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Historical Museum Tour Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Share engaging information about the organization's history, innovation, and future. * Answer ... Support museum operations by helping maintain exhibit areas and ensuring displays are presentation ...

Share engaging information about the organization's history, innovation, and future. * Answer ... Support museum operations by helping maintain exhibit areas and ensuring displays are presentation ...

Share engaging information about the organization's history, innovation, and future. * Answer ... Support museum operations by helping maintain exhibit areas and ensuring displays are presentation ...

Museum Tour Guide

Plano, TX · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Share engaging information about the organization's history, innovation, and future. * Answer ... Support museum operations by helping maintain exhibit areas and ensuring displays are presentation ...

No worries if you're not an art history guru - this training is designed for all levels of ... There are also many benefits to becoming a docent/museum tour guide: museum membership, discounts ...

Tour Guide

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15/hr

... Museum & Factory. Assist with the set up and execution of rental events ... Hand turn, burn brand, cover Hold a Piece of History, and conduct Bat Vault experiences. Cover ...

Tour Guide

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15/hr

... Museum & Factory. Assist with the set up and execution of rental events ... Hand turn, burn brand, cover Hold a Piece of History, and conduct Bat Vault experiences. Cover ...

Tour Guide

Providence, RI · On-site

$20/hr

Join Providence Tour Company as a Tour Guide and bring the rich history of Providence to life for visitors and locals alike! About the Role: As a Tour Guide, you'll lead engaging walking tours that ...

Do you love talking about fashion, culture, and history? Do you thrive in a storytelling ... Paisley Park is a non-smoking campus About Paisley Park Paisley Park is an active museum ...

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Historical Museum Tour Guide information

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How much do historical museum tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for historical museum tour guide in the United States is $18.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a historical museum tour guide do?

A Historical Museum Tour Guide leads visitors through museum exhibits, providing engaging and informative commentary about the artifacts, displays, and the history they represent. They answer questions, share stories, and help guests understand the significance of the museum’s collection. Tour guides often tailor their presentations to different age groups and interests, making history accessible and interesting for everyone. They may also assist with educational programs and help ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a historical museum tour guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Historical Museum Tour Guide, you need a deep knowledge of history, strong public speaking abilities, and often a relevant degree or background in education or history. Familiarity with audio-visual equipment, tour management software, and sometimes foreign languages can be valuable technical skills. Outstanding interpersonal skills, storytelling ability, and adaptability help guides engage diverse audiences and handle unexpected questions or situations. These skills ensure visitors have an informative, memorable, and enjoyable museum experience, reflecting positively on the institution.

What are some common challenges faced by historical museum tour guides, and how can they be managed?

Historical museum tour guides often face the challenge of engaging diverse audiences, including visitors of different ages, backgrounds, and interest levels. To address this, guides must tailor their presentations, use interactive storytelling, and remain adaptable to questions. They may also need to handle large groups or manage time constraints while ensuring all key exhibits are covered. Strong communication skills and a passion for history help guides create memorable and educational experiences for every visitor.

Are historical museum tour guides paid?

Yes, historical museum tour guides are typically paid for their work, with wages varying based on location, experience, and the institution. Many guides earn an hourly wage or a fixed fee per tour, and some may receive additional benefits or tips. Certification or knowledge of the museum's exhibits can enhance earning potential.

Do you need a history degree to be a historical museum tour guide?

A history degree is not typically required to be a historical museum tour guide. Most guides need strong communication skills, knowledge of the exhibits, and sometimes training or certification provided by the museum. Relevant experience or a background in history can be helpful but is not always mandatory.

How do you become a historical museum tour guide?

To become a historical museum tour guide, candidates typically need a background in history, archaeology, or related fields, along with strong communication skills. Many museums require guides to complete training on the museum's exhibits and policies, and some prefer prior experience in public speaking or customer service.
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What cities are hiring for Historical Museum Tour Guide jobs?

Cities with the most Historical Museum Tour Guide job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Historical Museum Tour Guide jobs?

For Historical Museum Tour Guide jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Historical Museum Tour Guide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,124 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Museum Tour Guide / Interpreter (Part-Time)

