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Temporary Museum Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Ferris State University

Preparator

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$17.51/hr

Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans FLSA: Non-Exempt Temporary/Continuing: Temporary Part-Time ... 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

Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans FLSA: Non-Exempt Temporary/Continuing: Temporary Part-Time ... BA or BFA in Art, Art History, Museum Studies, BA in Design, or related field. Required Work ...

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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 30, 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:

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Temporary Museum Preparator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Museum Preparator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,651 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Preparator

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 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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