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Paper Conservator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conservator

Landover, MD · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Description The Conservator supports a major federal cultural institution in preserving nationally ... Conduct conservation treatments including paper repair, board attachment, sewing repairs, surface ...

Conservator

Landover, MD · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description The Conservator supports a major federal cultural institution in ... Conduct conservation treatments including paper repair, board attachment, sewing repairs, surface ...

Housekeeping Associate

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is looking to add a dedicated and experienced ... Conduct bathroom checks and replenish soap dispensers, toilet paper, seat covers, and paper towels.

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How much do paper conservator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for paper conservator in the United States is $27.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Paper Conservator?

As a Paper Conservator, your typical day may include examining, documenting, and treating various paper-based artifacts such as manuscripts, photographs, maps, or prints. You'll often use scientific techniques and conservation-grade materials to clean, repair, and stabilize items, ensuring their long-term preservation. Collaboration with curators, archivists, and other conservation professionals is common to develop treatment plans and contribute to exhibit planning. You may also carry out preventive conservation measures, such as advising on storage and environmental conditions, and participate in public outreach or educational programs.

How do you become a paper conservator?

To become a paper conservator, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in art conservation, archaeology, or a related field, followed by specialized training or a master's degree in conservation. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships and obtaining certification from professional organizations can enhance job prospects in this field.

What is the highest paying conservation job?

The highest paying conservation jobs often include senior roles such as Conservation Director or Chief Conservator, which require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often a master's or doctoral degree. These positions typically offer higher salaries due to their leadership responsibilities and specialized expertise in areas like art, historical artifacts, or environmental conservation.

What does a paper conservator do?

A paper conservator specializes in preserving and repairing historical and artistic paper objects, such as documents, books, and artworks. They assess the condition of fragile materials, perform cleaning, mending, and stabilization using specialized techniques and tools, often working in museums, archives, or conservation labs.

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

To thrive as a Paper Conservator, you need expertise in chemistry, art history, restoration techniques, and a relevant degree in conservation or a closely related field. Familiarity with specialized tools such as microscopes, humidification chambers, and conservation-grade adhesives, along with certifications from professional bodies like the American Institute for Conservation (AIC), are highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, exceptional attention to detail, and patience are important soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure that delicate and valuable works on paper are preserved accurately and ethically for future generations.

What does a Paper Conservator do?

A Paper Conservator is responsible for the preservation, repair, and restoration of paper-based materials such as documents, artworks, books, and manuscripts. They assess the condition of items, identify damages, and use specialized techniques to stabilize and protect them from further deterioration. Their work often involves cleaning, repairing tears, deacidification, and proper storage recommendations. Paper conservators typically work in museums, archives, libraries, or private conservation labs to ensure the longevity of valuable paper artifacts.

How much does a paper conservator earn?

The average salary for a paper conservator varies depending on experience, location, and employer, but typically ranges from $30,000 to $70,000 annually. Conservators with specialized skills and certifications may earn higher wages, especially in museums, archives, or private conservation labs.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Paper Conservator jobs? The most popular types of Paper Conservator jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Paper Conservator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Locum Tenens, 3% Internship, 8% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 56% Contract, and 25% Nights. Highlights an 4% Physical, 17% Hybrid, and 79% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,540 per year, or $27.2 per hour.
***Revised***Paper Conservator

***Revised***Paper Conservator

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 17 days ago


Princeton University rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Princeton University Art Museum seeks an experienced, engaged, and innovative Paper Conservator who thrives in a collaborative and goal-oriented environment. Reporting to the Chief Conservator and working in close coordination with the Associate Objects Conservator and Curators, the Paper Conservator will help shape our program to conserve works on paper, in alignment with the Museum's priorities. Works on paper have been a part of our collection since our founding in the 18th century. The collections include watercolors, drawings, prints, pastels, illuminations, scroll paintings, folding screens, photographs, and archival documents. The Paper Conservator will join the Museum at a dynamic and exciting time as we are beginning a novel chapter in the state-of-the-art conservation spaces housed in the new museum building. Our conservators, in collaboration with other Museum departments, will play a key role in shaping the presentation and interpretation of the Museum's collections in spaces that afford encounters with cultures past and present from around the world and seek to foster stronger citizenship among university, local, and global communities. The appointment will be at the rank of Professional Specialist, and the appointment level will be based on the successful candidate's experience. Art Museum conservator salary ranges are assistant conservator $70,000-$90,000; associate conservator $80,000-$100,000; full conservator $100,000-$130,000. Priorities for the Paper Conservator will be to make the newly designed and discipline-specific paper conservation studio fully operational to prepare works for the galleries. In addition, the Paper Conservator will carry out research, collaborate with registrars and curators in the care of objects, cultivate supporters, and initiate scholarly and public programs. Working within a team environment, the Paper Conservator will promote engagement and collaboration within the Museum and beyond, fully embracing the possibilities of a campus-based museum. The ideal candidate will have an MA or MS in Conservation from a recognized training program and at least 5 years' conservation experience (beyond the internship level); experience in an academic setting is a plus. The position requires a track record in working on exhibitions; a record of scholarly research; knowledge of current preventive conservation standards, proven administrative abilities; and a strong orientation toward collaborative work in a fast-paced environment. Participation in teaching will be expected, along with mentoring students and contributing to broader efforts to foster curricular and scholarly engagement with the collections among faculty, students, and other communities. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University. At Princeton, individuals with a diverse array of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences find unique opportunities to advance their academic passions while working with their peers and the broader Princeton community. To learn more, please visit http://artmuseum.princeton.edu. Interested candidates should apply at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/41041 and submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information of three references. This position is subject to the University's background check policy. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B visa requiring consular processing.
Expected Salary Range: 70,000-130,000
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

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