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Museum Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Curator

Jacksonville, FL

$42K/yr

... the Registrar and Preparator. * Contribute to exhibition interpretation, layouts, and graphic ... museum representative. * Lead exhibition-related public programs and tours for diverse audiences.

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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:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Preparator jobs? The most popular types of Museum Preparator jobs are:
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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.

Exhibit Specialist - Art Handler/Mountmaker

Museum of the Bible, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$31.25 - $39.37/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Exhibit Specialist - Art Handler/Mount Maker
Division / Department: Curatorial - Exhibits
Location: Washington DC
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Schedule: Full-Time, to include early mornings as required*
Reporting Manager: Exhibit Production Supervisor
Travel: N/A
Hourly Rate: $31.25 to $39.37, Depending on Experience*
*Pay scale is adjusted to local market rates.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Exhibit Specialist - Art Handler/Mount Maker is responsible for designing and fabricating museum-quality mounts and display supports for a wide range of collection objects, including fine art, manuscripts, archival materials, and archaeological artifacts. Using materials such as metal and acrylic, the successful candidate will create custom mounts that meet the highest standards for object safety, stability, and presentation.
This position plays a key role in the installation, deinstallation, and maintenance of temporary exhibitions and permanent collection displays. Responsibilities include rotating collection objects, conducting routine inspections of galleries and exhibit cases, assisting with object handling, packing and unpacking artworks and artifacts, and helping to ensure the overall care and appearance of exhibition spaces.
As a member of the Exhibits production team, the Exhibit Specialist works closely with colleagues on a variety of fabrication, installation, and collections-related projects. This role requires flexibility, teamwork, and a willingness to contribute wherever needed to support the successful execution of exhibitions and gallery operations.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Applies knowledge of current best practice in mount making techniques, policies and procedures to all tasks.
  • Creates cradles and mounts out of both acrylic and brass for collection objects and loans that will be on display.
  • Installation and maintenance of museum cases
  • Packing, unpacking, and general handling of art objects and artifacts
  • Participates in the maintenance, installation and de-installation of galleries and other spaces
  • Performs daily gallery inspections and cleaning
  • Assists other production staff as needed
  • Practices conventional museum procedures and techniques to ensure the safety of all exhibit objects
  • Maintains a professional demeanor while working alongside fellow museum colleagues
  • Ensure compliance with company guidelines, deadlines, and design standards
  • Champion the Museum of the Bible's mission to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible.
  • As required, inclusion in official or incidental photographs and videos for MOTB and/or guests.
  • Additional duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Education
  • HS Diploma or equivalent
  • Bachelor's degree - preferred in fine arts, studio arts, conservation, design, engineering or industrial arts

Qualifications
  • Must have a minimum of two years' experience working in a museum or art gallery as a preparator with experience handling and hanging fine art and/or museum objects.
  • Knowledge of proper art handling protocols
  • Ability to work in close collaboration with registrars, curators, conservators, and exhibition designers
  • Commitment to MOTB's mission of inviting all people to engage with the Bible

Skills
  • High attention to details and deadlines with excellent organizational skills
  • Proficient using a variety of power and hand tools along with safety standards
  • Proficient in working with acrylic/plastics, brasswork, book/paper, mannequin/textiles, seismic mitigation
  • Ability to design, fabricate and install museum object mounts and cradles which adhere to conventional mount-creating procedures while also retaining an artful design
  • Preferred experience in rigging and working with large, heavy art objects
  • Preferred ability to read blueprints and technical drawings
  • Ability to multi-task and to maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to interface professionally with individuals at all organizational levels

Pay Range: $31.25 - $39.37 per hour

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