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Museum Curator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Museum Curator information

See Indiana salary details

$26.6K

$72.6K

$128.9K

How much do museum curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum curator in Indiana is $72,568.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,600.00 and $79,900.00 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.
More about Museum Curator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Curator jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Museum Curator jobs in Indiana are:

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For Museum Curator jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Curator jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Curator jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Museum Curator jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Museum Curator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Museum Curator jobs in IN?

For Museum Curator jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Museum Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Curator job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,568 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Curatorial Assistant (Museum Services Generalist), IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (IUMAA) is Indiana University's newest museum. The IUMAA takes aspects of the former Mathers Museum of World Cultures and the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology and combines them into 1 cohesive experience. With an impactful long-term vision focusing on purposeful storytelling, stewarding collections, and bringing these items to communities, the IUMAA thoughtfully houses and displays over 5 million artifacts that span across a broad range of the human experience. The IUMAA is accessible for research as well as teaching and is culturally connected to our broader community through partnerships with Indigenous communities, advisory boards, and other IUMAA community members.
Job Summary
Department Specific Responsibilities
  • Performs a variety of responsibilities in support of day-to-day museum operations, including curation, collections maintenance, museum tours, facility operations and exhibition planning, coordination of staff and volunteer activities, marketing and communications, and event planning.
  • Frequently interfaces with other staff, faculty, students, and the general public.
  • Provides support for exhibits through coordination with guest curators and museum staff; tracking and assisting with curatorial deliverables of projection schedule such as development of checklist, script writing, interpretation planning, marketing materials, and opening and program logistics.
  • Acts as project manager for rewriting collection management policy and development of disaster preparedness plan.
  • Provides curatorial support to Museum Registrar for backlog of gift considerations.
  • Assists collection and curatorial staff with collection access for researchers, tours, and class visits.
  • Assists with cataloging, digitizing curatorial files, organizing curatorial reference material.
  • Collaborates with individuals across museum departments and university staff to advance projects.
  • Facilitates the review and signing of museum documents by the Director, such as loan agreements and Deeds of Gifts, and distribute accordingly.
  • Supports the Director with researching, compiling, and organizing information.
  • Executes project management tasks for key initiatives and projects by scheduling meetings, organizing documents, tracking progress, moving action items forward, and disseminating decisions and updates.
  • Other duties as assigned.
General Responsibilities
  • Performs a variety of responsibilities in support of day-to-day museum operations, including curation, collections maintenance, museum tours, facility operations and exhibition planning, coordination of staff and volunteer activities, marketing and communications, and event planning.
  • Ensures proper maintenance of artwork and museum artifacts and performs inventory for collections.
  • Monitors the condition of facilities, ensuring safety and security for guests, and initiates work orders for supplies, maintenance, repairs, and other issues as needed.
  • Plans and develops procedures for tours, events, collaborative projects, and other museum programs; works with vendors and community partners.
  • Liaises with community partners to organize projects, exhibitions, promotional material, and events.
  • Frequently interfaces with other staff, faculty, students, and the general public.
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in museum services or other related field
Preferred
  • Master's degree in Museum Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Library Science, History, Arts Administration or related field
WORK EXPERIENCE
Preferred
  • Some experience in museum services or other related field
  • 2 years of experience in museum work and/or project management
SKILLS
Required
  • Proficien written and verbal communication skills
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
  • Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
  • Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
  • Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
  • Highly thorough and dependable
  • Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure
Working Conditions / Demands
This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Additional Information
This is a limited term position. This position is expected to run through August 31, 2027.
Work Location
Indiana University Bloomington.
This is an in person position.
Advertised Salary
Salary based upon education and experience, up to $55,000.00 on an annualized basis.
Work Hours
40 per week/ Full-Time
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
  • Health savings account with generous IU contributions
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Basic group life insurance paid by IU
  • Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
  • Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
  • Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
  • 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
  • Generous paid time off plans
  • Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .
Job Classification
Career Level: Core
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Educational Resources & Tech
Job Family: Museum Services
Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.
Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .
Campus Safety and Security
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.
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