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How much do paper conservation technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for paper conservation technician in the United States is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paper conservation technician?

Paper Conservation Technicians are professionals who specialize in the preservation, repair, and restoration of paper-based artifacts such as books, documents, maps, and artworks. They assess the condition of items, perform treatments to prevent further deterioration, and use specialized tools and techniques to repair damage. Their work is vital in museums, archives, libraries, and other institutions that hold valuable or historical paper materials. Paper Conservation Technicians also document their procedures and may advise on proper storage and handling to ensure the longevity of collections.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a paper conservation technician?

To thrive as a Paper Conservation Technician, you need a background in conservation or museum studies, strong manual dexterity, and knowledge of paper chemistry and preservation techniques. Familiarity with conservation tools, environmental monitoring systems, and sometimes certification from organizations like the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) are typical requirements. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills to excel in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the long-term preservation and restoration of valuable paper artifacts while maintaining professional standards.

What challenges do paper conservation technicians face, and how can they be addressed?

Paper Conservation Technicians often encounter challenges such as handling fragile or deteriorating documents, working with unknown or unstable materials, and addressing damage caused by previous, improper repairs. To overcome these issues, technicians must carefully assess each item's condition, utilize appropriate conservation techniques, and stay updated on the latest preservation methods. Collaboration with conservators, archivists, and curators is also crucial to ensure the best possible outcome for each project.

What are popular job titles related to Paper Conservation Technician jobs?

For Paper Conservation Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Paper Conservation Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,215 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Paper Conservator OR Associate Paper Conservator

San Francisco, CA • On-site

COFAM- Corporation Of the Fine Arts Museums
See more jobs at COFAM- Corporation Of the Fine Arts Museumsexternal

$85K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Paper Conservator OR Associate Paper Conservator to support the preservation, conservation treatment, and technical study of the Museums’ extensive collection of prints, drawings, photographs, and artist books. Reporting to the Head Paper Conservator, the Conservator / Associate Conservator will also have duties related to temporary exhibitions and loans of museum collections to other institutions.


Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by Monday, September 21, 2026. We plan to launch the interview process in October. Please see the “Additional” section for information about work sample requirements. 

CONSERVATOR - Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Applies specialized knowledge and skills to the care, handling, and conservation treatment of prints, drawings, photographs, and books. 

  2. Undertakes the examination and technical investigation of prints, drawings, photographs, and books, including the use of a Hirox digital microscope, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, and multi-band imaging system. Collaborates to build capacity for technical analysis and research.

  3. Prepares and archives visual and written documentation of treatments and research.

  4. Responsible for preventative care of the collections and loan items during exhibition, storage, and transport.

  5. May supervise and mentor associate/assistant conservators, fellows, and students.

  6. Confers with curatorial, conservation, exhibitions, and facilities staff on the preparation, conservation, and care of collections.

  7. Shares knowledge of the collections by contributing to exhibitions, online content, professional conferences, publications, tours, and other activities.

  8. Acts as a conservation lead for exhibitions.

  9. May travel domestically and internationally to examine and courier artworks.

  10. May take a lead role in broader conservation and museum initiatives at the request of the Director of Conservation.

  11. May perform other conservation duties as needed for special exhibitions, outgoing loans, acquisitions, preventive conservation, lab upkeep, and other departmental activities.


ASSOCIATE CONSERVATOR - Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Applies specialized knowledge and skills to the care, handling, and conservation treatment of prints, drawings, photographs, and books.

  2. Undertakes the examination and technical investigation of artworks, including the use of analytical techniques such as multi-band imaging, microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

  3. Prepares and archives visual and written documentation of treatments and research.

  4. Responsible for preventive care of the collections and loan items during exhibition, storage, and transport.

  5. Assists with supervision and mentorship of departmental contract conservators, fellows, interns and students.

  6. Confers with curatorial, conservation, exhibitions, and facilities teams on the preparation, conservation, and care of collections.

  7. Shares knowledge and findings by contributing to exhibitions, digital content, publications, professional conferences, tours, and other activities.

  8. May act as their conservation department’s lead for an exhibition.

  9. May travel domestically and internationally to examine and courier artworks.

  10. Participates in museum-wide committees and initiatives as appropriate.

  11. May perform other conservation duties as needed for special exhibitions, outgoing loans, acquisitions, preventive conservation, lab upkeep, and other departmental activities.


CONSERVATOR – Minimum Qualifications 

Education, Training, Experience

  • Master’s degree from a recognized graduate conservation program or the equivalent.

  •  At least ten years of museum experience in the field of paper conservation.

  •  Experience with mentorship and project management. 

  •  Active development of professional skills.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

  •  Advanced knowledge of conservation methods, techniques and procedures involved in the maintenance and care of a museum collection of fine arts.

  •  Ability to perform a wide variety of conservation procedures with manual dexterity, sensitivity to materials, and an ethical approach.

  •  Proficiency with analytical tools used for the examination of prints, drawings, photographs, and books.

  •  Ability to manage complex projects while adhering to institutional priorities, deadlines, and budgets. 

  •  Excellent art-handling skills.