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Museum Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Considerable (3 - 5 years) experience in museum or cultural exhibit design, fabrication, preparation, installation, or a related area (architectural modeling, industrial exhibit fabrication, or ...

Considerable (3 - 5 years) experience in museum or cultural exhibit design, fabrication, preparation, installation, or a related area (architectural modeling, industrial exhibit fabrication, or ...

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Museum Architect information

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$46.5K

$128.8K

$201.5K

How much do museum architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum architect in the United States is $128,756.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,000.00 and $166,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to work at a museum?

Museum architects typically need a professional degree in architecture, such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture, and licensure or certification may be required depending on the region. Relevant skills include knowledge of building codes, design software like AutoCAD or Revit, and experience with cultural or historical projects is often preferred.

What does a Museum Architect do?

A Museum Architect specializes in designing and renovating museums, focusing on creating spaces that enhance the display, preservation, and experience of art and artifacts. They work closely with curators, exhibition designers, and engineers to ensure the building meets both aesthetic and functional requirements, such as climate control, lighting, and visitor flow. Their work often involves balancing the historic and cultural significance of the institution with modern needs, accessibility, and sustainability. Museum Architects may also oversee restoration projects and adapt existing buildings for museum use.

What is the highest paying job at a museum?

The highest paying job at a museum is typically the Museum Director or Executive Director, who oversees operations, budgets, and strategic planning. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the institution's size and location.

What is the highest paid architect job?

Senior architecture roles such as design directors, principal architects, or partners in large firms tend to have the highest salaries in the architecture field. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced knowledge of design and project management, with salaries significantly higher than entry-level or mid-tier architect roles.

What is the difference between Museum Architect vs Museum Designer?

AspectMuseum ArchitectMuseum Designer
CredentialsArchitecture degree, licensure, architecture licenseDesign degree, portfolio, specialized training in exhibit design
Work EnvironmentArchitectural firms, construction sites, design studiosDesign studios, exhibit spaces, museums
Industry UsageInvolved in building design, structural planning, and constructionFocuses on exhibit layout, visual display, and visitor experience

While both roles work within museum projects, Museum Architects primarily handle the building's structural design and construction, whereas Museum Designers focus on exhibit layouts and visitor engagement. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and project responsibilities in museum development.

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

To thrive as a Museum Architect, you need a professional degree in architecture, licensure, and expertise in designing spaces that accommodate art, artifacts, and public engagement. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and knowledge of building codes and sustainable design practices are essential. Strong project management, creativity, and communication skills help coordinate with curators, engineers, and stakeholders. These abilities are vital for creating functional, inspiring, and safe environments that enhance visitor experience and protect valuable collections.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired as a museum architect can be competitive due to specialized skills required, such as knowledge of architectural design, preservation, and building codes. Candidates often need a relevant degree, a strong portfolio, and experience with project management and design software. Networking and internships can also improve chances of employment in this field.

What unique challenges do Museum Architects face when designing exhibition spaces?

Museum Architects often encounter the challenge of balancing aesthetic vision with strict requirements for artifact preservation and visitor flow. They must consider factors like light control, humidity, and security while creating engaging and accessible environments for diverse audiences. Collaboration with curators, conservators, and exhibit designers is essential to ensure that spaces not only protect collections but also enhance storytelling and visitor experience. Additionally, Museum Architects frequently work within the constraints of historic structures or limited budgets, requiring innovative solutions to meet both functional and creative goals.
What cities are hiring for Museum Architect jobs? Cities with the most Museum Architect job openings:
What states have the most Museum Architect jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Architect jobs include:
Infographic showing various Museum Architect job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,756 per year, or $61.9 per hour.
E-Commerce-Museum Shop Sales Associate

E-Commerce-Museum Shop Sales Associate

National Building Museum

Washington, DC • On-site

$19.40/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description

The National Building Museum inspires curiosity about the world we design and build.


We are a private non-profit institution that transforms understanding of the history and impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and design. The National Building Museum educates, entertains, and engages people about the built environment and challenges them to advocate for a sustainable and equitable future.


Position Description

Responsible for supporting the daily operations of the museum shop and online store. Supports the implementation of merchandising strategies in coordination with retail manager. Plays key role in providing customer service to visitors in museum shop, online shop and mail order operations. Plays a key role in supporting administrative and technical aspects of online store.  


Duties and Responsibilities

  • Follows accounting procedures to ensure the accurate processing of all POS transaction and inventory movements. Maintains accurate records recording all transactions and the exchange of merchandise according to guidelines.   
  • Answer customers' telephone, mail or email inquiries in an appropriate and timely manner. Supports the order fulfillment process. Process payments for mail and internet orders through the POS system.  
  • Works in collaboration with the retail manager to effectively communicate with volunteers, supports training volunteers and provides product information to volunteers. Works effectively with volunteers to ensure positive relationship with volunteers.
  • Assists with the processing of incoming merchandise, follows all procedures for maintaining and managing an accurate inventory.
  • Supports and maintains an organized sales floor, cash wrap, and stockroom, maintains a neat and efficient work space according to store directives.
  • Maintains and restocks store displays, back stock and assists with new displays.
  • Ensures that merchandise directives are followed.
  • Restocks store supplies and provides timely reports to operations manager for reordering supplies.
  • Supports the merchandise reordering process as directed by retail manager.
  • Supports fulfilling daily and long-term projects to ensure efficient operations of store, online shop and all warehousing facilities.
  • Operates all functions of pos system proficiently in processing sales, inventory reports and vendor reports.
  • Assists with physical inventories, supports reconciliation of inventory discrepancies and maintains a secure environment for all store inventories.
  • Assists with the ticketing and pricing of product, reports damages in timely manner and reports product returns to vendors.
  • Picks packs and process all mail order and online orders in a timely manner.
  • Responsible for effectively communicating to customers regarding order delays, backorder situations, special orders and all issues regarding customer orders for online store and museum shop.  
  • Responsible for supporting the operations of the online store as directed by the retail manager, including but not limited to reorder of product and supplies. Supports the efficient operations of the online shop.
  • Supports sales and marketing initiative for promoting online store and museum shop.
  • Supports and facilitates product assortment development for online store, prepares copy and content for product addition to online store.
  • Supports and provides technical and graphic implementation of products and placement in online store.
  • Provides excellent customer service and demonstrates effective sales techniques.  
  • Perform other duties as called for to ensure the overall efficiency of the store and position.
  • Must be knowledgeable about merchandise and books and their tie-in to the museum, uses and saleable features.   
  • Must be knowledgeable about vendors and their products.
  • Assist with special day and evening events as required, such as offsite sales, book-signings and museum programs. 
  • Maintains current knowledge of museum activities, programs, and events; is flexible with schedule based on museum needs. 

Requirements

Qualifications

  • Associate's degree or equivalent experience.
  • Strong customer service skills.
  • Previous Retail Experience required.
  • Knowledge of computers, inventory management, point of sales systems, Adobe In Design required
  • Knowledge of online ecommerce platforms such as Shopify required.
  • Must work well under pressure and with a variety of staff.
  • Must be multi-task oriented. 
  • Must be an independent worker with self-initiative and strong problem-solving skills.
  • Weekends Required.


What We Offer

Part-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

  • 403 (b) plan with match
  • Paid sick and safe leave
  • Museum Shop discounts
  • Free on-site parking