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Museum Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Museum Curator

Naples, FL · On-site

$66K - $107K/yr

Essential Functions • Works to enhance awareness of museum collections with both internal and external audiences. • Responds to research requests from the public, media, and museum staff ...

Responds to research requests from the public, media, and museum staff; conducts research, verifies accuracy of information, serves as a community expert on local history. Maintains museum's research ...

Locate and make strategic use of object and historic context research related to objects on display, including museum generated texts such as labels and web-based information.* * Document and, in ...

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ

$75K - $102K/yr

The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of ... Conducts primary and/or secondary research in anthropology or related disciplines; oversee the ...

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Museum Research information

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How much do museum research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum research in the United States is $26.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a museum researcher do?

A museum researcher investigates and analyzes artifacts, documents, and historical data to support exhibitions, publications, and educational programs. They often conduct fieldwork, catalog items, and collaborate with curators, using research skills and reference tools to contribute to the museum's knowledge base.

How to become a researcher at a museum?

To become a museum researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in history, archaeology, anthropology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or doctoral degree for advanced roles. Relevant skills include research methodology, data analysis, and familiarity with museum collections and databases; internships or volunteer work can also provide valuable experience.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in museum research roles?

Professionals in museum research often encounter challenges such as managing large and sometimes incomplete collections, balancing research with curatorial responsibilities, and securing funding for in-depth projects. They also need to stay updated with current academic discourse while making their work accessible to the public. Collaboration with curators, educators, and external scholars is essential to ensure research supports exhibitions and educational programs, which can require strong communication and project management skills.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired as a museum researcher can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in history, archaeology, or a related field, along with experience in research or curation. Strong analytical skills, familiarity with research tools, and networking within the museum community can improve chances of employment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Researcher, you need a solid background in art history, anthropology, or related disciplines, usually with an advanced degree such as a master's or PhD. Familiarity with research databases, collections management systems, and citation software is typically required, along with experience handling archival materials. Strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication skills are crucial for interpreting artifacts and sharing findings effectively. These skills enable researchers to contribute valuable insights, support curatorial decisions, and enhance educational outreach within the museum setting.

What is museum research?

Museum research is the systematic investigation and study of objects, collections, and topics related to a museum's mission. This work helps uncover the historical, cultural, or scientific significance of artifacts and often informs exhibitions, educational programs, and publications. Museum researchers may analyze artifacts, study archives, collaborate with other experts, and publish findings to expand public knowledge and preserve heritage. Their work ensures that the information presented to the public is accurate and meaningful.

Is a museum curator a high paying job?

Museum curators typically earn a moderate salary that varies by institution, location, and experience. While some senior or specialized curators can earn higher wages, the role is generally considered to have average pay compared to other professional fields, often supplemented by benefits and opportunities for research and collection management.
More about Museum Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Research jobs? Cities with the most Museum Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Research jobs? The most popular types of Museum Research jobs are:
What states have the most Museum Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Museum Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $55,835 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

