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Part Time Art Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American

Part-Time Art Handler II

Campus, IL

$25 - $30/hr

Art Hander II works under the supervision of the AU Museum's Preparator and works closely with, and ... Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: * Part-Time. * Up to 20 scheduled hours per week. Salary ...

Ferris State University

Preparator

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$17.51/hr

Temporary Part-Time/Full-Time: Full-Time Union Group: N/A Term of Position: 12 Month At Will/Just ... BA or BFA in Art, Art History, Museum Studies, BA in Design, or related field. Required Work ...

Ferris State University

Preparator

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$17.51/hr

Temporary Part-Time/Full-Time: Full-Time Union Group: N/A Term of Position: 12 Month At Will/Just ... BA or BFA in Art, Art History, Museum Studies, BA in Design, or related field. Required Work ...

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Part Time Art Preparator information

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$28.5K

$66.3K

$101K

How much do part time art preparator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for part time art preparator in the United States is $66,321.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a part time art preparator?

Part time art preparators are professionals who assist with the handling, installation, packing, and care of artworks within museums, galleries, or other exhibition spaces, working on a part-time basis. Their responsibilities often include preparing galleries for exhibitions, moving art safely, assembling displays, and ensuring the preservation and security of pieces during installation and deinstallation. They collaborate closely with curators, registrars, and other staff to maintain the highest standards of art handling. This role typically requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and knowledge of art preservation techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time art preparator?

To thrive as a Part Time Art Preparator, you need a solid understanding of art handling, installation techniques, and basic conservation practices, often gained through relevant experience or training. Familiarity with tools such as drills, lifts, and art storage systems, as well as adherence to safety protocols, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with curators and team members set top candidates apart. These skills ensure artwork is handled safely, installations run smoothly, and exhibitions maintain their professional standards.

What are some common challenges faced by part time art preparators, and how can they be addressed?

Part Time Art Preparators often encounter challenges such as managing tight installation schedules, safely handling delicate or valuable artworks, and adapting to changing exhibition layouts. To address these, preparators should develop strong organizational skills, maintain clear communication with curators and team members, and stay up-to-date on best practices for art handling and installation. Being proactive about safety protocols and flexible in responding to last-minute changes can also help ensure smooth exhibition setups and minimize risk to both the art and the team.

What is the difference between Part Time Art Preparator vs Part Time Museum Technician?

AspectPart Time Art PreparatorPart Time Museum Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; art handling experienceHigh school diploma; technical or museum-specific training
Work EnvironmentArt galleries, private collections, art storageMuseums, galleries, conservation labs
Employer & IndustryArt institutions, galleries, private collectorsMuseums, cultural institutions
Job FocusPreparing, installing, and packing artworksMaintaining exhibits, assisting with collections care

While both roles involve handling and caring for artworks, Part Time Art Preparators focus on preparing and installing art pieces, whereas Part Time Museum Technicians support exhibit maintenance and collections management within museum settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Art Preparator jobs?

The most popular types of Art Preparator jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Part Time Art Preparator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Part Time Art Preparator jobs are:

Part Time Art Preparator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Part Time Art Preparator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,321 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Art Preparator (Part Time)

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Hartford, CT • On-site

$24/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

The Art Preparator position, working in close association with the Chief Preparator, the Chief Registrar, and other members of the Preparator team, provides direct support to the implementation of the Collections Management Policy as it relates to the care, installation, and documentation of the The Wadsworth’s collection and exhibition programs. This position is directly responsible for ensuring the physical safety, best handling and installation practices of the permanent collection as well as borrowed objects while on view, in preparation for movement, and while in storage.

In general, this position contributes to the carrying out of the The Wadsworth’s short- and long-term exhibition schedule, regular gallery rotations, incoming and outgoing loans, collection storage projects and other assignments as needed.


SCHEDULE

This is a non-exempt, hourly position, Monday – Wednesday , 8 am – 4 pm.


ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Member of the Preparator Team:

  • Consistently applies the highest professional working standards for the handling, installation, housing, packing, and movement of all art in the Museum.
  • Completes the daily work schedule, meeting associated goals and deadlines.
  • Installs gallery lighting equipment. Maintains inventory of lighting fixtures and lamps, screening options and light level measuring devices.
  • Prepares and installs casework, platforms, pedestals, labels and other exhibit specific support materials.
  • Operates various mechanical devices used to install, or move works of art.
  • Accurately records all art movements “changes of locations” both in physical and digital form.
  • Conducts inventories of storages and galleries
  • Follows the parameters & procedures for purchasing materials and supplies, ensuring proper authorization & expense tracking are upheld.
  • Works closely with the team, and with other departments, in the conceptualization, design and fabrication of housing/storage needs for all artworks.
  • Maintains an organized and functional preparatory workspace, as well as all museum storage areas.
  • Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.
  • Provides support to other departments in areas related to the functions described above.
  • Screens cargo shipments in compliance with TSA’s CCSP.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Training/Work Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in studio art, art history, furniture/product design, architecture or engineering.
  • Minimum two years of art handling/preparatory work experience in a fine art museum


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Thorough knowledge & experience of concepts, principles and practices of current museum practices and collections management standards.
  • Thorough understanding of best practices for object installation, handling & packing of an encyclopedic collection [paintings, works on paper, costumes, textiles, photography, sculpture, furniture & decorative arts].
  • Experience in various aspects and of museum lighting
  • Experience with the design and fabrication of storage containers
  • Experience/certification in the use of standard equipment used in the fabrication, movement, and installation of art (i.e: power tools, forklift, pallet jack, scissor lift)
  • Carpentry skills required.
  • Mount making skills essential.
  • Excellent organization, communication and listening skills
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to plan out multi step projects with a projected timeline and budget.
  • Ability to work within deadlines, both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
  • Basic PC skills with Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word and Excel.