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Museum Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Mesa

Museum Exhibitions Coordinator

Mesa, AZ

$64K - $88K/yr

This classification may supervise the Museum Exhibits Preparator and/or the Museum Exhibits Technician classifications, as well as temporary agency personnel and volunteers. This class performs ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Museum Exhibitions Coordinator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

This classification may supervise the Museum Exhibits Preparator and/or the Museum Exhibits Technician classifications, as well as temporary agency personnel and volunteers. This class performs ...

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Museum Preparator information

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$36K

$57.7K

$91.5K

How much do museum preparator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum preparator in the United States is $57,651.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum preparator?

A Museum Preparator is responsible for handling, installing, and maintaining museum exhibits and collections. They prepare artifacts and artworks for display by constructing mounts, arranging lighting, and ensuring proper environmental conditions. Preparators often collaborate with curators, conservators, and exhibition designers to create engaging and safe presentations. They also assist with packing, transportation, and storage of delicate objects to prevent damage. The role requires technical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of museum best practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum preparator?

To thrive as a Museum Preparator, you need experience in art handling, mount making, installation techniques, and object conservation, usually supported by a background in studio art, conservation, or museum studies. Skills with specialized tools, lifts, packing materials, and collections management databases like TMS are often required, and certifications in art handling or OSHA safety can be advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication foster effective teamwork and care of fragile objects. These skills are essential to ensure artwork is safely displayed, preserved, and transported while complying with museum standards and collaborating effectively across departments.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a museum preparator?

As a Museum Preparator, your daily responsibilities often include handling and installing artwork or artifacts, designing and fabricating display mounts, and ensuring the safe packing and transport of objects. You may assist with exhibition setup and takedown, coordinate with curators and conservators, and monitor environmental conditions in galleries and storage spaces. The role regularly requires teamwork with exhibition designers, registrars, and other museum staff to meet project deadlines and uphold best practices. This hands-on work environment is ideal for individuals who enjoy both creative problem-solving and following precise safety protocols.

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What cities are hiring for Museum Preparator jobs? Cities with the most Museum Preparator job openings:
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Museum Preparator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Preparator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,651 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Wellin Museum Art Installer

Hamilton College

Clinton, NY

$25/hr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Job Description:

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Building Manager and Preparator (BMP), the Art Preparator will assist, as needed, with the installation of art exhibitions and perform duties related to the museum's collection, including but not limited to wall building, painting, fine art handling, framing, hanging/installing art, mounting didactic material, receiving and outgoing artwork, executing proper storage and fine art packing/unpacking, exhibition and gallery maintenance, workshop and storage maintenance, fabrication/carpentry, and other work as assigned. Works as part of a team of art preparators to forward the Museum's programs. This is an as-needed, non-benefited, part-time position limited to working no more than 909 hours per year.

Responsibilities

50% Exhibition

Works under the direction of the Building Manager and Preparator (BMP) in all aspects of exhibition installation and de-installation, including but not limited to gallery preparation, construction, painting, mounting, rigging, and securing and handling artwork, lighting, labeling and signage, vinyl installation, and A/V technologies. Assists with fabricating exhibition displays, furniture, props, and mounts, matting, and framing works for exhibition. Preparing and packing/unpacking objects for travel, and assisting with incoming and outgoing shipments for exhibitions and collection, and building crates. Handles artwork with a high level of care that meets museum standards.

40% Collection

Under the direction of the BMP, Collections Curator, and Registrar, helps to clean art casework, art, and art display surfaces, and fabricate labels, as needed. Assist with moving objects and/or materials, as needed. Record object moves in collections management software TMS (The Museum System). Fabrication of collection displays and custom museum mounts, matting, and framing works from the collection as needed. Assists the Collections Curator and Registrar with object inventories. Handles artwork with a high level of care that meets museum standards.

10% General

Maintenance and housekeeping of galleries, exhibitions, and back-of-house spaces. Ensures workspaces are maintained in accordance with OSHA and Hamilton College safety, organization, and cleanliness standards. Assists BMP with special projects as needed, such as building custom museum furniture or front-of-house maintenance, remodeling, or refurbishment. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

  • 3-5 years of art handling and installation experience in a museum, gallery, professional art studio, or equivalent.

  • Possession of a valid New York State driver's license.

  • Construction, workshop, or fabrication shop experience required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Understands and adheres to the high level of precision and care required to meet museum standards for packing, crating, handling, and installing artworks in all mediums, and has a working knowledge of the use of archival materials and acid-free housings and packing.

  • Responsible for adhering to safety rules.

  • Proficient knowledge of museum best practices.

  • Basic competency with Google Office Suite and demonstrated ability to learn collections management software, TMS (The Museum System).

  • Excellent communication skills.

  • Skill in working as part of a small team, collaborating with colleagues, and assisting visiting artists with professionalism and a positive attitude.

  • Ability to work under pressure in an environment with shifting priorities and rapid change.

  • Desire to learn and grow a professional skill set on the job.

  • Ability to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, and squat for extended periods of time.

  • Ability to work at elevated heights on ladders, scaffolding, and lifts.

  • Ability to physically move and hold large and/or very heavy objects with great care (safely lift 50 lbs.).

  • Skill with power and hand tools, and equipment used in moving and rigging heavy objects.

Compensation Range:

$25.00 per hour

EEO Policy:

Hamilton College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment and an educational experience that recognizes a wide array of experiences, backgrounds and viewpointsas integral components of academic excellence. Candidates who can contribute to those goals are encouraged to apply and identify their strengths in these areas.

Benefits:

For Benefits Information, please navigate to the following link:

Employment - Work at Hamilton - Hamilton College

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