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Docent Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

ACCESS

Docent

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Docent Job Status: Part-time (10 hours weekly) Job Summary: Under general supervision, the Docent conducts guided tours of the Arab American National Museum (AANM) for groups of students and adults.

ACCESS

Coordinator of Public Programming

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Coordinating the complex administrative functions of the Neighborhood Tours project, which include docent staff training, and community outreach * Vendor/host recruitment, and liaising project ...

ACCESS

Coordinator of Public Programming

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Coordinating the complex administrative functions of the Neighborhood Tours project, which include docent staff training, and community outreach * Vendor/host recruitment, and liaising project ...

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Docent information

See Michigan salary details

$4

$17

$22

How much do docent jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for docent in Michigan is $17.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $22.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do docents make money?

Docents are typically volunteers who lead tours and provide educational information at museums, zoos, or cultural sites, and they usually do not receive a salary. Some institutions may offer stipends or small honorariums for their work, but most rely on volunteer efforts. Paid positions for docents are less common and often require additional qualifications or experience.

How does a docent typically collaborate with other museum staff to enhance visitor experiences?

Docents often work closely with curators, educators, and visitor services teams to ensure that tours and educational programs are engaging and accurate. They attend regular training sessions to stay updated on new exhibits and interpretive techniques, and may participate in planning meetings to coordinate special events or group visits. This collaboration helps create a cohesive visitor experience, as docents share insights from guest interactions that can inform exhibit updates and educational materials.

What is the difference between Docent vs Tour Guide?

AspectDocentTour Guide
Required CredentialsOften no formal certification, but knowledge of subject matterMay require licensing or certification depending on location
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, educational institutionsTourist attractions, historical sites, city tours
Employer & IndustryEducational and cultural institutionsTravel and tourism industry
Common Search & ComparisonEducational, museum-based rolesTravel, sightseeing roles

While both Docents and Tour Guides engage with the public and provide educational information, Docents typically work within museums or galleries focusing on specific exhibits and may not require formal certification. Tour Guides usually lead groups at tourist sites, often needing licensing or certification, and work in the travel and tourism industry. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right role based on your interests and qualifications.

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

To thrive as a Docent, you need strong subject-matter expertise, excellent public speaking skills, and typically a background in education, history, or the arts. Familiarity with audio-visual equipment and visitor management systems is often required for effective presentations and group coordination. Exceptional interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and adaptability help docents engage diverse audiences and foster memorable learning experiences. These skills ensure that visitors receive accurate information and an engaging, educational experience tailored to their interests.

Can I work at a museum without a degree?

Museum docents typically do not need a formal degree but should have good communication skills, knowledge of the exhibits, and often undergo training provided by the museum. Some positions may prefer or require relevant experience or certifications, but a degree is generally not mandatory for entry-level docent roles.

What are docents?

Docents are trained volunteers or staff members who serve as guides and educators at museums, zoos, historical sites, and other cultural institutions. They lead tours, answer visitor questions, and provide interpretive information about exhibits or collections. Docents play a key role in enhancing the visitor experience by making learning engaging and accessible. Their responsibilities may also include developing educational materials and participating in outreach programs.

What is the highest paying job at a museum?

The highest paying jobs at a museum are typically senior management roles such as museum directors or chief curators, who oversee operations, collections, and staff. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the institution's size and funding.

What is the job description of a docent?

A docent is a volunteer or staff member who guides visitors through museums, galleries, or historical sites, providing educational information about exhibits and collections. They often lead tours, answer questions, and help enhance visitors' understanding and experience, typically requiring good communication skills and knowledge of the subject matter.
What are popular job titles related to Docent jobs in Michigan? For Docent jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Docent jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Docent jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Docent jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Docent job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Docent jobs in MI? For Docent jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Docent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Docent job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,062 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Docent

Docent

ACCESS

Dearborn, MI • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Docent

Job Status: Part-time (10 hours weekly)

Job Summary: Under general supervision, the Docent conducts guided tours of the Arab American National Museum (AANM) for groups of students and adults. The Docent brings the voices and faces of Arab Americans to mainstream audiences to continue our commitment to dispelling misconceptions about Arab Americans and other minorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Conduct guided tours of the museum for groups of students and adults in person or virtually (as assigned)
  • Utilize the techniques of dialogue, inquiry, role play and storytelling while leading tour groups through the museum
  • Encourage audience to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions of Arab Americans and minorities
  • Attend all briefing meetings before the opening of a new exhibit
  • Undergo intensive training with education staff before conducting tours
  • Select a different section of the AANM to focus on to learn how to transition between exhibits
  • Shadow experienced AANM staff on guided tours to gain knowledge and skills in leading tours
  • Read materials as assigned, keep up on current events that impact the minority community
  • Attend lunch and learns on Arab American and minority community topics
  • Operate standard office equipment and use required software applications
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

  • Arab American National Museum and the various exhibits
  • Fundamental concepts, principles and practices of Arab American, Ethnic and Middle Eastern history and current events

Skill in:

  • Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications for program area and other applications, including Microsoft Office

Ability to:

  • Provide a high level of customer service
  • Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment
  • Be enthusiastic, cheerful, responsible, engaging, flexible, patient and have a willingness to learn
  • Be flexible with scheduling availability, especially during peak hours of the museum
  • Convey a welcoming environment and introduce guests to the AANM
  • Communicate the mission of the AANM and ACCESS
  • Share museum programming with visitors
  • Public speaking/storytelling experience is preferred
  • Stay current on the program offerings and upcoming museum promotions
  • Commit to upholding the principles and ethics of the museum

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements:

  • Minimum Degree Required:
    • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Associate degree preferred

~and~

  • At least 1 year of experience or education in history, political science, art, or teaching (preferred)
  • Any equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training approved by Human Resources
  • Must complete four to five-week intensive training of museum permanent and temporary galleries

Licenses/Certifications:

  • Licenses/Certifications Required at Date of Hire: None

Working Conditions:

Hours: Normal business hours, including weekends, some additional hours may be required

Travel Required: None

Working Environment: Climate controlled office

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