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Temporary Museum Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Mesa

Museum Exhibitions Coordinator

Mesa, AZ

$64K - $88K/yr

This classification may supervise the Museum Exhibits Preparator and/or the Museum Exhibits Technician classifications, as well as temporary agency personnel and volunteers. This class performs ...

Chrysler Museum Of Art

Art Preparator I

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$21 - $24.04/hr

Art Preparator I The Chrysler Museum of Art, located at 1 Memorial Place in Norfolk, VA, is ... temporary and permanent exhibitions. * Artwork Handling & Transport Efficiency - Safely packing ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Museum Exhibitions Coordinator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

This classification may supervise the Museum Exhibits Preparator and/or the Museum Exhibits Technician classifications, as well as temporary agency personnel and volunteers. This class performs ...

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Temporary Museum Preparator information

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$36K

$57.7K

$91.5K

How much do temporary museum preparator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary museum preparator in the United States is $57,651.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary museum preparator?

Temporary Museum Preparators are professionals who assist with the installation, deinstallation, handling, and care of artworks or artifacts in a museum setting for a specific period or project. Their responsibilities often include packing and unpacking objects, assembling displays, ensuring proper lighting, and maintaining safety standards. They work closely with curators, registrars, and other museum staff to prepare exhibitions or rotate collections. Employment is on a temporary, project-based, or seasonal basis, rather than as a permanent staff member.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary museum preparator?

To thrive as a Temporary Museum Preparator, you need experience with art handling, installation techniques, and a basic understanding of museum conservation practices, often supported by a degree in art, museum studies, or related fields. Familiarity with tools such as drills, measuring devices, lifts, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the safe handling of artwork, efficient exhibit installations, and the preservation of collections for public enjoyment and education.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary museum preparators, and how can they be addressed?

Temporary Museum Preparators often encounter challenges such as working under tight deadlines to install or deinstall exhibitions, adapting quickly to different curatorial styles, and handling delicate or valuable artworks with care. To address these challenges, strong organizational skills, clear communication with curators and registrars, and attention to detail are essential. Flexibility and a willingness to learn new handling or installation techniques also help Preparators succeed in diverse museum environments.

What is the difference between Temporary Museum Preparator vs Museum Preparator?

AspectTemporary Museum PreparatorMuseum Preparator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer technical trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentTemporary exhibits, special projects, short-term installationsPermanent collections, ongoing exhibit maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions for short-term projectsMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions for ongoing collections
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared based on project duration and scopeCompared based on long-term responsibilities and collections care

In summary, Temporary Museum Preparators focus on short-term exhibit setup and installation, often working on specific projects, while Museum Preparators handle ongoing collection maintenance and permanent exhibit preparation. Both roles require similar skills and credentials but differ mainly in scope and duration of work.

More about Temporary Museum Preparator jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Museum Preparator jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Museum Preparator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Preparator jobs? The most popular types of Museum Preparator jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Museum Preparator jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Museum Preparator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Museum Preparator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Museum Preparator jobs are:
Temporary Museum Preparator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Museum Preparator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,651 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Temporary Museum Preparator

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL • On-site

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Nova Southeastern University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

About Us:
We are excited that you are considering joining Nova Southeastern University!
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) was founded in 1964, and is a not-for-profit, independent university with a reputation for academic excellence and innovation. Nova Southeastern University offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including tuition waiver, retirement plan, excellent medical and dental plans and much more. NSU cares about the health and welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors and is a tobacco-free university.
We appreciate your support in making NSU the preeminent place to live, work, study and grow. Thank you for your interest in a career with Nova Southeastern University.
NSU considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Job Title: Temporary Museum Preparator Location: Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida Work Type: Temporary Job Category: Non-Exempt Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience Pay Basis:
Hourly
Subject to Grant Funding?: Yes Essential Job Functions: Perform a variety of manual tasks and duties. Emphasis is placed on construction and carpentry.
1. Install and de-install exhibitions, as designed by Curators which includes but not limited to:
a) Receive and unload exhibition crates and deliver to appropriate storage and/or galleries.
b) Unpack and repack exhibition crates.
c) Properly store crates.
d) Construct exhibition cases on as needed basis.
e) Properly and carefully handling, hanging and moving art objects (all media) throughout the Museum.
f) Meet exhibition deadlines.
2. Prepare galleries for exhibitions including clearing of galleries and gallery walls in preparation of new exhibitions and proper repairing and painting of gallery walls.
3. Clean, maintain and insure proper order of exhibition galleries, including but not limited to: cleaning glass/plexi, dust frames, pedestals, and sculptures.
4. Build pedestals and displays as needed for exhibitions.
5. Call for appropriate help if artwork is damaged.
6. Observe and report any and all defects, deterioration, and wear on the facilities. Marginal Job Functions: 1. Must be able to lift, carry, push or pull a variety of tools, equipment and materials.
2. Must be able to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach overhead to gain access to equipment.
3. Handles a variety of hand and power tools.
4. Occasional exposure to wet and/or hot conditions.
5. Exposed to noise and vibration from operating machinery.
6. Must be able to lift any trade tools, material and equipment.
7. Must be able to safely lift 50 lbs.
8. May be required to work in confined areas to access equipment. Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Competent in carpentry, wall preparation and painting.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to understand and apply Museum and Departmental policies and procedures.
Ability to multitask.
Ability to work flexible hours and adaptable to exhibition deadlines. Job Requirements: Required Certifications/Licensures: Required Education: High School Diploma or equivalent Major (if required): Required Experience: A minimum of 1 year of experience in art handling, construction and shop supervision. Preferred Qualifications: Is this a safety sensitive position? Yes Background Screening Required? Yes Pre-Employment Conditions:
Sensitivity Disclaimer: Nova Southeastern University is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities, and will make reasonable accommodation when necessary.

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