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Petersen Museum Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Custodian

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20/hr

About Petersen Automotive Museum We are more than just an iconic museum; we're a fast-paced, high-energy team driven by innovation, passion, and a deep love for car culture and storytelling. From ...

Marketing Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$95 - $115/hr

At Petersen Automotive Museum, we work hard, move fast, and have a blast doing it, all while pushing the boundaries of what a museum can be. If you're ready to shift into high gear with a crew that ...

Petersen Museum information

See salary details

$21K

$66.6K

$95.5K

How much do petersen museum jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for petersen museum in the United States is $66,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Petersen Museum?

The Petersen Automotive Museum is a world-renowned museum in Los Angeles dedicated to exploring and presenting the history, artistry, and impact of the automobile. It features an extensive collection of cars, motorcycles, and automotive memorabilia, highlighting both historical and contemporary vehicles. The museum offers engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and special events for car enthusiasts and visitors of all ages. Its mission is to celebrate automotive culture, educate the public, and inspire innovation in transportation.

What types of collaborative projects might I work on as a team member at the Petersen Museum?

As a team member at the Petersen Museum, you can expect to participate in a variety of collaborative projects, such as organizing special exhibitions, coordinating educational programs, or assisting with large-scale events and community outreach. You'll often work closely with curators, educators, marketing staff, and visitor services to create immersive and engaging experiences for visitors. Cross-departmental teamwork is a key part of the culture, promoting creativity and ensuring the museum's programs run smoothly. This collaborative environment also provides valuable networking opportunities and exposure to different aspects of museum operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum curator at the Petersen Museum, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Curator at the Petersen Museum, you need a solid background in museum studies, art history, or automotive history, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in collections management. Familiarity with collection management systems, exhibit design software, and digital archiving tools is important for daily operations. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable successful collaboration and engaging public programming. These skills ensure the accurate preservation, interpretation, and presentation of the museum’s automotive collections to diverse audiences.

What is the difference between Petersen Museum vs Automotive Museum Curator?

AspectPetersen MuseumAutomotive Museum Curator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Art History, or related field; experience in curationBachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Art History, or related field; experience in automotive collections
Work EnvironmentPublic museum setting, exhibitions, educational programsSpecialized museum, automotive collections, exhibitions, research
Employer & IndustryAutomotive and transportation industry, cultural institutionsAutomotive museums, cultural institutions, private collections
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Petersen Museum is a renowned automotive museum featuring exhibits on transportation history, while an Automotive Museum Curator specializes in managing automotive collections and developing exhibitions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in focus: the Petersen Museum is a public institution with broader transportation themes, whereas the curator role is more specialized in automotive artifacts and collections.

What cities are hiring for Petersen Museum jobs?

Cities with the most Petersen Museum job openings:

What states have the most Petersen Museum jobs?

States with the most job openings for Petersen Museum jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Petersen Museum jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Petersen Museum jobs are:

Infographic showing various Petersen Museum job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,611 per year, or $32 per hour.

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Petersen Automotive Museum
We are more than just an iconic museum; we're a fast-paced, high-energy team driven by innovation, passion, and a deep love for car culture and storytelling. From world class exhibitions to unforgettable events, we bring history, design, and horsepower to life every day.
At Petersen Automotive Museum, we work hard, move fast, and have a blast doing it, all while pushing the boundaries of what a museum can be. If you're ready to shift into high gear with a crew that values creativity, integrity, and a good laugh along the way, you'll fit right in.
About the Role
The Custodian is responsible for maintaining the aesthetic integrity and environmental hygiene of the Museum's facilities and grounds. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of professional sanitation techniques, equipment operation, and the precise application of chemical cleaning agents. As a critical contributor to the guest experience, the Custodian must operate with high autonomy, exceptional time management, and strict adherence to the Petersen's established safety and conduct protocols.
What You'll Do
Facility Sanitation & Aesthetic Maintenance
  • Execute comprehensive cleaning protocols across all public galleries, office suites, and common areas to ensure a pristine presentation for guests and staff.
  • Utilize professional-grade equipment and techniques for the maintenance of various floor surfaces, including stone, carpet, and industrial finishes.
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the Museum's exterior perimeters, including entryways and parking facilities, to ensure a premium first impression.

Technical Compliance & Safety
  • Adhere to rigorous safety standards regarding the storage, dilution, and application of cleaning chemicals in compliance with OSHA and SDS guidelines.
  • Operate and maintain janitorial machinery, ensuring all tools are utilized safely and kept in optimal working condition.
  • Oversee the efficient removal and disposal of refuse and recyclable materials throughout the facility.

Operational Efficiency
  • Act as a self-starter, managing daily task priorities independently to meet the shifting demands of a high-traffic cultural institution.
  • Monitor and report on cleaning supply levels to ensure consistent availability of essential maintenance materials.
  • Provide tactical sanitation support during Museum events and private functions to maintain facility standards in real-time.

Who You Are
  • Proven knowledge of industrial cleaning methodologies and the safe handling of hazardous materials.
  • Strong time-management capabilities with a track record of working effectively without direct supervision.
  • Commitment to maintaining a safe environment for the public and staff, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Ability to uphold the Petersen's high standards for professional conduct and guest-facing excellence.
  • Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including lifting, bending, and extended periods of activity within a large-scale facility.
  • Flexibility to respond to urgent maintenance needs or changing priorities within a dynamic museum environment.

What You Bring & Qualifications
Minimum Education (or substitute experience) required:
  • High School preferred but not required

Minimum Experience required:
  • 1 year experience in custodial, janitorial, or a similar position preferred

Why Join Us
  • Contribute to one of the world's premier automotive museums, recognized globally for excellence in preservation, education, and immersive exhibit design.
  • Thrive in an environment that prioritizes professional ownership, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to "The Petersen Way"-exceeding expectations in everything we do.
  • Work alongside a multidisciplinary team of experts who value high-performance standards, mutual respect, and a supportive, mission-driven atmosphere.
  • Engage daily with a world-class collection of automotive history and cutting-edge technology in the heart of Los Angeles' Museum Row.
  • Access opportunities for career advancement and professional development within an organization that actively invests in its team members.
  • Enjoy a competitive compensation structure and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your long-term health and financial security.
  • Participate in an organization where your voice and ideas directly influence the guest experience and the long-term stewardship of automotive culture.
  • Experience a workplace that balances professional rigor with meaningful social engagement and employee recognition programs.

The pay range for this role is:
20 - 20 USD per hour (Petersen Automotive Museum)