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Art Docent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Keeper II

Tucson, AZ

$19.51/hr

Participates in educational activities as required, (i.e., Docent classes, ADC, Art Institute, media). * May be responsible for training volunteers, Docents and Education staff on how to work with ...

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Keeper II

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$19.51/hr

Participates in educational activities as required, (i.e., Docent classes, ADC, Art Institute, media). * May be responsible for training volunteers, Docents and Education staff on how to work with ...

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$27K

$69.6K

$121.5K

How much do art docent jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for art docent in the United States is $69,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $99,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What's the highest paying job in the art field?

In the art field, roles such as art director, museum director, or senior fine artist tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and advanced knowledge of art and design tools. Salaries vary based on industry, location, and level of expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Art Docent, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Art Docent, you need a solid understanding of art history, interpretive skills, and often a background in education or the arts. Familiarity with museum collection management systems and public speaking tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, enthusiasm, and the ability to engage diverse audiences are important soft skills. These competencies are crucial for delivering informative and memorable tours that enhance visitor appreciation of art.

What are art docents?

Art docents are trained volunteers or professionals who guide visitors through art museums, galleries, or exhibitions. They provide educational tours, share insights about artworks, artists, and art history, and help make art accessible to diverse audiences. Art docents often tailor their presentations to suit various age groups or interests, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Their role is crucial in fostering appreciation and understanding of visual arts within the community.

How does an Art Docent typically collaborate with museum staff and educators during exhibitions?

Art Docents frequently work closely with museum curators, education coordinators, and fellow docents to ensure tours are engaging and informative for diverse audiences. They attend regular training sessions to stay updated on current and upcoming exhibitions, participate in planning meetings, and often help adapt presentations based on visitor feedback. This collaborative environment enhances both the docent's knowledge and the overall visitor experience, while also providing opportunities for networking and professional development within the museum setting.

What is the difference between Art Docent vs Art Teacher?

AspectArt DocentArt Teacher
CredentialsTypically requires knowledge of art history, education background variesRequires teaching credentials or certification in art education
Work EnvironmentWorks in museums, schools, or community programs, often part-time or volunteerWorks primarily in classrooms, schools, or art studios, full-time or part-time
Employer & IndustryMuseums, schools, educational nonprofitsSchools, educational institutions, art programs
Primary FocusEducating visitors about art, fostering appreciationTeaching art skills, curriculum-based instruction

While both roles involve art education, Art Docents focus on guiding visitors and promoting art appreciation in museums or schools, often on a volunteer basis. Art Teachers are responsible for delivering structured art education in classrooms, with formal teaching credentials. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or educational role.

More about Art Docent jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Art Docent jobs? The most popular types of Art Docent jobs are:
What states have the most Art Docent jobs? States with the most job openings for Art Docent jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Art Docent jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Art Docent jobs are:
Art Docent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Art Docent job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 9% As Needed, 86% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 1% Physical, and 99% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,553 per year, or $33.4 per hour.
Hope R. Edison and Julian I. Edison Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs

Hope R. Edison and Julian I. Edison Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs

Saint Louis Art Museum

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$113K - $142K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Summary: The Hope R. Edison and Julian I. Edison Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photography operates with a high degree of independence to provide creative vision and strategic leadership for the department and its collections. This role is central to developing and executing a dynamic, rigorous program of exhibitions and publications that enhances the collection's profile and increases audience engagement, achieved through collaboration within the Curatorial Division and across the Museum.
Core responsibilities include establishing and managing departmental priorities, budgets, and major projects. The Curator will lead and supervise departmental staff, handling recruitment, assignments, performance reviews, and professional development to maintain a high-quality workforce. The Curator will assume primary responsibility for the collection's development, interpretation, and scholarly assessment through research, publications, exhibitions, and strategic acquisitions.
The Curator advises on all aspects of collection care, including conservation, record-keeping, handling, and storage, working closely with relevant departments. Essential to this role is robust collaboration with colleagues across the Museum on exhibitions, gallery displays, publications, and other public-facing projects. The Curator also plays a key role in cultivating and stewarding relationships with donors and patrons to support departmental and institutional goals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Establish and manage the priorities, budget, and major projects of the specified curatorial department. Supervise and mentor direct reports.
  • Assist with the stewardship of the collection, enhancing its quality through research and recommendation of acquisitions (purchases and gifts), and deaccessions.
  • Research, interpret and provide information on the collection including outcomes such as cataloging and documenting of objects, publications, lectures, docent training.
  • Develop and generate art exhibitions that vary widely in scale and scope.
  • Assist in continuous planning and execution of changes to the installation of the collection.
  • Collaborate with Curatorial, Learning & Engagement, Digital, Marketing, Communications, and Development colleagues to provide content, support, and programming as needed, in digital and in-person formats, for public, member, collector, and patron groups.
  • Support and collaborate with conservators, installation crew, and registrars to assure proper storage, handling, restoration, preservation, and display of objects in the collection.
  • Assist with and maintain individual, foundation, corporate, community partner, and other important cultivation efforts and, when appropriate, participate in solicitation and stewardship while following Museum guidelines and best practices.
  • Take a lead role in the planning and programming of the Museum's Collectors Circle programs.
  • Provide supervision and mentorship for all other department members.
  • Perform other duties as assigned and appropriate

Qualifications:
  • The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Relevant Field and 5-8 years of curatorial experience at a comparable institution.
  • Deep expertise in their specified field(s), coupled with the adaptability to work adeptly across multiple subject areas within the department's purview, embracing the opportunities offered by an encyclopedic collection.
  • Significant experience in core curatorial practices, including successful acquisitions, oversight of installations, thorough collection documentation, and the conceptualization and execution of exhibitions.
  • A strong commitment to advanced scholarship is essential, evidenced by a robust record of research, publications, active participation in professional organizations, and significant exhibition contributions.
  • Proven record of impactful collection building, demonstrated through strategic acquisitions and a successful track record of securing both gifts of artworks and financial donations to support acquisition initiatives.
  • Fluency in relevant foreign language(s) is required (proficiency preferred), alongside familiarity with current legal and ethical standards in museology and collections stewardship.
  • Excellent communication skills and meticulous attention to deadlines are crucial for success in this role.

Additional Details:
Hiring Range: $113,820 - $142,275 annually
Status: Regular, full-time (37.5 hours/week)
Benefits: Full, competitive benefits package, including 4 weeks' vacation, parental leave, a robust wellness program, and hybrid work schedule.
The Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience, without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

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