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Paper Conservator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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$9

$26

$55

How much do paper conservator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for paper conservator in California is $26.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.06 and $32.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

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 $60,000 annually. Conservators with specialized skills and certifications may earn higher wages, especially in museums, archives, or private conservation labs.

What are popular job titles related to Paper Conservator jobs in California?

For Paper Conservator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Paper Conservator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Paper Conservator jobs in California are:

Paper Conservator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paper Conservator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,366 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Paper Conservator OR Associate Paper Conservator

COFAM- Corporation Of the Fine Arts Museums

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 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.

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