Jekyll Island, GA • On-site

$15.13 - $17.13/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Tour Guide / Interpreter
Department/Division: Museum
Status: Part-Time, Hourly Employee
Pay Grade/Pay: $15.13 - $17.13 per hour (DOQ)
Reports to: Museum Manager
Benefits: Parking & Amenity Passes
Retirement: Georgia Defined Contribution Plan (GDCP)
Closing Date: Open until filled. *Note: This position is subject to close once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. To apply, applicants are encouraged to complete the entire application. Incomplete applications or applications without accompanying documents when required will not be considered.
Jekyll Island is dedicated to maintaining the delicate balance between nature and humankind through conservation, education, and preservation. Surrounded by salt marshes, expansive oceanfront, and ancient maritime forests, it is situated within the chain of the Golden Isles and just a few miles from St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Brunswick. As a State Park, Jekyll Island is a coastal haven where nature and humans peacefully co-exist.
Job Summary:
The Tour Guide/Interpreter provides engaging and informative experiences for school groups, motorcoach visitors, and the public. Under general supervision, this position conducts guided trolley tours and interpretive programs that share Jekyll Island's history and culture. Responsibilities include operating and driving trolleys and other vehicles as part of the tour experience; safeguarding museum properties and collections; and providing courteous, accurate information to guests. The role assists with special events and venue rentals, supports research and curatorial projects, and contributes to developing new programs as assigned. Work involves accessing multiple floors of historic buildings, performing duties both indoors and outdoors, and maintaining a professional and welcoming presence throughout the historic district. Regular evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required to support operational needs.
Description:
  • Provides a variety of interpretive experiences that communicate Jekyll Island's history and culture to diverse audiences.
  • Conducts tours of the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District and other historic sites on Jekyll Island, delivering quality educational experiences for school groups, motorcoach groups, and the general public.
  • Operates and drives motorized vehicles as assigned, including golf carts, motorcars, and gas or electric trolleys, as an integral part of the tour experience.
  • Provides security for museum properties and collections, staffs special events and venue rentals, and ensures guest safety. This requires accessing and navigating multiple floors of historic buildings and surrounding grounds.
  • Performs daily inspections of museum equipment, vehicles, and buildings and performs light custodial duties to maintain safety and functionality.
  • Participates in regular staff development training sessions.
  • Maintains cooperative and professional relationships with colleagues, volunteers, and guests to foster a positive work environment.
  • Assists with general clerical duties in a professional manner, including answering phones, distributing messages, copying, laminating, faxing, mail distribution, and creating correspondence as directed.
  • Conducts research and assists with projects that contribute to museum programs, exhibits, or educational initiatives as assigned.
  • Participates in and contributes to maintaining lines of communication between Museum Operations and the Curatorial staff, supporting accurate interpretation of Jekyll Island's past.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Interpreter I):
  • Must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license.
  • High school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience, which may include a combination of education and practical experience in customer service, public speaking, teaching, or related fields.
  • Skilled and effective communicator and presenter with a commitment to learning and education.
  • Positive, adaptable, and professional demeanor conducive to public engagement.
  • Self-motivated; able to work independently and collaboratively with a team.
  • Must have flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Regular attendance and punctuality for scheduled work shifts is required.

Preferred Qualifications (Interpreter I):
  • Bachelor's degree or advanced studies in history, public history, museum studies, or a related field.

Interpreter II Qualifications:
  • Meet all minimum qualifications for Interpreter I.
  • Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in history, public history, museum studies or related field.
  • Certified as an Interpretive Guide (CIG) by the National Association for Interpretation.

Licenses / Background Checks:
  • Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a criminal background check.
  • Motor vehicle record (MVR) checks are required for positions that involve operating state or personal vehicles while on duty.
  • A valid driver's license is required for tasks that involve travel between JIA-operated locations while on duty, whether using a state-issued or personal vehicle. All drivers must comply with Georgia state laws.

Physical Requirements:
  • Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects such as museum equipment, trolley components, or other materials.
  • More than 50% of the workday may be spent walking, standing, or sitting while conducting tours, operating motorized vehicles, and interacting with guests, both indoors and outdoors on uneven terrain.
  • Between 25% and 50% of the workday may involve climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, or performing repetitive wrist, hand, or finger motions.
  • Less than 25% of the workday may involve balancing, stooping, crouching, or kneeling.
  • Must be able to navigate multiple floors of historic buildings and outdoor grounds, including uneven surfaces, to conduct tours and ensure guest safety.
  • Must be able to operate motorized vehicles safely, including trolleys, golf carts, and motorcars.
  • Spend more than 50% of the workday verbally communicating with guests and coworkers and listening for instructions or safety cues.
  • Regularly use vision to conduct tours, operate vehicles safely, and observe museum collections, equipment, historic structures, and visitor areas.
  • Use tactile and visual abilities to operate vehicles, monitor museum equipment, and ensure safe interaction with guests.

Working Conditions:
  • Required to perform work both indoors and outdoors.
  • Will be exposed to extreme heat, high humidity, rain, wind, and other adverse weather conditions as well as occasional extreme cold.
  • Will be exposed to hazards including moving vehicles, mechanical parts, uneven terrain, and historic building features (stairs, narrow aisles, passageways, attics, basements, or other confined spaces).
  • Will be subject to atmospheric conditions such as fumes, oils, odors, dusts, mists, or poor ventilation.
  • Work may occur during evenings, weekends, holidays, and under variable lighting conditions.
  • Noise levels range from normal to loud, occasionally requiring workers to shout for communication during tours or in high-traffic areas

This description of job responsibilities is intended to reflect the major responsibilities and duties of the job but is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time. This position is subject to close once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. Applicants who complete the online application process will receive an email receipt of submission to the email address provided. If the email confirmation is not received, applicants may contact Human Resources at 912-635-4024 for confirmation; however, due to the volume of applicants received, we cannot provide information on application status after receipt. Applicants who need assistance to accommodate a disability may request accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 912-635-4024.
All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Incomplete applications or applications without accompanying documents when required will not be considered. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the selection process. Successful completion of background checks is required, including credit when applicable to the position. Relocation expenses are not authorized; applicants should consider this when applying.
Jekyll Island Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Authority supports equal employment opportunities for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. The Jekyll Island Authority is a Drug-free Workplace.