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Museum Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Museum Assistant information

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$11

$19

$46

How much do museum assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum assistant in Tennessee is $19.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $18.75 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 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 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 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 museum studies, history, or related fields. Good communication skills, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of museum operations or customer service are also important. Relevant experience or certifications in areas like first aid or security can be advantageous.

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?

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 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. Candidates typically 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 or seasonal availability.
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Museum jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Assistant jobs in Tennessee? For Museum Assistant jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Assistant jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Assistant jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Museum Assistant jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Museum Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Museum Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,924 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Museum Preparator

Country Music Foundation

Nashville, TN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Museum Preparator
FLSA Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has an opening for a full-time, exempt Museum Preparator in the Museum Services Department.
Company Overview: Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fameยฎ and Museum documents and interprets the history of country music-a musical genre and culture central to the identity of the city, the state, and the nation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the museum proudly combines subject expertise, ambitious research, and preservation of an unparalleled collection with expressions of creativity in music, art, and history. The museum collects artifacts that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music and provides diverse learning opportunities through educational programs, publications, and exhibitions. The core exhibit follows the story of country music from its folk beginnings through its evolution as a commercial art form. Rotating exhibits examine a broad range of topics, from country classics to contemporary and emerging artists in American Currents. The museum owns Hatch Show Print, a letterpress print shop opened in 1879, and it operates Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley and many others recorded.
What We Offer for Full-Time Staff:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Options
  • Competitive Pay
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Days
  • Paid Holidays (13) and Floating Holidays (2)
  • 401(K) with Up to 3% Employer Match
  • Employee Assistance Program (Free Counseling and Legal Services)
  • Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
  • FREE 24/7 Downtown Parking and Transit Benefits
  • Continuing Professional Offerings
  • Complimentary Museum Admission (For Yourself, Family, and Friends)
  • Reciprocal Partnerships with Local Venues (The Nashville Zoo, Dollywood Theme & Water Parks, National Museum of African American Music, tours at The Opry and The Ryman Auditorium, and more)
  • Up to 25% Discount in Retail Stores and Onsite Restaurant Venues
  • Opportunities to Attend Exhibit Openings, Concerts and Special Events
  • Employee Engagement Activities and Opportunities
  • FSA and Dependent Care Options
  • Dog Friendly Work Environment
  • Volunteering and Community Engagement Opportunities

Division Overview: The Museum Services division is responsible for the museum's collections, exhibitions, and editorial content.
Position Overview: The Country Music Hall of Fameยฎ and Museum has an opening for a full-time exempt Museum Preparator to lead preparation, mounting, installation, and transportation of collections objects displayed in museum exhibitions, in compliance with American Association of Museums (AAM) collection standards and ethics. The position includes shared responsibility for gallery and exhibition monitoring and maintenance, and oversight of exhibition supplies and tools.
This position carries responsibility for irreplaceable objects and archival materials, and requires careful attention to detail, strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills, plus the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, and to work collaboratively and diplomatically.
This position reports to the Executive Director of Exhibitions and Curatorial Services. Excellent time management skills are essential.
Specific Job Duties:
  • Fabricating safe and stable structural support mounts for a variety of artifacts and specimens including 2-D and 3-D objects such as costumes, musical instruments, manuscripts, etc. Fabrication materials include metal, acrylic, fabric, and foam.
  • Mounting and dismounting artifacts
  • Assisting with artifact handling and transport within the museum.
  • Maintain exhibition work areas, including oversight of tools and equipment and exhibit supplies and furniture.
  • Work with exhibitions and collections staff to prepare and maintain gallery spaces.
  • Cleaning and repairing existing exhibits and displays, and/or identifying needs.
  • Assist collections staff with precise measurements and recordings of artifact dimensions.

Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, or a comparable academic field and relevant work experience and training.
  • 3-5 years of experience in museum exhibition installation and production.
  • Understanding of 3D and spatial design.
  • Experience with artifact preparation and mounting, knowledge of tools and installation methods, including soldering and welding. Carpentry experience is a plus.
  • Exhibition graphics installation experience

Physical Requirements:
  • Applicants should also be able to climb and work on ladders.
  • Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, twisting, sitting, bending, and stooping
  • Applicants should have the ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
  • Applicants should have the ability to work around paints, cleansers and other similar products in a gallery environment and work in spaces that collect dust.
  • Comfortable using and operating hand power tools

Conditions of Employment:
  • Must be able to work a flexible 40-hr./week schedule including some weekends, evenings, and holidays

Notes to Applicant:
The Country Music Hall of Fameยฎ and Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We respect the varied attributes, characteristics, and perspectives that make each person unique. The museum promotes an environment of respect, communication, and understanding, while actively providing opportunities for all employees of all backgrounds the skills, experience, and information necessary to succeed. The museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or characteristics, age, membership in an employee organization, military or veteran status, or other non-merit factor. The Country Music Hall of Fameยฎ and Museum does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
We are a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified candidates to apply for open positions. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and visitors. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and employment verification, including federally mandated E-Verify processes, as required for position.
Due to the high volume of applications received for this position, hiring managers will only contact candidates they are interested in scheduling for an interview. Please refrain from calling to inquire about the status of your application.
Please upload a resume and cover letter when applying for the position.
Applications are only accepted online on our career page: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/careers