Special Collections Intern information
See salary details
$10.29 - $11.69
3% of jobs
$11.69 - $13.09
3% of jobs
$13.09 - $14.49
9% of jobs
$14.94 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.49 - $15.89
21% of jobs
The median wage is $16.47 / hr.
$15.89 - $17.29
26% of jobs
$18.39 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.29 - $18.68
13% of jobs
$18.68 - $20.08
12% of jobs
$20.08 - $21.48
4% of jobs
$21.48 - $22.88
3% of jobs
$22.88 - $24.28
3% of jobs
How much do special collections intern jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for special collections intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Special Collections Interns are students or early-career professionals who assist in the management, preservation, and accessibility of rare and unique materials in libraries, archives, or museums. Their duties often include cataloging, digitizing, and handling rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and other archival materials. Interns may also support research requests, create finding aids, and help with exhibitions or outreach activities. This position provides valuable hands-on experience for those interested in library science, archival studies, or museum work.
To thrive as a Special Collections Intern, you generally need coursework in library science, archival studies, or a related field, along with strong research and organizational skills. Familiarity with archival management systems, digitization tools, and cataloging standards such as DACS or EAD is often expected. Attention to detail, discretion, and strong communication skills help you handle rare materials and interact with researchers effectively. These competencies ensure the preservation, accessibility, and proper stewardship of valuable and often fragile collections.
As a Special Collections Intern, you will likely assist with processing archival materials, cataloging rare books or manuscripts, digitizing historical documents, and supporting preservation efforts. These projects help ensure that unique and valuable resources are accessible to researchers and preserved for future generations. Interns often collaborate with librarians, archivists, and researchers, gaining hands-on experience in handling delicate materials and learning about collection management. This role provides excellent exposure to archival standards, metadata creation, and public service, laying the groundwork for a potential career in libraries or archives.
What cities are hiring for Special Collections Intern jobs?
Cities with the most Special Collections Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Special Collections jobs?
The most popular types of Special Collections jobs are:
What states have the most Special Collections Intern jobs?
States with the most job openings for Special Collections Intern jobs include: