Gillette, WY · On-site

$70K/yr

The Museum Curator will also assist the Museum Director with management of the museum by serving as a second in command. Essential Duties and Responsibilites The intent of this is to provide a ...

Benrey

IDGC Museum Curator

Appling, GA · On-site

$20/hr

IDGC Museum Curator (Short-term contract position) Responsible to: IDGC Manager Background: The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) is a player-run international nonprofit organization. There ...

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Museum Curator information

See salary details

$28K

$76.3K

$135.5K

How much do museum curator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum curator in the United States is $76,262.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum curator?

Museum curators are professionals responsible for acquiring, caring for, and displaying objects within a museum's collection. They conduct research, develop exhibitions, and ensure the preservation of artifacts. Curators often work closely with the public through educational programs and tours, and they may also handle administrative tasks such as fundraising or managing budgets. Their expertise helps make museum collections accessible and informative to visitors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum curator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Curator, you need expertise in art history or a relevant subject, research skills, and typically a master's degree in museum studies or a related field. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital archiving tools, and exhibit design software is essential. Strong communication, organizational skills, and a passion for education help curators engage audiences and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills are crucial for preserving collections, creating compelling exhibits, and fostering public appreciation of cultural heritage.

What do museum curators do?

Some museum curator positions require a bachelor’s degree in art, archeology, history, museum studies, or a related field, but many museums now require candidates to hold a master’s degree. You may need a doctorate to move into supervisory roles. Volunteer at a local museum to gain hands-on experience in the field. Learn how to bid or apply for different artifacts and the proper way to handle them. You can find museum curator positions at museums, historic sites, nature centers, and zoos.

What are some common challenges museum curators face when developing new exhibitions?

Museum Curators often encounter challenges such as balancing artistic vision with budget constraints, ensuring the proper care and conservation of artifacts, and coordinating with multiple departments like education and marketing. They also need to consider visitor engagement, accessibility, and sometimes negotiate loans or partnerships with other institutions. Successfully managing these aspects requires strong project management skills and a collaborative approach with colleagues across the museum.

What is the difference between Museum Curator vs Museum Educator?

AspectMuseum CuratorMuseum Educator
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Museum Studies, History, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Education, Museum Studies, or related field
Work EnvironmentGallery or exhibit management, collection care, researchEducational programs, tours, community outreach
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, historical societies, cultural institutionsMuseums, science centers, cultural organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles involving collections and exhibitsFocuses on education and visitor engagement

While both Museum Curators and Museum Educators work within museums and cultural institutions, curators primarily manage collections, develop exhibits, and conduct research. In contrast, museum educators focus on creating educational programs, guiding visitors, and promoting learning experiences. Both roles require relevant degrees and are essential for enriching visitor engagement and preserving cultural heritage.

How hard is it to get a job as a Museum Curator?

Securing a position as a Museum Curator can be competitive, often requiring a master's degree in museum studies, history, or a related field, along with relevant experience such as internships or previous curatorial work. Strong research, organizational skills, and knowledge of collections management are also important for success in this role.

How much money can you make as a museum curator?

Museum curators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, with higher earnings possible for those with advanced degrees, extensive experience, or working in large or prestigious institutions. Salaries can vary based on location, specialization, and the size of the museum.
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Museum Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Curator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,262 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Museum Curator

City of Mesa

Mesa, AZ

$75K - $102K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

City Of Mesa rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

176th of 855 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description/Duties The current vacancy is in the Arizona Museum of Natural History; however, this recruitment will also be used to establish an eligible list for possible future vacancies in other assignment areas. The first review of all applications will be on Monday, July 6, 2026. The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of the Arizona Museum for Natural History for the fields of natural and social sciences.

Responsibilities include: developing and implementing procedures of a general curatorial nature relating to the fields of Social Sciences (history, ethnology, archaeology, anthropology) or Natural Sciences (paleontology, geology, biology); conducting original and secondary research; ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws in the acquisition and collection of objects; writing policies, plans, grant proposals, reports, etc., regarding museum collections, general curatorial information, or a designated subject area; and providing curatorial expertise on certain changing and permanent exhibits. The Museum Curator also supervises full-time, part-time, contractual, and volunteer personnel. This class is also responsible for performing related duties as required

Anthropology Assignment: Conducts primary and/or secondary research in anthropology or related disciplines; oversee the disciplines of ethnology, and archaeology; coordinates the permanent gallery rotations, changes and updates exhibits, public engagement, and educational programming. General supervision is received from the Chief Curator, who reviews work through conferences, meetings, reports, and overall results achieved. This class is FLSA exempt professional.

Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions. Qualifications & Requirements Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity. Minimum Qualifications Required.

Any combination of training, education, or experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area. Considerable (3 - 5 years) collections experience in museums, cultural centers, institutes, academics, or equivalent. Preferred/Desirable Qualifications.

A Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as: Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area and experience in responsible positions in a museum is preferred. Experience in Triassic paleobiology field collection and publication desirable

Experience in application and administration of grants, permits, and federal and state repositories. Experience in large museum projects. Link to Job Description http://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4225.pdf

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