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Museum Curator Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

National Gallery of Art

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $187K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Museum Curator Series 1015 Associated Group standard: General Schedule Qualification Standards You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

National Gallery of Art

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $187K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Museum Curator Series 1015 Associated Group standard: General Schedule Qualification Standards You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $111K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position is located in Curatorial Office, Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), Undersecretary for Museums and Culture. SAAM shares the stories of our nation through American art and craft to ...

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position is organizationally located in Collections Management (OCM), Acquisitions and Special Collections, Curatorial Affairs (OCA), National Museum of African American History and Culture ...

The Phillips Collection

Curatorial Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support the Chief Curator's efforts to steward relationships with members, donors, patrons, artists, and museum audiences. * Assist with communications with colleagues, donors, partners, and lenders ...

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All JobsMuseum Curator JobsMuseum Curator Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Museum Curator information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$28.9K

$78.8K

$140.1K

How much do museum curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum curator in Silver Spring, MD is $78,838.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $86,800.00 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.
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For Museum Curator jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Curator jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Curator jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Museum Curator jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Museum Curator job openings:

Museum Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Curator job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,838 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Museum Curator

Opportunities at the National Gallery of Art

Washington, DC • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

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:

A. Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field.

OR

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

OR

C. 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 A above

GS-11 Specialized Experience Statement: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-09 level in the Federal service or private sector working with modern and contemporary prints and drawings in a curatorial capacity in a fine arts museum; AND demonstrated expertise in the history of modern and contemporary graphic arts outside of Europe and the United States, i.e. Latin America, Asia, or the broader Global South for a art museum.

GS-12 Specialized Experience Statement: Candidates must possess at least one year of documented specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-11 level in the Federal service or private sector working with modern and contemporary prints and drawings in a curatorial capacity in a fine arts museum; AND demonstrated experience researching, curating, and proposing acquisitions of modern and contemporary prints drawings fromoutside of Europe and the United States, i.e. Latin America, Asia, or the broader Global South for a art museum. 

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

Other Relevant Eligibility Criteria: May be required to submit a writing sample. 

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:

A. Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field.

OR

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

OR

C. 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 A above

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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