ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Art Docent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maymont Foundation

PT Museum Interpreter

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Oversee the tour process for the docent led tours. * Conducts general tours, special interpretation ... Bachelor of Arts in Art History, History, Education, or related field preferred. * Museum/historic ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsArt Docent Jobs

Art Docent information

See salary details

$27K

$69.6K

$121.5K

How much do art docent jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 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.

How to become an art Docent?

To become an art docent, individuals typically complete training provided by museums or educational organizations, which covers art history, interpretation, and presentation skills. Volunteer experience or a background in art or education can be helpful, and some programs may require background checks or orientation sessions before participating.

What skills are needed to be a Docent?

A docent needs strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage visitors and explain exhibits effectively. They should have a good knowledge of the subject matter, patience, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team, often requiring training or certification related to the institution's focus. Additionally, organizational skills and comfort with public speaking are important for success in this role.

What is the highest paid art job?

The highest paid art jobs typically include roles such as art director, creative director, or fine artist working in high-end markets. These positions often require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and a portfolio of successful projects, with salaries varying 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.

Do docents make money?

Art docents are typically volunteers who lead educational tours and programs at museums or galleries without pay. Some organizations may offer stipends or small honorariums for training or special events, but most docent roles are unpaid or provide minimal compensation. Compensation, if any, varies by institution and location.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,553 per year, or $33.4 per hour.
Manager, Object-Based Learning

Manager, Object-Based Learning

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

The MFAH Department of Learning and Interpretation engages intergenerational audiences and students with the Museum's collections and exhibitions of world art. The Object-based Learning area promotes learning through art as a vital part of K12 education and school curriculum.
With a new climate for K12 public school education in Texas and in Houston, priority must be placed on reaching students directly, whether at the Museum through field lessons or multi-visit programs, in school classrooms, or in after-school programming.
To meet this moment, the Manager of Object-based Learning will place priority on direct engagement with elementary, middle, and high school students. Emphasis will be placed ondesigning a full menu of opportunities for students of all ages to learn through art with MFAH, while maintaining opportunities for teacher professional development and grant-funded teacher fellows.
Responsibilities:
Program Redevelopment and Reassessment
  • Develop and implement a long-range plan that broadens opportunities for students to learn through art with MFAH - at the Museum, in their classrooms, and in after-school settings.
  • Develop pilot program at selected schools for MFAH staff to offer in-school object-based learning sessions that connect with appropriate TEKS, in collaboration with district fine arts leaders and teachers.
  • Work together with Docent Programs Manager to research and create opportunities to collaborate with the Glassell School of Art (Junior School) to offer School Studios - a hybrid school tour and studio experience for students.Studio material fees would be required of schools that can afford them, and covered by MFAH through grant funds for those with limited funds. Work with Development on funding opportunities for this program.
  • Collaborate with Manager of Studio and Gallery Programs to expand the Mobile Art Studio program, which provides engagement with students in their school classrooms. Opportunities to expand Mobile Studio offerings could include experiences that integrate arts learning into students' "core" curriculum, including reading, math, science, and more.
  • Collaborate with Arts Connect Houston to determine opportunities for MFAH to provide in-school and after-school arts programming at HISD, Aldine ISD, and Alief ISD schools.
  • Research and create opportunities to connect MFAH teen programs, like hang@MFAH, with the Glassell Studio School early college program, and generally enrich MFAH teen programs with the perspectives of Glassell faculty and additional area teaching artists.
  • As the first Neighborhood Arts Collaborative (NAC)grant comes to a close next year, work with the NAC team in Learning and Interpretation to determine an expanded direction for that program.
  • Continue teacher professional development when practical, and research opportunities to become involved with teacher training programs at area universities.

Management
  • Supervise the work of the Object-based Learning Specialistand Object-based Learning Coordinator, as well as the OBL On-Call Educators and teaching artists.
  • Work closely with the Docent Programs Manager and their direct reports, who are also part of the OBL team.
  • Practice empathetic leadership with this team, providing clear and actionable guidance, while also listening to their questions with an open mind, pivoting to meet them where they are, and including them in decision-making processes.
  • Oversee budgets, statistics, grant proposals and reports for the Object-based Learning area.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
  • Excellent knowledge of art history and pedagogy
  • Strong capacity to work constructively and respectfully with supervisor, direct reports, members of the L&I Department, and staff across the Museum
  • Demonstrated excellence in writing about art for a wide range of audiences
  • Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in object-based learning in a museum setting
  • Excellent public speaking, verbal communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to handle many activities and projects simultaneously, with the ability to pivot effectively toward new priorities
  • Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and offsite, as needed

Education and Experience:
  • MA in art history, K12 education, or humanities required
  • 5+ years experience in art museum education and/or K12 classroom teaching
  • Substantive experience with and demonstrated excellence in teaching with works of art

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.

Apply