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Museum Curator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Physical curation, care, preparation and imaging of specimens * Data basing and cataloguing * Filing and clerical work * Library research * Assist with laboratory organization and cleaning * Sample ...

Assistant Teacher available. Assist with educational activities, provide support to staff, and promote positive learning environment. Qualifications * A love of working with children * Excellent ...

Assistant Teacher available. Assist with educational activities, provide support to staff, and promote positive learning environment. Qualifications * A love of working with children * Excellent ...

Museum Curator information

See Oregon salary details

$29.6K

$80.6K

$143.3K

How much do museum curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum curator in Oregon is $80,630.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,900.00 and $88,800.00 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.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Museum Curator jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Museum Curator job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Museum Curator job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,630 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

European & American Art Post Graduate Museum Fellowship

Eugene, OR • On-site


University of Oregon
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 623 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$38K - $40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

European & American Art Post Graduate Museum Fellowship
Job no: 536887
Work type: Officer of Administration
Location: Eugene, OR
Categories: Architecture/Art/Design, Arts/Theater/Museum
Department: Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
Appointment Type and Duration: Interim (OA), Limited
Salary: $38,000 - $40,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA04-Fiscal Year 2026-2027
FTE: 1.0
Application Review Begins
August 20, 2026; position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure consideration, a complete application must include:
1. A current resume/CV.
2. A cover letter demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position.
3. Three (3) professional references with contact information. References will not be contacted until you are notified."
For questions please email Mitch Kutin at PASTHR@Uoregon.edu
Department Summary
The only academic art museum in Oregon accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the University of Oregon's Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA) features engaging exhibitions, significant collections of historic and contemporary art, and exciting educational programs that support the University's academic mission and the diverse interests of its off-campus communities. The JSMA's collections galleries present selections from its extensive holdings of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and American art. Special exhibitions galleries display works from the collection and on loan, representing many cultures of the world, past and present. The JSMA continues a long tradition of bridging international cultures and offers a welcoming destination for discovery and education centered on artistic expression that deepens the appreciation and understanding of the human condition.
Position Summary
The Museum Fellow will assist in all aspects of the curatorial and collections work of the museum's programs for American and European Art, and global contemporary art. Work activities will include managing schedules and providing regular reports; assisting in exhibition preparations and curatorial work; assisting with the publications program; helping schedule and attend exhibition meetings; taking minutes, assisting with exhibition design, production, installation, and other tasks, as assigned. Fellows will also conduct research on the museum's collection; write for didactic labels and catalogs and the museum's website, and for PR and marketing materials. Additionally, Fellows will research works for acquisition and loan; prepare loan forms; and prepare materials for the museum's Collections Committee.
Minimum Requirements
• MA/Ph.D./MFA/MArch in art history, studio art, architecture, and design, or a program with a relevant visual art component.
Professional Competencies
• Knowledge of Western art history and global contemporary art.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, including an understanding of how and why to write for different audiences.
• Comfortable receiving and providing contextualized critique as related to art and museum practice.
• Ability and enthusiasm for speaking publicly about art and the museum.
• Commitment to working with faculty and students in an academic museum context.
Preferred Qualifications
• Graduate of the University of Oregon.
• Experience working in a museum.
• Experience in project management.
FLSA Exempt: Yes
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.
Advertised: August 6, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:


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