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Colonial Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Carpenter

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$20.30 - $22.10/hr

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to ...

Paralegal

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$28.65 - $42.98/hr

Who We Are Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known ...

Journeyman Millworker

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$28.30 - $38.10/hr

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to ...

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Colonial information

See Virginia salary details

$36.7K

$63.8K

$82.8K

How much do colonial jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for colonial in Virginia is $63,822.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $72,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Colonial Historians in their research and daily work?

Colonial Historians often encounter challenges such as limited access to primary sources, linguistic barriers, and the need to interpret historical biases present in archival materials. Collaborating with archivists and international institutions is common, as records may be dispersed across different countries. Additionally, they must navigate sensitive topics and ensure balanced representation of diverse perspectives in their work, often working as part of interdisciplinary teams including anthropologists and sociologists.

What are the responsibilities of a colonial?

The term 'colonial' typically refers to individuals involved in the administration, governance, or settlement of colonies, especially during periods of European colonization. Their responsibilities often included overseeing local governance, implementing colonial policies, managing resources, and sometimes interacting with or controlling indigenous populations. Colonial administrators, settlers, and officials were instrumental in establishing and maintaining colonial rule, often reporting back to their home countries. The specific duties could vary widely based on the time period, location, and the colonial power involved.

What kind of jobs did people do in the colonies?

In the colonies, people worked in agriculture as farmers and laborers, producing crops like tobacco, rice, and wheat. Others were involved in trades such as blacksmithing, carpentry, and shipbuilding, while some worked as merchants, artisans, or in domestic service, often requiring skills in specific crafts or trades.

What were common jobs in 1776?

In 1776, common jobs included farmers, blacksmiths, carpenters, shoemakers, and tradesmen, reflecting a largely agrarian economy. Many individuals also worked as laborers, sailors, or in domestic service, often requiring manual skills and knowledge of local tools and techniques.

What were the jobs in the 1700s?

In the 1700s, common jobs included farming, blacksmithing, carpentry, and trading. Many workers also served as sailors, soldiers, or laborers, often working long hours in manual labor environments without modern tools or machinery.

What is the difference between Colonial vs Carpenter?

AspectColonialCarpenter
CredentialsHigh school diploma, apprenticeship, or technical trainingHigh school diploma, apprenticeship, or technical training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, renovation projects, historic building restorationConstruction sites, residential and commercial buildings
Industry UsageHistoric preservation, custom carpentry, restoration projectsGeneral construction, framing, finishing work
Common Search IntentComparing roles in construction and restorationHands-on building and installation tasks

While both Colonial and Carpenter roles involve construction skills, Colonial typically refers to specialists in historic restoration and preservation, often requiring specific knowledge of traditional techniques. Carpenters have broader roles in general construction, focusing on framing, finishing, and building structures. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path in the construction industry.

What were some colonial jobs?

Colonial jobs included farming, fishing, blacksmithing, carpentry, and trading. Many colonists worked as laborers, artisans, or in service roles, often requiring skills in craftsmanship or agriculture. These jobs supported the local economy and community development during the colonial period.

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

I'm sorry, but 'Colonial' is not a recognized real-world professional occupation. Please provide a valid job title.
What are popular job titles related to Colonial jobs in Virginia? For Colonial jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Colonial jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Colonial job openings:
Infographic showing various Colonial job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,822 per year, or $30.7 per hour.
Kitchen Utility Attendant/Dishwasher - King's Arm Tavern

Kitchen Utility Attendant/Dishwasher - King's Arm Tavern

Colonial Williamsburg

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

$19.59/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Colonial Williamsburg rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 27 rated museums


Job description


  • Must be available to work all schedules, weekends, Sundays, and holidays
  • Process china, glass, eating and cooking utensils through a large dishwashing machine.
  • Wash china, glass, eating and cooking utensils by hand as appropriate.
  • Ability to understand and follow instructions.
  • Follow a strict sanitation policy.
  • Prior experience performing heavy cleaning, preferably in a commercial kitchen setting.
  • Preferred: experience working in a commercial kitchen using industrial dishwashing equipment.

Successful candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a current Williamsburg James City County Food Handlers Card; applicants with an active Food Handlers Card should be prepared to present the Card during the interview process.
Physical requirements include but are not limited to: (1) ability to lift, handle and transport up to 100 pounds as necessary; (2) carrying heavy objects up and down stairs; (3) bending, stooping, lifting; (4) working while standing for long periods of time; (5) working at a fast pace for several hours at a time; (6) working at heights over 6 feet.
Who We Are
Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is "that the future may learn from the past" through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia's colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation. Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library. Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Giffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today's evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.
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.

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