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Preparator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Brown University

ArtsCrew Program Assistant

Center, TX

$35K - $44K/yr

Employees in Production or Preparator shifts must be able to lift 40 pounds. All positions may require employees to stand for extended periods. Applicants are asked to include a resume (not an artist ...

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Preparator information

See Texas salary details

$8

$17

$27

How much do preparator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for preparator in Texas is $17.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $21.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a preparator?

A Preparator is a professional who works in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions to handle, install, and care for artworks or exhibits. Their responsibilities include preparing artworks for display, ensuring their safe transport and storage, and sometimes assisting with exhibit design and lighting. Preparators use specialized tools and techniques to mount, frame, and install pieces according to conservation and curatorial standards. They play a critical role in making sure that exhibitions are presented safely and aesthetically to the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a preparator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Preparator, you need a thorough understanding of art handling, exhibition installation, and object conservation, often supported by experience in museums or galleries and sometimes a degree in art or museum studies. Familiarity with tools such as power drills, lifts, and climate control systems, as well as adherence to safety protocols, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong teamwork skills help Preparators excel in managing delicate artwork and meeting tight deadlines. These abilities are crucial to ensuring the safe, efficient, and visually compelling display of collections.

What does a preparator do?

As a preparator, you help with the installation and de-installation of art displays in a museum. In this role, you may provide input on curation, help manage each collection, and determine the best way to display art within the facility. In most cases, this job is considerably more complex than determining where to hang art on the walls. Many museums have complex pieces that are not easy to display, and further, each exhibit may require the addition or removal of walls and other structures without disturbing other exhibits more than necessary. Preparators provide a variety of services, ranging from artistic structure design to construction project management, so flexibility is an essential part of this job.

What is the difference between Preparator vs Art Preparator?

AspectPreparatorArt Preparator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in art handlingHigh school diploma; specialized training in art handling and conservation
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, auction housesMuseums, galleries, private collections
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing artworks for display, packing, and transportationPreparing artworks for exhibitions, conservation, and detailed handling

The main difference between a Preparator and an Art Preparator lies in their specialization and level of expertise. Art Preparator roles often require more specialized training in art conservation and handling, focusing on delicate and valuable artworks. Both roles work in similar environments, but Art Preparators typically handle more complex tasks related to conservation and detailed preparation.

What are some common challenges preparators face when handling and installing artwork, and how are these typically addressed?

Preparators often encounter challenges such as safely transporting delicate pieces, adapting to unique installation environments, and meeting tight exhibition deadlines. To address these, they use specialized tools and materials for packing and handling, collaborate closely with curators and conservators to understand each artwork's requirements, and follow strict safety protocols. Teamwork and clear communication are essential to overcome logistical hurdles and ensure each piece is displayed securely and attractively.
More about Preparator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Preparator jobs in Texas? For Preparator jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Preparator jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Preparator jobs in Texas are:
Preparator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Preparator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,055 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Preparator

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston seeks a qualified Preparator to work with the Preparations art handling department. Under direct supervision by the Chief Preparator, and working with the installation team, the Preparator installs/deinstalls permanent galleries, temporary exhibition spaces, and maintains art storage areas. The Preparator will ensure the professional, safe and timely preparation, care, and handling of works of art for exhibition and transit.
Responsibilities:
  • Handles, installs, packs, and unpacks crated artwork at all museum buildings locations
  • Installs/deinstalls artwork for temporary exhibitions and rotations
  • Transports artwork in the museum truck and van between campus buildings
  • Gallery maintenance of art pedestals, vitrines, and casework
  • Maintains organization of artwork in museum storage areas
  • Maintains organization and cleanliness of art preparation areas, tools, and equipment
  • Records accurate location changes when artwork is moved within museum buildings, galleries, and storage areas
  • Assists with photography set-up and conservation as needed
  • Represents MFAH at other institutions as a courier for installation, transport or exhibition research
  • Assists at off-site art storage, Rienzi, and Bayou Bend house museums as needed
  • Organizes installations as assigned
  • Assists conservation with outdoor sculpture maintenance
  • Loads/unloads art crates from trucks as assigned

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
  • Proven experience and knowledge of art handling, packing and installation practices
  • Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly so that installations operate smoothly and uninterrupted.
  • Basic carpentry skills using hand and power tools
  • Experience driving box truck, utility van, forklift - valid driver's license required
  • Must be able to lift 75 lbs or more and able to perform a variety of physical tasks involving lifting, bending, stooping and moving large items (including furniture)
  • Working knowledge of and experience with various packing methods suitable to a wide range of media combined with a working knowledge of and experience with installation methods suitable to that same wide range of media
  • Ability to work professionally and responsibly with all other areas within the museum
  • High degree of time and resource management skills with the ability to work under time and deadline requirements and prioritize to meet those expectations.
  • Weekend and evening work as required
  • Demonstrated ability to express thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing
  • Effectively handles multiple demands, shifting priorities when needed

Education and Experience:
  • 2+ years' art handling experience
  • Fine Arts background preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Equal Opportunities for All
At the MFAH, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.
Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all.
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.org
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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