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Docent Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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

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

Docent information

See Michigan salary details

$4

$17

$22

How much do docent jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 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 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:
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.

Coordinator of Public Programming

ACCESS

Dearborn, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Coordinator, Public Programming

Job Status: Full-time

Job Summary: Under limited supervision, the Coordinator of Public Programming uses knowledge of the arts, humanities, as well as administrative skills obtained through experience and/or formal training to manage the logistics surrounding the Arab American National Museum’s (AANM) various public programs. Work in close collaboration with relevant museum staff and seek to extend AANM’s educational and cultural programming in the community to provide an immersive gateway to explore and learn about our communities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Liaise event tech needs between artists/speakers and production staff
  • Conduct guided walking tours for groups of students and adults
  • Conduct and oversee outdoor guided tours in and around the Arab American National Museum’s neighborhood in East Dearborn as part of the AANM’s Neighborhood Tours program. (Yalla! Eat, Spaces of Dearborn, and Dearborn Garden tours)
  • Coordinating the complex administrative functions of the Neighborhood Tours project, which include docent staff training, and community outreach
  • Vendor/host recruitment, and liaising project promotion, evaluation, and communication between project staff and leadership
  • Utilize the techniques of dialogue, inquiry, and storytelling while leading tour groups
  • Review current tour content and scripts, and regularly update and revise as needed to enhance tour experience
  • Distribute promotional materials to designated locations throughout the various target communities
  • Research communities and organizations to help build audiences for programs
  • Coordinate and monitor event timelines and ensure deadlines are met
  • Coordinate event set-up, tear down and follow-up processes
  • Assess event staffing and volunteer needs and recruit/communicate with staff/volunteers as necessary
  • Coordinate and oversee volunteers at events
  • Work at AANM public programs, including several evenings and weekends
  • Issue check requests, invoices, and other fiscal paperwork
  • Monitor event budgets, maintain event income, expense records, and ensure compliance with fiscal and grant requirements
  • Manage event ticket sales and monetary reconciliation process
  • Operates standard office equipment and uses required software applications
  • Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

  • Event planning and logistics
  • Performing arts
  • Arab American culture, arts, and/or Arabic language a plus

Skill in:

  • Working with artists and individuals of diverse backgrounds
  • Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications for program areas and other applications, including Microsoft Office

Ability to:

  • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives
  • Attend to detail while maintaining a big picture orientation
  • Provide a high level of customer service
  • Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Work independently as well as collaboratively
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization as well as with external partners

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements:

  • Minimum Degree Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Required Disciplines:
    • Public Programming, Humanities, Museum Studies or Education or equivalent education approved by Human Resources

~and~

  • At least two years of experience in event management or any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by Human Resources

Licenses/Certifications:

  • Licenses/Certifications Required at Date of Hire:
    • None

Working Conditions:

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

Travel Required: Some travel may be required

Working Environment: Climate controlled office