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Chicago History Museum Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Chicago History Museum accepts volunteer applications on an ongoing basis. The volunteer office contacts top volunteer applicants as positions become available. Volunteer positions are typically ...

... history. Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and ... This position is based on-site at The Field Museum in Chicago, with an anticipated start date of ...

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Chicago History Museum information

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$17K

$46.4K

$99.5K

How much do chicago history museum jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for chicago history museum in the United States is $46,442.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,000.00 and $54,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kinds of career development or advancement opportunities are available for staff at the Chicago History Museum?

Employees at the Chicago History Museum typically have access to a variety of professional development opportunities, including workshops, training programs, and conferences related to museum education, archival practices, or curatorial work. Team members may advance from entry-level education, visitor services, or collections roles to more specialized or leadership positions in curation, program management, or public outreach. The museum culture supports ongoing learning and often encourages internal mobility for those interested in expanding their skills. Staff are also encouraged to collaborate with colleagues from different departments, building experience that can lead to broader career growth within the institution or the museum field at large.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Chicago History Museum position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a role at the Chicago History Museum, candidates generally need a background in history, museum studies, education, or a related field, with experience in research, exhibit design, or public engagement. Familiarity with museum management software, digital archiving tools, and educational technology is often required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and event coordination skills help professionals engage diverse audiences and collaborate effectively. These skills are crucial for preserving local history, delivering informative programming, and supporting the museum's mission within the community.

How much does a museum curator make?

Museum curators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and the size of the institution. In larger museums or with advanced credentials, salaries can exceed $80,000. The role often requires a master's degree in history, museum studies, or a related field, along with experience in curation and collections management.

What is a Chicago History Museum job?

A Chicago History Museum job involves working in various roles to support the museum's mission of preserving and sharing Chicago's history. Positions range from curatorial and archival work to education, visitor services, and administration. Employees help manage exhibitions, engage with the public, and assist in research. Jobs may be full-time, part-time, or volunteer-based, depending on the museum's needs.

What requirements do you need to work at a museum?

Requirements to work at a museum vary by position but generally include relevant education or experience, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team environment. Some roles may require specific certifications, such as first aid or security training, and a background check. Customer service skills and familiarity with museum exhibits or history can also be beneficial.

What is the highest paying art history job?

The highest paying art history-related jobs typically include museum directors, curators, and senior conservators, with salaries often exceeding $70,000 annually. These roles require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong management or specialized skills in conservation or curation.

What jobs can you do if you like history?

Jobs for those interested in history include museum curators, archivists, historical researchers, education coordinators, and tour guides. These roles often require strong research, communication skills, and a passion for preserving and sharing historical knowledge.
What cities are hiring for Chicago History Museum jobs? Cities with the most Chicago History Museum job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chicago History Museum jobs? The most popular types of Chicago History Museum jobs are:
What states have the most Chicago History Museum jobs? States with the most job openings for Chicago History Museum jobs include:
Infographic showing various Chicago History Museum job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,442 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
CHM Volunteer

CHM Volunteer

Chicago History Museum

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

The Chicago History Museum accepts volunteer applications on an ongoing basis. The volunteer office contacts top volunteer applicants as positions become available.

Volunteer positions are typically available for applicants that are college-age and up. (Occasionally projects and opportunities arise where applications are accepted from high school age applicants.)

If you are interested in volunteering at the Chicago History Museum, please fill out and submit the volunteer application below.

Applicants should indicate if their interests are primarily in volunteer activities that include interacting and engaging with museum visitors, or behind-the-scenes activity. Note: The museum's greatest need for volunteers is with museum visitors (daily museum visitors, and program attendees); while behind-the-scenes opportunities arise, they are fewer than visitor-facing volunteer opportunities.

After you complete and submit the volunteer application, the volunteer office will keep your application on file for at least 6 months.

If a position that matches your application becomes available, you will be contacted about next steps--which would likely include an interview, and contacting of your references.


If the museum is actively recruiting for a particular position(s), they will be listed or attached below, and you will be prompted to indicate if you are interested in one of the current opportunities. If no current opportunities are listed, we will keep your application on file, and contact you if an opportunity that matches your interests and skills becomes available.

Note: All volunteer applicants who are considered for placement must submit to a background screening.


Time Commitment - In light of the placement process, time spent on volunteer orientation and training, most CHM volunteer positions require 6 months to a year commitment, at least. The Chicago History Museum is busiest during holiday vacations and commemorative holidays : holidays -facing volunteers should be readily available to volunteer on busy days. Spring is the busiest season for student field trips, so volunteers who engage with students and teachers visiting on field trips should be readily and even extra available during the spring season.


Weekday or weekend? Day or evening? Visitor-facing opportunities are available during weekdays and weekends--hours occurring mostly during the daytime. However, volunteers who help with public and member programs will have opportunities that occur in the evenings.


How many days per week? How long is a shift?Most CHM volunteers commit to about 1 shift per week. A shift is typically 3 - 4 hours. For example, volunteer gallery interpreters (docents), are at the museum on average 1 day a week, for about 3 hours. (Accomodations can be made when volunteers take vacations, or need time off for a personal matter.)

Additional questions may be addressed within any posted volunteer opportunity description, and/or during an interview to determine placement.

Meanwhile, thank you for your interest in volunteering and support of the Chicago History Museum.