careers at the metropolitan museum of art

Ever wonder what goes on behind those velvet ropes and glass cases? Spoiler: it ain’t just dustin’ off old vases and whisperin’ “shhh” to tourists. When it comes to careers at the metropolitan museum of art, the gig list is longer than your Gojek ride through Jakarta traffic. We’re talkin’ curators, conservators, educators, security officers, digital designers, HR folks, even baristas in the café (yes, that counts—someone’s gotta keep the caffeine flowin’ for art lovers). The Met’s basically a small city runnin’ on passion, paychecks, and a whole lotta patience. Whether you’re into ancient textiles or TikTok campaigns, there’s a spot for you in the wild, wonderful world of careers at the metropolitan museum of art.

Alright, let’s break it down like a dangdut remix: 1. Curator – the storyteller who decides which careers at the metropolitan museum of art masterpieces get the spotlight. 2. Conservator – the art doctor, patchin’ up 400-year-old canvases like they’re your grandma’s favorite batik. 3. Museum Educator – the hype person who makes Rembrandt make sense to a 10-year-old. 4. Exhibition Designer – the interior decorator for history, makin’ sure Van Gogh doesn’t clash with the wallpaper. 5. Development Officer – the smooth talker who convinces billionaires to drop $50K so we can keep the lights on. All of these? Core parts of careers at the metropolitan museum of art. And no, you don’t need a beret—though it won’t hurt your vibe.

Short answer: hell yeah. Long answer: The Met ain’t just for Ivy League grads with fancy last names. They hire interns, part-timers, full-timers, remote workers, and even volunteers (shoutout to the docents who explain Egyptian sarcophagi like they’re narrating a Netflix doc). Whether you’re fresh outta college in Bandung or switchin’ careers at 45, there’s a path into careers at the metropolitan museum of art. Just check their careers page—no magic password, no secret handshake. Just hustle, heart, and maybe a decent cover letter that doesn’t say “I love art since I was kid.” (C’mon, be more creative than that.)

Let’s talk cash, baby. While your average gallery attendant might pull in around $45K/year, the big bucks in careers at the metropolitan museum of art go to roles like Chief Curator ($150K–$220K), Director of Digital Strategy ($160K+), or VP of Development (easily $200K+ with bonuses). These ain’t just jobs—they’re leadership gigs that shape the museum’s soul *and* its spreadsheet. Of course, you’ll need serious experience, a killer network, and probably a PhD or two. But hey, if you dream it, and grind for it, you might just land one of the top-tier careers at the metropolitan museum of art that pays in both prestige and paper.

Picture this: 7 AM. The museum’s empty, quiet like a temple at dawn. A conservator in a white coat gently swabs a Renaissance portrait—careers at the metropolitan museum of art don’t start with coffee, they start with cotton swabs and pH-neutral solutions. Meanwhile, in the digital wing, a content creator’s editing a Reel about ancient Roman sandals (yes, really). Downstairs, security’s doing rounds, not just to guard art—but to *know* it. Every role, from janitor to director, touches the mission. That’s the beauty of careers at the metropolitan museum of art: you’re never just “a job.” You’re part of a legacy.

First off—stop applyin’ blind. The Met gets thousands of apps. To stand out, you gotta show you *get* them. Follow their Instagram. Read their blog. Mention a recent exhibit in your cover letter (like that killer Afrofuturism show). Network like your career depends on it—because it does. Attend their public lectures (many are free!). And if you’re from outside the U.S., don’t sweat it—The Met’s global, and they value diverse perspectives. Pro tip: internships are golden. Many full-time careers at the metropolitan museum of art start with a summer gig that turned into “hey, stay.” Oh, and polish that LinkedIn—your future boss is definitely stalkin’ it. For more inspo, peep our Hong Seon Jang homepage or dive into the Museums section.

Let’s get real about the bag. The Met offers competitive pay (for the nonprofit world) and solid perks. Here’s a rough snapshot:

All roles come with healthcare, retirement plans, and—wait for it—free museum membership for life (okay, not *life*, but while you’re employed). That’s the sweet side of careers at the metropolitan museum of art: you get paid to protect beauty.

The Met’s been workin’ hard to walk the talk. After years of criticism, they launched the Anti-Racism and Diversity Plan in 2020—and it’s not just PR fluff. They’ve hired more BIPOC curators, expanded internships for HBCU students, and even reevaluated how they label colonial-era objects. When it comes to careers at the metropolitan museum of art, they’re actively seekin’ voices that’ve been left outta the art history books. So if you’re from a marginalized background? Your perspective isn’t just welcome—it’s needed. That’s how careers at the metropolitan museum of art evolve from gatekeeping to bridge-building.

Listen up, students and career-switchers: The Met’s internship program is *the* golden ticket. Paid, remote-friendly, and open to international applicants (with visa support in some cases). Fields include conservation, education, marketing, and even finance. Fellowships? Even juicier—think $30K stipends, mentorship from top curators, and your name in the annual report. These aren’t just résumé fillers; they’re launchpads for real careers at the metropolitan museum of art. Apply early, apply often, and don’t let imposter syndrome ghost you. As one former intern told us: “I walked in thinkin’ I was just gonna fetch coffee. I left helpin’ install a Rodin exhibit.” That’s the magic.

Myth #1: “You need an art history degree.” Nah—The Met hires coders, accountants, electricians, and social media managers. Myth #2: “It’s all glamorous.” Honey, someone’s gotta unclog the restroom near the Egyptian wing. Myth #3: “Only New Yorkers get hired.” False—they’ve got staff from Jakarta, Lagos, and Buenos Aires. The truth? Careers at the metropolitan museum of art are as diverse as the collection itself. It’s not about wearin’ black turtlenecks—it’s about bringin’ your whole self to a mission bigger than any one person. And if you think you’re “not artsy enough,” guess what? The Met’s got a whole team that runs on Excel sheets and coffee. You belong.

Curious what it’s actually like to wander the halls of one of the world’s greatest museums every day? Peep our deep dive on The Met on Fifth: Explore Art on 5th Ave—where we spill the tea on hidden galleries, staff secrets, and why that one marble statue always gets side-eye from the interns.

References

• https://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-met/policies-and-documents/employment
• https://www.museumassociation.org/careers
• https://www.artjobs.com/salaries/museum
• https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/15/arts/met-museum-diversity-hiring.html
• https://www.chronicle.com/article/museum-careers-guide