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Exhibits Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Exhibits information

See Washington salary details

$54.9K

$62.8K

$76.5K

How much do exhibits jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for exhibits in Washington is $62,750.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,600.00 and $69,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exhibit specialist?

Exhibits jobs involve designing, creating, installing, and maintaining displays or exhibits in settings like museums, galleries, trade shows, and educational institutions. Professionals in this field may work as exhibit designers, fabricators, installers, or coordinators, collaborating to bring concepts to life and ensure that exhibits effectively communicate information and engage visitors. These roles often require skills in design, project management, communication, and sometimes carpentry or technology, depending on the complexity of the display.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an exhibit specialist?

To thrive as an Exhibits Specialist, you need a background in design, art, or museum studies, along with experience in exhibit planning, fabrication, and installation. Familiarity with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), CAD programs, and safe handling of artifacts or materials is typically expected. Strong project management, creativity, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate with curators, educators, and contractors. These skills ensure engaging, safe, and educational experiences for visitors while preserving and presenting collections effectively.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in exhibit design and management?

Professionals in exhibit design and management often face challenges such as balancing creative vision with budget constraints, coordinating logistics for transporting and installing displays, and ensuring that exhibits are engaging while meeting safety and accessibility standards. Collaboration with curators, educators, and technical staff is essential, requiring strong communication and project management skills. Managing tight deadlines and adapting to last-minute changes are also frequent aspects of the role, making flexibility and problem-solving abilities highly valuable.

What is the difference between Exhibits vs Security Guard?

AspectExhibitsSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsKnowledge of exhibit handling, basic security awarenessSecurity license, background check
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, eventsBuildings, events, private properties
Employer & IndustryMuseums, cultural institutionsSecurity firms, private companies
Common Search IntentExhibit management, display setupSecurity, patrol duties

Exhibits primarily involve managing and displaying items in museums or galleries, focusing on preservation and presentation. Security guards focus on protecting property and people, often patrolling and monitoring premises. While both roles involve security awareness, exhibits emphasize handling and showcasing artifacts, whereas security guards prioritize safety and access control.

What are the most commonly searched types of Exhibits jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Exhibits jobs in Washington are:

What job categories do people searching Exhibits jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Exhibits jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Exhibits jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Exhibits job openings:

Infographic showing various Exhibits job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,750 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Exhibits Specialist

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$70K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums


Job description

Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in Curatorial Office, Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), Undersecretary for Museums and Culture. SAAM shares the stories of our nation through American art and craft to inspire reflection, spark dialogue, and build connections.
More than one selection may be made from this announcement.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The Exhibits Specialist will work as part of a coordinated team of exhibit preparators in all phases and aspects of exhibit preparation, installation, maintenance, and dismantling.
In this position, you will:
  • Fabricate exhibit components such as panels, platforms, cases, furniture and/or interactive prototypes using a variety of materials including wood, metal, and synthetics.
  • Participate in the installation of exhibition audio-visual equipment, labels and exhibitions graphics elements, as needed.
  • Safe handle and install art objects for exhibition.
  • Participate in the planning and scheduling of work to be performed within an exhibits production shop.
  • Develop time estimates and work schedules as well as material lists and cost estimates.
  • Coordinate work efforts with registrars, conservators and the Exhibitions office Production Supervisor to ensure project requirements and timelines are met.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
  • May need to complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.
Qualifications
Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as performing exhibits production tasks; installation of art exhibits; and planning and coordinating projects in a museum or cultural setting..
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.
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.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Or Education: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent degree in a major study illustrative design, commercial art, fine arts, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, or other fields related to the position. May be used to substitute for the experience.
Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Additional information
This position is included in the bargaining unit.
Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/
Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp
Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp
Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

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