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History Museum Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chicago History Museum

CHM Volunteer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Chicago History Museum accepts volunteer applications on an ongoing basis. The volunteer office contacts top volunteer applicants as positions become available. Volunteer positions are typically ...

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City of Albuquerque

Museum Curator

Albuquerque, NM

$62K - $68K/yr

Position Summary The Albuquerque Museum welcomes a Curator of Art who is proficient in regional art ... Develop strategies for art, history or collections interpretation, through exhibitions ...

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History Museum information

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$16.5K

$40.3K

$71.5K

How much do history museum jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for history museum in the United States is $40,299.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28,500.00 and $50,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a History Museum Curator, you generally need a background in history or museum studies, often supported by an advanced degree and relevant curatorial experience. Familiarity with collection management systems, exhibit design software, and conservation techniques is typically required. Strong research abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help curators engage audiences and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills are essential to ensure the preservation, interpretation, and public appreciation of historical artifacts and narratives.

What degree do you need to work at a history museum?

A position at a history museum typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in history, museum studies, archaeology, anthropology, or a related field. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or higher, along with relevant experience and skills in curation, research, or education.

What are history museums?

History museums are institutions dedicated to preserving, studying, and exhibiting artifacts, documents, and other materials related to human history. They provide visitors with insights into past events, cultures, and significant figures through curated exhibitions and educational programs. History museums often feature permanent and temporary displays, interactive exhibits, and public lectures to engage the community and foster a deeper understanding of historical developments. They play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and making history accessible to people of all ages.

How much do museum historians make?

Museum historians typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary based on the size and funding of the institution, with advanced degrees and research skills often leading to higher pay.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired at a museum can be competitive, especially for positions requiring specialized knowledge or experience in history, curation, or education. Candidates often need relevant education, such as a degree in history or museum studies, and may undergo interviews or skills assessments. Entry-level roles may have less strict requirements, but higher-level positions typically demand a strong background and relevant experience.

What is the difference between History Museum vs Archivist?

AspectHistory MuseumArchivist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History, Museum Studies, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Archival Science, History, or related field
Work EnvironmentMuseum exhibits, public engagement, educational programsArchives, records management, preservation facilities
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, cultural institutions, educational organizationsLibraries, government agencies, historical societies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in history preservation and educationManaging historical records and documents

While both roles involve working with historical materials, a History Museum focuses on curating exhibits and educating the public about history, whereas an Archivist specializes in preserving, organizing, and managing historical records and documents for future access.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for staff working at a history museum?

Staff at a history museum often divide their time between engaging with visitors, conducting research on collections, and assisting with educational programs or exhibitions. Daily tasks can include cataloging artifacts, preparing displays, leading tours, and collaborating with curators and educators to develop new content. Depending on the size of the museum, you may also help with marketing, event planning, or community outreach. The role requires flexibility and teamwork, as priorities can shift quickly based on visitor needs or upcoming events.

What jobs can I do if I like history?

A history enthusiast can pursue careers such as a museum curator, archivist, historical researcher, or educator. These roles often require strong research, communication skills, and knowledge of historical methods or tools like archives and databases.
More about History Museum jobs
What cities are hiring for History Museum jobs? Cities with the most History Museum job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of History Museum jobs? The most popular types of History Museum jobs are:
What states have the most History Museum jobs? States with the most job openings for History Museum jobs include:
What job categories do people searching History Museum jobs look for? The top searched job categories for History Museum jobs are:
History Museum jobs near you
Infographic showing various History Museum job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,299 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
MUSEUM SPECIALIST (HISTORY)

MUSEUM SPECIALIST (HISTORY)

US Department of the Navy

Washington Navy Yard, DC • On-site

$70K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

You will serve as a MUSEUM SPECIALIST (HISTORY) in theNAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND.Qualifications:GS-11:
Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) or pay band in the federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
1) Demonstrating knowledge of U.S. Navy and U.S. military small arms, ordnance, and/or edged weapon in a museum setting;
2) Demonstrating experience with the proper handling and storage of specialized small arms, ordnance, and/or edged weapons;
3) Serving as a technical point of contact regarding historic small arms, edged weapons, and/or ordnance collections or other specialized military or naval historic collections to include but not limited to preservation, conservation, loan, display, inventory and security of the collections;
4) Demonstrating successful experience in a museum setting of cataloging and storing historic artifacts.
GS-09:
Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) or pay band in the federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
1) Demonstrating knowledge of U.S. Navy and U.S. military small arms, ordnance, and/or edged weapons in a museum setting;
2) Demonstrating experience with methods and techniques to assist with the management of specialized small arms, ordnance, and/or edged weapons or other specialized historic collections;
3) Answering general inquiries on historic museum collections;
4) Assisting with cataloging and storing historic artifacts in a museum setting.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1000/museum-specialist-and-technician-series-1016/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (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.Education:In lieu of specialized experience, you may qualify with the following education or combination of both education and experience:
GS-09:
Successfully completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree in a related field of study including art, history, museum studies, scientific subjects, or other courses related to the position to be filled
or
Successfully completed two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree in a related field of study including art, history, museum studies, scientific subjects, or other courses related to the position to be filled
or
Have a combination of experience and graduate education as described that equates to one year of experience (the percentage of the required education plus the percentage of the required experience must equal one hundred percent).
Employment Type: OTHER

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National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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