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Museum Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Museum Registrar

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$37K/yr

... photographic documentation, evaluations, insurance, condition reports, and object locations-to ... Job Functions Under the supervision of the Registrar, the Assistant Museum Registrar will:

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How much do museum photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum photographer in the United States is $20.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Museum Photographer position, and why are they important?

Museum Photographers require expertise in digital photography, image editing, and a solid understanding of lighting and composition, often supported by a degree in photography or art-related fields. Proficiency in using DSLR or mirrorless cameras, Adobe Creative Suite (especially Photoshop and Lightroom), and digital asset management systems is commonly expected. Strong attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and effective communication skills are key soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities ensure high-quality documentation and representation of museum collections while facilitating collaboration with curators, conservators, and marketing teams.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Museum Photographer?

As a Museum Photographer, your day often includes photographing artworks, artifacts, and museum events, both in-studio and on-site, while maintaining consistent documentation standards. You’ll be responsible for post-processing images, managing digital files, and collaborating with curators, conservators, and exhibition teams to meet specific photographic needs and timelines. Additional duties may involve preparing images for publication, exhibition catalogs, and digital archives. This role requires strong organizational skills and adaptability, as priorities often shift in accordance with exhibition schedules and conservation requirements.

Is $100 an hour good for a photographer?

For a museum photographer, earning $100 an hour is considered above average, as typical rates range from $25 to $75 per hour depending on experience, location, and project scope. Skilled photographers with specialized equipment or extensive experience can command higher rates, especially for high-quality or archival work. Factors such as portfolio strength, technical skills, and the complexity of assignments influence hourly rates in this field.

What does a Museum Photographer do?

A Museum Photographer captures high-quality images of artifacts, exhibitions, and museum events for documentation, research, marketing, and publications. They use specialized lighting and photographic techniques to accurately represent objects while preserving their integrity. Their work supports curators, historians, and educators by providing detailed visual records for archival and promotional purposes. In some cases, they may also assist with digitization projects and 3D imaging of collections.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired as a museum photographer can be competitive, as many applicants seek positions that often require a strong portfolio, photography skills, and knowledge of art or exhibits. Relevant experience, technical proficiency with cameras and editing software, and sometimes a background in art or history can improve chances of employment. Job openings may also depend on the size and funding of the museum, with larger institutions typically having more opportunities.

What is the highest paying photographer job?

The highest paying photographer jobs often include commercial, advertising, and fine art photographers, with salaries reaching six figures for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and a strong portfolio. Commercial photographers working with large clients or in high-demand markets tend to earn the most, especially when they have expertise in digital editing and studio lighting.

How to become a museum photographer?

To become a museum photographer, you typically need a background in photography, often a degree or certification in photography or a related field. Building a portfolio of high-quality images, gaining experience with studio and exhibit photography, and familiarity with editing software like Adobe Photoshop are important. Knowledge of museum environments and the ability to work with artifacts carefully are also valuable.
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Museum Photographer jobs near you
Associate Conservator of Photographic Materials

Associate Conservator of Photographic Materials

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace
At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art welcomes applications for the position of Associate Conservator of Photographic Materials. Working with, and reporting to, the Senior Conservator of Works of Art on Paper, the Conservator will perform conservation examinations and treatments on the museum's collection of over 35,000 photographic works of art.
The PMA holds significant works that encompass the history of photography, including: early cased daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, and tintypes, black and white salted paper, albumen, collodion, gelatin silver, and platinum prints, analog color photographs and a growing collection of digitally printed images. The collection also contains matrices such as glass, gelatin, and film negatives.
The Conservator will examine, evaluate, document, conserve, and oversee preventative care for a wide range of photographic materials. In collaboration with other museum staff, the Conservator will conduct historical and scientific research to further understanding of the materials and photographic processes used by the artists represented in the collection. They will serve as an integral member of the museum's paper conservation lab and will participate in activities relating to exhibitions, installations, loans, preventive care of the permanent collections, and professional and public engagement.
Specifically, you will:
  • Examine, document, conduct research, and perform conservation treatment on a broad range of photographic materials.
  • Evaluate and document the condition of photographs requested for loan, exhibition, and acquisition consideration.
  • Collaborate with and advise colleagues across the museum on a range of preservation activities, such as housing, installation, storage, handling, packing, and transport of photographic materials.
  • Collaborate with conservation scientists in chemical and instrumental analysis and characterization of photographic materials.
  • Engage professionally with colleagues and the museum community by publishing and presenting technical and historical research, attending conferences and workshops, and pursuing continuing education opportunities to expand and refine knowledge and skills.
  • Work with contemporary artists and studios to document artistic processes and preservation goals.
  • Serve as an integral member on a team of museum colleagues dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of time-based media in the collection.
  • Mentor and train junior conservation staff, post-graduate fellows, interns, and technicians.
  • Participate as a member of the Conservation Division in a range of institutional initiatives and functions, including professional and public engagement.
  • Examine, document, and conduct minor treatments on prints and drawings as assigned.

Your background and experience include:
  • Graduate degree from a recognized Art Conservation training program, with a specialization in photographic materials and general training in the care and conservation of works of art on paper.
  • A minimum of 5 years professional experience beyond the degree in the study, preservation, and treatment of photographic materials.
  • Proven ability to plan and execute a variety of conservation treatments on photographs and other works of art on paper.
  • Experience collaborating with aligned professionals on the conservation of time-based media.
  • Experience/interest in microfadometry analysis of photographs.
  • Demonstrated visual, manual, and scholarly aptitudes. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Position and Compensation Details
  • The salary for this position is $72,000.
  • This position is Full-Time, Exempt, and 35 hours per week.
  • This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.
  • This position reports to The Charles K. Williams, II, Senior Conservator of Works of Art on Paper
  • Physical requirements:
    • Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus
  • Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Institutional Requirements
  • Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
  • Adheres to the museum's code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
  • Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum's staff, volunteers, and audiences.
  • Maintains confidentiality.
  • Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.
What We Offer
Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:
  • Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
  • Discounted guest tickets for admission
  • Discounts on gift memberships
  • Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
  • Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
  • Health savings or flexible spending account program
  • Retirement savings program with museum match
  • Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee's regular schedule and tenure.

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