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Museum Curator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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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 Aug 21, 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 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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What job categories do people searching Museum Curator jobs in Reston, VA look for?

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,339 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Mid GEOINT History Program Specialist - Active TS/SCI

ENS Solutions, LLC

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

The GEOINT History Program Specialist – Mid, is responsible for the development and execution of the historical program, from research and writing to curation and operations. This individual supports the operation and maintenance of the NGA history archives and all associated material residing in the Historical Research Center, and to preserve and communicate NGA’s history to NGA’s employees and public affairs mission both internally and externally. Duties include content development and execution, museum support, and Historical Research Center archiving and curation.

Duties Include:

· Content Development & Execution: Research, develop, and execute a high volume of historical content illustrating NGA’s history for both internal and external audiences. Products include articles, brochures, social media posts, podcast production, website content, museum exhibits, and museum tour guides.

· Historical Research Center Archiving: Archival processing, customary basic preservation procedures, inventorying and entering records metadata, assisting in collaborative efforts with NGA Records Management and the National Archives. Organize archival records and apply the proper classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials while providing reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials. Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials. Answer and receive external phone/email inquiries and ability to conduct the background research to generate a response.

· Historical Research Center Curation: Record processing for artifacts and assistance with the inventorying and enforcing accountability procedures for historical artifacts in NGA custody. Ensuring measurement and metrics are accurately recorded. Locate new materials and advise government customers on acquisition, preservation, and display possibilities. Assist the Program Manager and NGA Historian on NGA’s history audit including attending meetings, working with auditors, and performing curation inspections as required. Work deaccessions forms and reports for items along with managing the removal process from start to finish.

· NGA Museum Support: Work with other museums on loans, exhibits, artifact solicitation, and advise in acquisition decisions. This also includes researching, developing, and producing historical displays, posters, exhibits, museum experiences, and any museum specific communications about NGA history program. Provide guided tours of the museum and exhibits.

Requirements

Required Skills:

· Education: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in History, Geography, Library Science, Museum Studies, Museum Science, or a related field. 1-year experience in the career field of curation or a certificate from an approved technical curatorial program in museum management required.

· Experience: A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in the career field of history, geography, library science, museum studies, or museum science role. In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, the candidate must have 5+ years of direct museum practice, artifact preservation, curation, or history-related positions.

· Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities with an eagerness to draft, edit, and proofread materials.

· Attention to Detail: A high degree of accuracy and thoroughness when completing tasks such as inventorying and entering records metadata or recording the origins and significance of archival materials.

· Organizational Skills: The ability to assist with multiple tasks and prioritize assignments effectively in a fast-paced support role. Organize archival records and apply the proper classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.

· Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build effective working relationships with internal colleagues and community partners.

· Written and Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible language.

Benefits

Essential Network Security (ENS) Solutions, LLC is a service-disabled veteran owned, highly regarded IT consulting and management firm. ENS consults for the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) providing innovative solutions in the core competency area of Identity, Credential and Access Management (ICAM), Software Development, Cyber and Network Security, System Engineering, Program/Project Management, IT support, Solutions, and Services that yield enduring results. Our strong technical and management experts have been able to maintain a standard of excellence in their relationships while delivering innovative, scalable and collaborative infrastructure to our clients.

Why ENS?

  • Free Platinum-Level Medical/Dental/Vision coverage, 100% paid for by ENS
  • 401k Contribution from Day 1
  • PTO + 11 Paid Federal Holidays
  • Long & Short Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Term Life Insurance
  • Tuition, Certification & Professional Development Assistance
  • Workers’ Compensation
  • Relocation Assistance

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI tools are an important part of daily work at ENS Solutions, and we are committed to their responsible and ethical use. To ensure a fair and equitable candidate evaluation based on individual skills, knowledge, and experience, candidates are not permitted to use artificial intelligence or other assistive tools during interviews, whether in person or virtual, unless explicit permission has been granted in advance.