As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Art Preparator in the US is $113,345, equivalent to $54 per hour, $2,180 weekly, or $9,445 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Art Preparator in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Art Preparator in the US vary widely, spanning from $82,790 to $134,189. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($97,351) and 75th percentile ($124,256), while top earners (90th percentile) make $134,189 per year. This $26,905 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Project Management or Microsoft Office, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Art Preparator often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 63 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Art Preparator Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Art Preparator Salary $82,790 US January 01, 2026
25th Percentile Art Preparator Salary $97,351 US January 01, 2026
50th Percentile Art Preparator Salary $113,345 US January 01, 2026
75th Percentile Art Preparator Salary $124,256 US January 01, 2026
90th Percentile Art Preparator Salary $134,189 US January 01, 2026
25% $97,351 10% $82,790 90% $134,189 75% $124,256 $113,345 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is an Art Preparator ?

An art handler, also sometimes called an art preparator, is a trained individual who works directly with objects in museums, art galleries and various other venues including private collectors, corporate art collections, public art collections and various other institutions. Art handlers work in coordination with registrars, collection managers, conservator-restorers, exhibition designers, and curators, among others, to ensure that objects are safely handled and cared for. Often they are responsible for packing and unpacking art, installing and deinstalling art in exhibitions, and moving art a...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/18/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

See user submitted job responsibilities for Art Preparator.

Job Openings for Art Preparator

Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Art Designer II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. This Job:

    Art Preparator

    5 + years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  3. Up a level:

    Art Director


    Bachelor's Degree

Understand the total compensation opportunity for an Art Preparator, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
97351
124256
113345

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
108983
158255
129960
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Art Preparator in the United States. The base salary for Art Preparator ranges from $97,351 to $124,256 with the average base salary of $113,345. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $108,983 to $158,255 with the average total cash compensation of $129,960.

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For a real-time salary target, tell us more about your role in the four categories below.

97351
124256

 

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