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Museum Assistant Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

MIT Human Resources

Museum Store Assistant

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

MUSEUM STORE ASSISTANT , Museum , assists with the daily operation of the MIT Museum Store. The Store provides earned revenue to support the MIT Museum's mission to make research and innovation ...

Museum of Science

Education Fellow

Boston, MA · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

The Museum's singular location connecting Boston and Cambridge puts us at the junction of some of ... Participate in the creation of new and engaging programming for all education channels. Assist in ...

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Museum Assistant information

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$13

$22

$55

How much do museum assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum assistant in Boston, MA is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $22.45 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.
More about Museum Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Museum jobs in Boston, MA are:

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

What job categories do people searching Museum Assistant jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Assistant jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Museum Assistant jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Museum Assistant job openings:

Museum Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Assistant job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,785 per year, or $23 per hour.

Museum Store Assistant

Cambridge, MA • On-site

MIT Human Resources
Human Resource Programs Administration • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about MIT Human Resourcesexternal

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

MUSEUM STORE ASSISTANT, Museum, assists with the daily operation of the MIT Museum Store. The Store provides earned revenue to support the MIT Museum’s mission to make research and innovation accessible to all. Will assist customers in the store: answer questions, share product knowledge, make recommendations; ring up museum store purchases; retrieve, count, price, and store incoming merchandise shipments; assist with the organization and maintenance of two stockrooms; replenish store stock levels throughout the day; straighten displays; and open/close store as needed including cash register/POS and all entrances and exits.

The full job description is available here: https://mitmuseum.mit.edu/connection/careers

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About MIT Human Resources

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Our mission is to advance a vibrant and diverse work community where individuals and groups thrive and contribute to MIT's excellence. We offer Support, Services, and Programs to enhance your work life. We're here to help. MIT is committed to helping employees achieve a healthy balance between their careers and the full lives they lead off-campus. Explore all of MIT's Work & Life resources, including MyLife Services, which provides 24/7 access to a network of experts available to help with life’s challenges.

Industry

Human resource programs administration

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, MA, US

Year founded

2014

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