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Museum Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Play Street Museum Fairfax

Play Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$16/hr

Join Our Team as a Team Member at Play Street Museum Fairfax! Are you passionate about creating fun and memorable experiences for families? Do you enjoy working in a playful and interactive ...

Glenstone Museum

Curatorial Assistant

Potomac, MD · On-site

$49K - $64K/hr

Opened in 2006 and expanded in 2018, the museum welcomes visitors to a unique experience of indoor ... Assistant will assist the curatorial team with a variety of projects related to Glenstone ...

Museum of the Bible

Assistant Curator

Washington, DC · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Museum of the Bible seeks an Assistant Curator who will help steward, research, and exhibit the museum's extensive collection of modern printed Bibles and religious texts. This ...

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Museum Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$22

$53

How much do museum assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum assistant in Reston, VA is $22.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $21.49 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.
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Cities near Reston, VA with the most Museum Assistant job openings:

Museum Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% 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 $45,762 per year, or $22 per hour.

Play Assistant

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Play Street Museum Fairfax
See more jobs at Play Street Museum Fairfaxexternal

$16/hr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Join Our Team as a Team Member at Play Street Museum Fairfax!

Are you passionate about creating fun and memorable experiences for families? Do you enjoy working in a playful and interactive environment? Play Street Museum Fairfax is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our team as Team Members! Located in Fairfax, VA, we are a hands-on children's museum designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and imagination.

What You'll Do

As a Team Member, you'll play a key role in ensuring that every visitor has an amazing experience. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Welcoming families and children with a warm and friendly attitude.
  • Assisting with the setup, maintenance, and cleanliness of the museum's exhibits and play areas.
  • Monitoring the play environment to ensure safety and a positive atmosphere.
  • Providing excellent customer service by answering questions and addressing visitor needs.
  • Supporting special events, birthday parties, and group activities as needed.
  • Helping with daily tasks such as restocking supplies and tidying up.
What We're Looking For

We’re seeking individuals who are:

  • Friendly, approachable, and great with kids and families.
  • Reliable, responsible, and able to work well in a team setting.
  • Organized and detail-oriented, with a knack for keeping things running smoothly.
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, interactive environment.

No prior experience is required—just a positive attitude and a willingness to learn!

Why Join Us?

At Play Street Museum Fairfax, we believe in the power of play and the importance of fostering a welcoming environment for families. As a part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children while working in a fun and dynamic setting.

Ready to Apply?

If this sounds like the perfect fit for you, we’d love to hear from you! Join us at Play Street Museum Fairfax and help us create unforgettable experiences for our visitors. Apply today and let’s make playtime even more magical!


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