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Museum Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Leasing Professional - Museum Place

Portland, OR · On-site

$18 - $21.25/hr

Leasing Professional - Museum Place Full time Portland, Oregon Apply Now Save Job Job saved ABOUT ... Rare or regular travel may be required to assist other properties as needed, attend training ...

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Museum Assistant information

See Oregon salary details

$12

$22

$53

How much do museum assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum assistant in Oregon is $22.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum assistant?

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum assistant?

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.

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.

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.

Is it difficult to get a job as a museum assistant?

Securing a museum assistant position can vary depending on the location and the level of experience required. Typically, candidates need good communication skills, attention to detail, and sometimes prior experience or relevant education in museum studies or related fields. Competition may be moderate, and some roles require part-time availability or specific certifications such as a background check.

What qualifications do you need to work as a museum assistant?

Museum assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions prefer or require post-secondary education in history, art, or related fields. Good communication skills, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of museum operations are important, and familiarity with security procedures or customer service can be beneficial.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Museum jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Museum Assistant jobs in Oregon?

For Museum Assistant jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Assistant jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Assistant jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Museum Assistant jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Museum Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Assistant job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,507 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

$17 - $19.71/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 hours ago


Oregon Child Development Coalition rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC):

Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) is a nonprofit organization serving children and families across Oregon through early education and family support programs. At OCDC, our work has purpose. Every role contributes to creating stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures for children across Oregon.

Position Summary:

Assists center staff in carrying out various duties at the center as assigned, in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, Day Care Licensing Regulations, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other applicable standards.

Essential Functions:

Serves and welcomes visitors by:

  • Greeting them in person or on the telephone, answering or referring inquiries, and directing them.

  • Notifying center personnel of visitor arrivals.

  • Issuing visitor's badges and maintaining visitor's log.

Performs clerical duties by:

  • Entering data, completing reports, filing, and retrieving information.

  • Typing miscellaneous correspondence, reports, memos, faxing information, copying various documentation.

Performs the duties of Teacher Assistant as assigned by:

  • Assisting the teacher in implementing a good balance of child directed and teacher directed activities.

  • Providing healthy and safe activities that are developmentally and age appropriate.

  • Assisting the teacher with record keeping as assigned.

  • Assisting with custodial duties of the classroom.

  • Assisting with playground supervision.

  • Serving as sick room attendant as directed.

Performs the duties of Bus Assistant as assigned by:

  • Assisting bus driver in providing safe transportation for the children.

  • Ensuring that all children are seated at all times while the bus is in motion.

  • Ensuring that all children are wearing seat belts or are in appropriate car seats.

  • Ensuring that all children enter and exit the bus safely.

Performs the duties of Cook Assistant as assigned by:

  • Assisting the food service staff in preparing health, nutritious meals and snacks as directed, ensuring special dietary needs are met.

  • Assisting with record keeping as assigned.

  • Assisting with dish washing and maintaining the kitchen and storage areas in a safe, clean condition.

Performs custodial duties of the center as assigned by:

  • Performing laundry duties as assigned.

  • Assisting with general maintenance of center, such as emptying trash, maintaining floors, bathrooms, replenishing supplies, etc., as needed.

Contributes to team effort by:

  • Communicating positively with staff, parents, and children who participate in the program.

  • Attending local staff and parent meetings if required.

  • Attending local or state training if required.

  • Fostering an understanding of Head Start, its mission, goals, objectives, and program services.

Maintains confidence and protects agency operations by:

  • Keeping information confidential.

Continually applies safety practices in all facets of the performance of duties by:

  • Complying with agency safety standards.

  • Supporting participation of a safe environment.

  • Immediately reporting any unsafe or hazardous working conditions and/or any injury.

Other responsibilities:

  • Performing other work related or assigned duties.

Education and Experience Requirements:

  • Six months experience working within a variety of responsibilities to include working with young children, cooking in a restaurant, or cleaning in an industrial setting.

Pay Range:

The pay range for this position is $17.00 to $19.71 hourly. Placement within the range is determined by factors such as relevant experience, skills, certifications, and internal equity.

Benefits:

OCDC offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Eligible employees (20+ hours/week) may receive:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Retirement plan with employer contribution

  • Paid time off, sick leave, holidays, and paid leave programs

  • Employer paid life and disability coverage, with voluntary options available

  • Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources

  • Optional benefits including pet insurance

At OCDC, employee well-being is a priority and an essential part of supporting our mission and communities.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

OCDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

OCDC is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation. If you need an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please let us know.


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