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Museum Curator Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Museum Curator information

See Utah salary details

$25.5K

$69.4K

$123.4K

How much do museum curator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum curator in Utah is $69,426.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,200.00 and $76,500.00 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 Utah?

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

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

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

What cities in Utah are hiring for Museum Curator jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Museum Curator job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Museum Curator job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,426 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Anthropology - Museum Curator, CFS Professional Faculty

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Brigham Young University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

338th of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Title: Anthropology - Museum Curator, CFS Professional Faculty
Posting End Date: September 2, 2026
*NOTE: Last day to apply is Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT
Position Start date: August 1, 2027
Required Degree: Ph.D. in Anthropology or closely related discipline.
The required degree must be completed by the start date.
Experience: The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Anthropology with an emphasis in archaeology or a closely related discipline by the beginning of the appointment. Preferred candidates will also have experience in museum research, teaching museum courses, and/or museum administration.
Duties/Expectations: The Department of Anthropology seeks applicants for a professional faculty position (open rank) in archaeology and museum studies to begin Fall 2027. The candidate will serve as a curator at the Museum of Peoples and Cultures and should have experience in teaching museum studies courses and be committed to mentoring student research. The successful candidate will be expected to teach two courses each semester and one course during the Spring/Summer terms. Assigned courses will include museum studies and archaeological field school, as well as introductory courses, archaeological method and theory, and courses within the candidate's geographical and theoretical areas of expertise.
The selected candidate will be expected to maintain an active research program that supports the collections of the Museum of Peoples and Cultures and complements the current expertise of our faculty (see anthropology.byu.edu). The Museum's collections number over 157,000 lots with regional strengths in the American Southwest, Mesoamerica, the Middle East, Polynesia, and the Andes. All areas of geographical and theoretical specialization will be considered.
United by our common primary identity as children of God, BYU values equal opportunity. We also value and embrace the variety of individual characteristics, life experiences and circumstances, perspectives, talents, and gifts of each member of the BYU community and the richness and strength they bring in helping create and support an environment of covenant belonging centered in Jesus Christ. Candidates with experience in and commitment to mentoring students from a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Apply on or before September 1, 2026, to ensure consideration. Questions about this position may be directed to Dr. Michael Searcy, Department Chair, Department of Anthropology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602 or by email to msearcy@byu.edu.
Documents Required at the Time of Application: Please attach your updated curriculum vitae, cover letter and Mission Alignment Statement to the faculty application. Please include in your cover letter your qualifications for the position as well as your teaching and research interests. Please also include at least one example of scholarly work.
Note: Failure to attach the required documents may result in your application not being considered.
This position requires the successful candidate to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.
MISSION ALIGNMENT STATEMENT INSTRUCTIONS
If you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it "bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel" (Spencer W. Kimball).
If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.
All faculty are required to abide by the university's Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrine of the affiliated church.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

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