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British Museum Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Museum Curator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$143K - $187K/yr

... British paintings, c.1700-1945, as well as its collection of American sculpture and decorative arts ... Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field. OR * Combination of education and ...

... British sporting art, and modern and contemporary art, as well as renowned South Asian, Himalayan, and African art. Recently named the 11th-best art museum in the United States by The Washington Post ...

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How much do british museum jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for british museum in the United States is $28.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job at a museum?

The highest paying job at a museum is typically the Director or Chief Executive Officer, who oversees operations, fundraising, and strategic planning. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the institution's size and funding.

What are jobs at the British Museum?

Jobs at the British Museum encompass a wide range of roles including curators, conservators, educators, visitor services staff, security personnel, and administrative positions. Employees work to preserve, research, and display the museum’s extensive collections, as well as to provide engaging experiences for visitors. Positions range from entry-level to specialist roles in fields such as archaeology, history, IT, marketing, and facilities management. The British Museum offers both permanent and temporary positions, internships, and volunteer opportunities, with a strong emphasis on cultural heritage and public engagement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a British Museum Curator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a British Museum Curator, you need expertise in art history or archaeology, strong research abilities, and usually a relevant postgraduate degree. Familiarity with collection management systems, digitization tools, and museum documentation standards is essential. Outstanding communication, public engagement, and organizational skills help curators connect with diverse audiences and manage exhibitions effectively. These skills are crucial for preserving cultural heritage, ensuring accurate interpretation, and fostering public interest in the museum's collections.

Can you work at a museum with an English degree?

A museum job, such as a curator or education officer, often values an English degree for skills in research, writing, and communication. However, additional qualifications like museum studies, internships, or relevant experience can enhance employability. Strong writing, critical thinking, and knowledge of art or history are also beneficial for many museum roles.

Is the British Museum a good place to work?

Working at the British Museum offers opportunities in roles such as curators, educators, and administrative staff, often requiring relevant qualifications and experience. Employees benefit from a cultural environment, access to extensive collections, and opportunities for professional development, though the work can involve handling sensitive artifacts and adhering to strict security protocols.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working at the British Museum, and how are they addressed?

Staff at the British Museum often navigate challenges such as managing large crowds, balancing preservation with public engagement, and adapting to evolving exhibition technologies. Teamwork is key, with regular training sessions and cross-department collaboration helping staff stay updated on best practices. Additionally, the Museum provides clear protocols and support systems to ensure a positive work environment and uphold the institution's standards for both visitor experience and artifact care.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired at a museum can be competitive, especially for positions such as curators, educators, or conservators, which often require relevant education, experience, and specialized skills. Entry-level roles may have less stringent requirements, but overall, securing a museum job typically involves a thorough application process, interviews, and sometimes assessments or certifications related to the field.
More about British Museum jobs
What states have the most British Museum jobs? States with the most job openings for British Museum jobs include:
Infographic showing various British Museum job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,028 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

$143K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The National Gallery of Art welcomes all people to explore art, creativity, and our shared humanity. Millions of people come through our doors each year, with even more online, making us one of the most visited art museums in the world. Our renowned collection includes over 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today. Admission to the West and East Buildings, Sculpture Garden, special exhibitions, and public programs is always free. 

Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
  1. Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field.

    OR

  2. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major, as shown in 1. above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

    OR

  3. Four years of experience that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study as shown in 1. above.

Specialized Experience Statement: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-13 level in the Federal service demonstrating a broad knowledge of American and European Art, by acting as museum curator for American and British paintings from 1750 for a large art museum. 

OPM Qualifications Standard:

Individual Occupational Requirements Museum Curator Series 1015

Associated Group standard; General Schedule Qualification Standards

Other Relevant Eligibility Criteria: None 

Merit promotion applicants must meet the time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. 
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note: Applicants who are referred to the hiring office for selection consideration may be required to submit writing and/or work samples as part of the interview/selection process. If the hiring office decides to request a writing and/or work sample as part of its selection process, the vacancy contact will reach out to you by email to: (1) inform you of this requirement; and (2) provide further instructions.

Education:

This position has an education requirement. 

Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

Employment Type: OTHER