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Museum Curator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

National Gallery of Art

Museum Curator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$143K - $187K/yr

Individual Occupational Requirements Museum Curator Series 1015 Associated Group standard; General Schedule Qualification Standards Other Relevant Eligibility Criteria : None Merit promotion ...

National Gallery of Art

Museum Curator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$169K - $197K/yr

The incumbent is an established scholar and recognized connoisseur and serves as Museum Curator (Head of Northern European Paintings) reporting to the Head of European and American Art. Duties for ...

National Gallery of Art

Museum Curator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$169K - $197K/yr

Museum Curator Series 1015 Associated Group standard: General Schedule Qualification Standards Other Relevant Eligibility Criteria : None You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements ...

National Gallery of Art

Museum Curator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$169K - $197K/yr

The incumbent is an established scholar and recognized connoisseur and serves as Museum Curator (Head of Northern European Paintings) reporting to the Head of European and American Art. Duties for ...

National Gallery of Art

Museum Curator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$169K - $197K/yr

Museum Curator Series 1015 Associated Group standard: General Schedule Qualification Standards Other Relevant Eligibility Criteria : None You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements ...

NOVA Parks

Education Curator

Alexandria, VA

Carlyle House, an eighteenth-century historic house museum committed to telling an inclusive story ... The Education Curator is responsible for overseeing educational programs, a large roster of ...

NOVA Parks

Education Curator

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Carlyle House, an eighteenth-century historic house museum committed to telling an inclusive story ... The Education Curator is responsible for overseeing educational programs, a large roster of ...

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Museum Curator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$29.1K

$79.3K

$141K

How much do museum curator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum curator in Reston, VA is $79,339.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,900.00 and $87,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are museum curators?

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.

How do you become a museum curator?

To become a museum curator, typically a bachelor's degree in art history, archaeology, history, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or doctoral degree for advanced positions. Relevant experience through internships, volunteering, or working in museums is also important, along with skills in research, organization, and collections management.

What exactly does a museum curator do?

A museum curator is responsible for acquiring, caring for, and managing collections of artwork, artifacts, or specimens. They conduct research, develop exhibitions, and ensure proper preservation, often using specialized tools and documentation systems. Curators typically work in museums or galleries and may require relevant education and experience in their field.

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.

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 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 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 the requirements for a museum curator?

Museum curators typically need a bachelor's degree in art history, archaeology, history, or a related field, with many positions preferring a master's degree or higher. Relevant experience in museum work, collections management, or research is often required, along with strong organizational, communication, and research skills. Familiarity with collection databases and conservation practices can also be beneficial.

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.

More about Museum Curator jobs
What job categories do people searching Museum Curator jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Curator jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Museum Curator jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Museum Curator job openings:
Museum Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Curator job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Locum Tenens, 8% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,339 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Museum Curator

Opportunities at the National Gallery of Art

Washington, DC

$169K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

The National Gallery of Art welcomes all people to explore art, creativity, and our shared humanity. Millions of people come through our doors each year, with even more online, making us one of the most visited art museums in the world. Our renowned collection includes over 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today. Admission to the West and East Buildings, Sculpture Garden, special exhibitions, and public programs is always free.

Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
  1. Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field.

    OR

  2. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major, as shown in 1 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

    OR

  3. Four years of experience that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study as shown in 1 above.

Specialized Experience Statement: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-14 level in the Federal service or private sector, working with European sculpture and decorative arts in a curatorial capacity in a fine arts museum; AND demonstrated experience researching, curating, and proposing acquisitions of European sculpture and decorative art from Europe and the United States.

OPM Qualifications Standard:

Individual Occupational Requirements: Museum Curator Series 1015 Associated Group standard: General Schedule Qualification Standards

Other Relevant Eligibility Criteria: None 


You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education:

This position has an education requirement. 

Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

Employment Type: OTHER

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