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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.

Uintah County UT

Museum Assistant I

Vernal, UT · On-site

$16.73/hr

June 24th, 2026 Museum Assistant I The Museum Assistant provides vital entry-level support to keep our museum vibrant, welcoming, and running smoothly. This role is the face of the museum-greeting ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Apply Early

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 ...

Riley County, KS

As Needed Museum Asst

Manhattan, KS

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 ...

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 ...

Apply Early

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Museum Assistant information

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$12

$21

$50

How much do museum assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 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.
More about Museum Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Museum Assistant job openings:
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Museum Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,987 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Museum Assistant

HILLWOOD MUSEUM

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Greet and orient visitors at the coat check and provide information and directions.

  • Observe visitor activity in assigned areas and report suspicious activity or emergencies to Security.

  • Assist Security with emergency evacuation, special event crowd management, and vehicle management as needed.

Job description

Employment Status:

Full-Time

Schedule:

Total number of scheduled hours varies based on need. Employee’s schedule will be a combination of weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 9:30 am and 5:30 pm.

Primary Functions:

Greets and orients visitors at the coat check in the Mansion Acts as rover or sits a static post inside the Mansion. May answer general questions about the Hillwood/exhibit for visitors. Augments Hillwood Security by observing and reporting any suspicious activity, injury/illness, or unusual/unsafe conditions. Assures a positive, enjoyable visitor experience. May assist with special event crowd and or vehicle management.

Key Job Elements:

If assigned to Mansion Coat Check:

Welcomes and greets visitors and checks coats/bags Provides information and directions to visitors Reports suspicious activity to Security Relays any emergency information to Security for their response Answers Hillwood-related and general questions Assists Security with emergency evacuation of visitors

If assigned as Mansion Rover or Stationary Gallery Monitor:

Circulates throughout assigned area and/or sits a fixed post to observe visitor activity. Provides information and directions to visitors. Reports suspicious activity to Security Relays any emergency information to Security for their response. Answers Hillwood-related and general questions. Assists Security with emergency evacuation of visitors.

If assigned to Special Events or Parking:

Assist Security with vehicle management Assist Security with crowd management and wayfinding

We Offer:

  • A fabulous work culture that inspires your best work
  • Flexibility with a hybrid work environment
  • Support for career development with internal and external opportunities to learn and grow
  • Comprehensive health coverage with HSA contributions up to $3,000 annually
  • Retirement Savings Plan with up to 5% employer match
  • Life and disability insurance at no cost to you
  • Metro commuter benefits of up to $100 per month
  • Best in class paid time off—3 weeks vacation, 80 hours sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
  • Mental wellness support
  • Discounts in the shop and Hillwood café
  • Free admission to the museum
  • Casual Monday
  • Free on-site parking


Organizational Relationships:

Reports to their assigned supervisor or project leader. Collaborates with the Security Services. Interacts with staff, volunteers and visitors of all ages.

Knowledge:

Interested in learning about decorative arts, the Museum’s collection and founder. Experience in customer service.

Skills/Abilities:

  • An ability to remain calm under various stressors (illness/injury, emergency evacuation, suspected or overt criminal behavior).
  • Strong observation skills.
  • A warm, empathetic, and enthusiastic communicator.
  • Flexibility, patience, and a positive outlook.
  • Commitment to, enthusiasm for, and comfort with conversing with a diverse range of people.
  • Timely and responsive in correspondence via email and phone.
  • Basic comfort level with and regular use of email and computers.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to the spirit of Hillwood’s mission, vision, and interpretive messages, and keeps them at the forefront of all endeavors.
  • Use of a radio for communications.

Work Environment:

  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a museum security assistant encounters while performing the essential functions of the role.
  • 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.
  • Ascend/descend stairs, move about their assigned area.
  • Visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess.
  • Occasionally required to lift, drag and/or move up to 15 pounds unassisted.


Notice: The preceding description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by a Museum Assistant. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of staff to do this role.