$66K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Salary: $66,268.00 - $107,355.00 Annually
Location : 3331 E. Tamaimi Trail, Naples, FL
Job Type: Full Time, Regular
Job Number: 10161
Department: Public Services
Division: Museums
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Closing Date: 7/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
Pay Grade: 258
Job Summary
Collier County strives to be an employer of choice, and many of our employees build long-term careers with us. The salary listed in the job description reflects the full pay range for this position, from entry level through advanced career stages.
NEW EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AT, OR NEAR THE ENTRY POINT SHOWN, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE.
Performs professional work in completing a variety of tasks in support of the County museums; may be assigned to Collections or Education.
Essential Functions
• Works to enhance awareness of museum collections with both internal and external audiences.
• Responds to research requests from the public, media, and museum staff; conducts research, verifies accuracy of information, serves as a community expert on local history.
• Maintains museum's research library holdings and extensive vertical files; ensures collections are balanced and provides guidance in weeding materials from collections; shifts books when necessary.
• Maintains an electronic database of the Museum's collections, uses the database to create online public access to Museum collections.
• Accepts and processes requests for photographic reproductions of Museum collection items.
• Works with purchasing specialist to draft request for proposals (RFP), sits on selection committee, and administers financial paperwork for significant capital projects and contractual agreement.
• Monitor museum facilities for condition and maintenance needs; routinely updates American Alliance of Museum Facility Reports.
• Monitor status of project in progress, inspects and documents completed work, reviews and approves invoices, processes charge orders, if necessary; provides direction, guidance, and assistance to contractors and work crews.
• Receives and installs traveling exhibits; moves and unpacks crates and exhibits cases; sets up exhibit's cases and object labels. Handles artwork and/or graphic panels.
• Uploads historic photographs, maps, and documents with software to maintain the museum's online archive.
• Uploads historic photographs and information to the County's SharePoint system.
• Cleans exhibit cases and gallery area.
• Registers and documents all donor contact.
• Organizes all aspects of borrowing, lending, and acquiring objects.
• Processes incoming and outgoing material, and all requests for rights, publication, and reproduction.
• Evaluates new acquisitions to collection; receives and catalogs all new acquisitions to collection; records details concerning history, provenance, and condition of each object; supervises the removal of objects that have no relevance to the collection plan.
• Works with all aspects of the media, prepares press releases; responds to photographic requests and reproductions; works with the public and other County divisions in reproducing historic photographs.
• Performs minor repairs and conservation on objects, polishes exhibit cases.
• Tends to historic buildings and structures; contacts repairpersons as needed.
• Supervises major exhibition installations; offers design suggestions to Division Director; prepares objects to go on exhibit; assists in designing the layout of exhibit cases.
As assigned to Museum Education:
• Plans, presents, and evaluates museum programming; plans age-appropriate programs; writes grants and reports; research program ideas; ensures programs are meeting learning objectives; aligns with Florida State Standards and higher order thinking.
• Develops receives and teaches volunteer training classes on various subjects, and develops, revises, and teaches classes to patrons on various topics.
• Represents the County and Museum in the community; speaks to groups.
• Oversees the Museum Division's marketing program and assures sales, events, and marketing initiatives align with the Division's mission and educational message.
• Oversees the Museum Division's volunteer program.
• Provides customer service, answers customer inquiries and comments; ids and informs staff and the public with respect to museum programs, services, events, fees, procedures, forms, and other issues.
• Generates and increases program and event revenue as well as attendance; promotes programs to project positive public image.
• Develops curriculum for summer programs and camps; adjusts as needed.
• Writes and prepares programming guide, self-guided and guided tours, lesson plans, and individual museum informational guides.
• Meets tour groups and provides a short introduction before tours.
• Creates individual activities for school tour groups.
• Plans, organizes, and conducts educational programs at the Museum; conducts educational programs outside the museum.
• Responds to requests for information from customers through in-person, telephone, fax, e-mail, or written correspondence.
• Promotes better understanding of museum interpretive programs through public speaking to visiting public and outreach to community groups.
• Sets up for outdoor exhibits and programs; assembles special exhibits.
• Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three (3) years of related experience.
• Candidates without a degree should possess four (4) additional years of related experience.
• Fingerprinting required.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATES
• May be required to possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License with any applicable endorsement(s) to drive a County vehicle as provided in CMA 5805.
Supplemental information
  • Salary offers above the minimum of the pay grade may be considered based on qualifications.
  • Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared emergency and/or declared emergency. On an incident-by-incident basis, the County's Administrative Office will make the determination as to who will be required to work.
  • This job posting is not intended to be all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.

Collier County BCC offers a variety of benefits to both regular full and part-time
employees. For information, click
here to view the comprehensive benefits package we have to offer when you join our team.
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APPLICANT NOTICE: Your answers below will be used to review this application. The experience listed here MUST match the work history provided in your application. Please note, it is not acceptable to use "See Resume" or "See Above" in your answers below and we do not accept resumes as a substitute for a completed application.
  • I understand and agree with the statements above.
  • I do not agree with the statements above.

02
Have you obtained a bachelor's degree, accompanied by at least three (3) years of related experience? Please note that candidates without a degree should have four (4) additional years of pertinent experience.
  • Yes, I have a related degree and three (3) years of related experience.
  • Yes, I have a total of seven (7) years of related experience, but no degree.
  • No, I do not have either requirement.

03
Do you possess experience in museum work, education, customer service, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No

04
If you answered yes to the above question, please summarize your previous experience.
05
Are you available to work various shifts including days, evenings, weekends, and some holidays?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question