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Museum Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HILLWOOD MUSEUM

Museum Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

Museum Assistants are regularly required to: * Communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means. * Stand and or walk for extended periods of time.

Casper College

Museum Assistant

Casper, WY · On-site

$16.75 - $18.43/hr

The Museum Assistant is responsible for visitor relations as guests, students, faculty and staff visit the campus museums. The successful candidate will primarily interact with guests visiting the ...

University of Kentucky

Museum Assistant

Lexington, KY · On-site

$12/hr

Posting Details Posting Details Job Title Museum Assistant Requisition Number DU13416 Department Name 8X500:Art Museum Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range $12.00/hour Type of Position Student ...

Ladgov Corporation

Museum Assistant

Browning, MT · On-site

Dispose of interior trash and maintain cleanliness of public areas General Museum Support * Assist with event setup and breakdown * Move exhibit equipment and display materials * Monitor brochure ...

University of Kentucky

Museum Assistant

Lexington, KY

$12/hr

Posting Details Job Title Museum Assistant Requisition Number DU13416 Department Name 8X500:Art Museum Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range $12.00/hour Type of Position Student Position Time ...

Mercer University

Museum Assistant

Macon, GA

$10/hr

Museum Assistant Main responsibilities include answering telephone calls, greeting visitors, processing museum admission fees, handling merchandise sales and general administrative support for the ...

Mercer University

Museum Assistant

Macon, GA · On-site

$10/hr

Museum Assistant Main responsibilities include answering telephone calls, greeting visitors, processing museum admission fees, handling merchandise sales and general administrative support for the ...

Ladgov Corporation

Museum Assistant

Browning, MT · On-site

Dispose of interior trash and maintain cleanliness of public areas General Museum Support * Assist with event setup and breakdown * Move exhibit equipment and display materials * Monitor brochure ...

Riley County

As Needed Museum Asst

Manhattan, KS · On-site

To assist with attendant and clerical duties of the Museum Essential Functions: * Greet, supervise, and provide information as needed to visitors. * Assist in maintaining the appearance and contents ...

County of Riley

As Needed Museum Asst

Manhattan, KS · On-site

To assist with attendant and clerical duties of the Museum Essential Functions: * Greet, supervise, and provide information as needed to visitors. * Assist in maintaining the appearance and contents ...

Riley County, KS

As Needed Museum Asst

Manhattan, KS · On-site

Description To assist with attendant and clerical duties of the Museum Essential Functions: * Greet, supervise, and provide information as needed to visitors. * Assist in maintaining the appearance ...

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Museum Assistant information

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How much do museum assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum assistant in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Museum Assistants?

Museum Assistants are support staff who help with the daily operations of a museum. Their responsibilities typically include welcoming visitors, providing information about exhibits, assisting with ticket sales, and ensuring the security and preservation of artifacts. They may also help set up displays and support educational programs or special events. Museum Assistants play a key role in creating a positive and informative experience for visitors.

What are some common challenges Museum Assistants face during busy exhibition periods?

During peak exhibition times, Museum Assistants often experience higher visitor volumes, making crowd management and maintaining exhibit security more challenging. Balancing the need to provide excellent customer service while ensuring artifacts are protected can require quick problem-solving and strong communication skills. Additionally, assistants may need to adapt rapidly to changes in scheduling or exhibit layouts, working closely with curators, educators, and security staff to ensure smooth operations. These periods offer valuable experience in teamwork and multitasking, which can be beneficial for career growth within museum operations.

How to become a museum assistant?

To become a museum assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with good communication and organizational skills. Relevant experience in customer service or previous work in a museum or cultural setting can be beneficial. Some positions may require knowledge of museum collections or basic computer skills, and on-the-job training is often provided.

What Does a Museum Assistant Do?

A museum assistant is one of the entry-level positions you can obtain in a museum. This position is valuable for those wanting to work their way up, career-wise, through a museum. Your duties are to perform various administrative tasks for the museum. You may monitor exhibits and provide security services when necessary. Additionally, you may help staff set up displays and events. Museum assistants also answer questions for museum visitors and conduct tours of the museum. Essentially, your responsibilities are to perform whatever task is necessary for the operation of the museum.

What is the difference between Museum Assistant vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum AssistantMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer associate's or bachelor's degree in history, art, or related fieldsBachelor's degree often required; master's or higher in museum studies, history, or related fields preferred
Work EnvironmentAssist in daily operations, visitor services, and exhibit setup in museums or galleriesOversees collections, develops exhibits, and manages museum programs, often in larger institutions
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions for entry-level support rolesFound in museums, cultural institutions, and academic settings with more specialized responsibilities

The main difference between a Museum Assistant and a Museum Curator lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. Museum Assistants typically support daily operations and visitor engagement, requiring minimal formal education. In contrast, Museum Curators handle collections, exhibit development, and require advanced degrees. Both roles are essential in museum settings but differ significantly in scope and expertise.

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

To thrive as a Museum Assistant, you need knowledge of art, history, or cultural studies, usually backed by a relevant degree or experience in museum work. Familiarity with collection management software, point-of-sale systems, and audio-visual equipment is often required. Excellent communication, customer service, and organizational skills help you engage visitors and support museum operations. These skills are crucial for ensuring a positive visitor experience and the smooth running of daily museum activities.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired as a museum assistant can be competitive, as many positions require relevant experience, good communication skills, and sometimes specific certifications or training. Applicants often need to demonstrate knowledge of museum operations, customer service, or collections management, and some roles may require part-time or flexible schedules.

What is a museum assistant?

A museum assistant is a staff member responsible for supporting daily operations in a museum, including greeting visitors, providing information, maintaining exhibits, and assisting with educational programs. They often need good communication skills, attention to detail, and may use tools like ticketing systems or exhibit guides.

What qualifications do you need to work at a museum?

Museum assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles preferring post-secondary education in history, art, or related fields. Relevant skills include good communication, organization, and familiarity with museum operations or customer service; certifications are not usually required but can be beneficial.
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Museum Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,987 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Museum Assistant

Museum Assistant

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$13/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Requisition ID
req37152
Working Title
Museum Assistant
Pay
$13.00 Hourly
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department
Art Museum (272A)
Employment Type
Student Employment
Student Type
Work-Study
Status
Non-Exempt
Background Check Required
No
For Best Consideration Date
7/21/2026
Position Summary
Position Summary:
The University of New Mexico Art Museum (UNMAM) is dedicated to advanced learning and creating connections, both in and outside of the University community. As a teaching museum, we are committed to offering students professional development and mentorship opportunities as well as access to the largest collection of artworks in New Mexico. Through the Museum Assistant Program, UNMAM aims to be a leader in establishing dynamic education and workforce training for the next generation of museum leaders and creative professionals.
As a member of the UNMAM Museum Assistant Program, Museum Assistants work alongside professional museum staff to deliver a positive and informed visitor experience while furthering their knowledge of UNMAM's collections and exhibitions, developing their customer service skills and supporting the daily operations of an art museum. Students in this program will also participate in professional development and networking opportunities across New Mexico's museum sector.
A work-study award is required for this position. The ideal candidate should have weekend and evening availability. This position is for the Fall and Spring semesters, with the possibility of renewal for future semesters. The UNM Art Museum is closed during the summer term, so employment during that period is not guaranteed.
Duties & Responsibilities:
This position will support the UNMAM's Museum Assistant Program by providing excellent customer service, assisting visitors, and supporting the museum's daily operations. Students will also develop transferable skills and explore other areas of museum work under UNMAM staff mentorship.
Visitor services duties include but are not limited to: assisting with opening and closing of the museum; greeting and assisting museum visitors; providing information and answering questions; processing sales; record-keeping and data-entry; performing walk-throughs and providing security presence in the galleries; assisting with behind-the-scenes operations; assisting with opening receptions and events; and providing support to UNMAM staff as need.
The ideal candidate would work approximately 12 - 18 hours per week during the UNMAM's public hours and commit to a two semester (Fall and Spring) term in this role, with the possibility of renewal for future semesters. The ideal candidate must be available during the museum's public hours: Tuesday - Thursday, 10AM - 5PM, and Friday - Saturday, 10AM - 6PM, along with occasional later evenings.
Minimum Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
  • Current work-study award

  • Enrolled in a degree seeking program at UNM

  • Enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) at UNM for Fall and Spring semesters (Audit hours do not count), and if Work Study, you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

  • Availability to attend Fall 2026 Museum Assistant Orientation prior to the start of the Fall semester

  • Availability to work during the UNM Art Museum's public hours, including Fridays, Saturdays, and occasional evenings

  • Ability to work independently and take initiative, while also working effectively in a team environment

  • Excellent verbal communication skills

  • Strong interpersonal and customer service skills

  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills

  • Commitment to staying up to date on museum exhibitions, events, and offerings

  • Interest in a career in museums or other visitor serving institutions and creative industries

Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Please include a cover letter describing your interest in the Museum Assistant Program, current resume, verification of your work-study award, and your availability during the Fall 2026 semester with your application.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

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