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Museum Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Retail - Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $18/hr

Retail Associate - Pokemon Fossil Museum Exhibition Store (The Field Museum) Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience ...

Warehouse - Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Warehouse Associate - Pokemon Fossil Museum Exhibition Store (The Field Museum) Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience ...

Warehouse - Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Warehouse Associate - Pokemon Fossil Museum Exhibition Store (The Field Museum) Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience ...

Warehouse Associate - Pokemon Fossil Museum Exhibition Store (The Field Museum) Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience ...

Associate Director of Individual Giving

Chicago, IL · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We have an opening for an Associate Director of Individual Giving to support the Development ... This role manages the museum's mid-level donor pipeline, driving acquisition, retention, and ...

Director of Outside Sales

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role is not responsible for managing inbound event inquiries generated by the Museum. Key ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Director of Outside Sales

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Represent the Museum at industry functions, networking events, and community activities to promote ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Director of Outside Sales

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Represent the Museum at industry functions, networking events, and community activities to promote ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Director of Outside Sales

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role is not responsible for managing inbound event inquiries generated by the Museum. Key ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Showing results 21-40

Museum Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.8K

$145.5K

$319.9K

How much do museum associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum associate in Chicago, IL is $145,466.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $218,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum associate?

Museum Associates are professionals who support the daily operations of museums by assisting with visitor services, exhibitions, educational programs, and collection management. They often greet and guide visitors, answer questions, and help ensure that museum policies and procedures are followed. Museum Associates may also be involved in setting up displays, conducting tours, and supporting special events. Their work is essential for creating a welcoming and educational experience for museum guests.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a museum associate?

To thrive as a Museum Associate, you need a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field, along with strong organizational and customer service skills. Familiarity with collection management systems, ticketing software, and guided tour tools is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and a passion for education help someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring smooth museum operations, delivering engaging visitor experiences, and preserving valuable collections.

How does a museum associate typically collaborate with curators and educators within the museum?

Museum Associates often serve as a vital link between curators, educators, and the public. They assist curators by helping with exhibit installation, maintaining collection records, and ensuring artifacts are properly displayed. Additionally, Museum Associates frequently work alongside museum educators to help facilitate tours, educational programs, and special events, ensuring visitors have an engaging and informative experience. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Museum Associates coordinate schedules, relay visitor feedback, and support the museum’s educational mission.

What is the difference between Museum Associate vs Museum Technician?

AspectMuseum AssociateMuseum Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; some roles may prefer a bachelor'sAssociate degree or technical certification in museum studies or related field
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, educational institutionsMuseums, conservation labs, exhibit preparation areas
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssisting visitors, educational programs, administrative tasksHandling artifacts, exhibit setup, conservation support

While both roles support museum operations, Museum Associates focus on visitor engagement and educational activities, whereas Museum Technicians are more involved in artifact handling, exhibit installation, and conservation tasks. The roles often overlap in work environment and required credentials, but their core responsibilities differ, making each essential to museum functions.

Is it hard to get a job as a museum associate?

Getting a job as a museum associate can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in museum studies, history, or a related field, along with experience in customer service or educational roles. Strong communication skills, familiarity with museum operations, and sometimes volunteer work or internships can improve chances of employment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Museum jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Museum Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Museum Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $145,466 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

Retail - Associate

SSA Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

$15.75 - $18/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 10 days ago


SSA Group rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

507th of 734 rated retailers


Job description

Who are we:
At SSA, we believe our work matters because the people do. For more than 50 years, we've helped create experiences that leave people feeling connected, inspired, and reminded that fun still matters.
Whether you're looking for your first job, building your career, or bringing years of experience to a new role, you'll be part of a team that values your ideas, supports your growth, and encourages you to make an impact. More than 54% of our leaders are promoted from within, reflecting our commitment to investing in people and creating opportunities to succeed.
Retail Associate - Pokemon Fossil Museum Exhibition Store (The Field Museum)
Who are we:
For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey. Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities.
Position Title: Retail Associate Pokemon Fossil Museum Exhibition Store (The Field Museum)
Type of Position: Part Time/Seasonal
Reports to: Retail Supervisor(s), Assistant Retail Operations Manager, and Retail Operations Manager
Responsibilities
  • Support the Pokemon Fossil Museum Exhibition Store's operations: Cashier/Check-out service, ticket taking, crowd management, inventory, merchandising.
  • Fulfill guest's needs quickly and efficiently.
  • Inform retail leadership in a timely manner when item quantities are low or special request. Working with warehouse team to pull & fill items as necessary.
  • Relay relevant comments received from customers directly to supervisor.
  • Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
  • Uphold company policies and procedures.
  • Perform the steps of SSA 452 Hospitality to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client.
  • Check and stock supplies in counter area, floor display, floor stands and cabinets neatly, accurately, and in a timely fashion.
  • Clean tables, chairs, equipment as needed.
  • Keep counter and floor in work or service area clean and free of debris.
  • Maintain balanced cash drawer as assigned.
  • Perform other related duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned from time to time.
  • Merchandise product to maximize sales.
  • Increase sales by promotional items or suggestive selling.
  • Supports unit in being an example for Company & Client guidelines with regard to Sustainability/Conservation efforts. Displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
  • Supports SSA / Pokemon Fossil Museum in driving community effort through hiring efforts, engagement activities, and focus on opportunities of giving back.
  • Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

Job Requirements
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Thrive in a team environment while having the ability to work independently and demonstrated flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to understand and implement written and verbal instructions.
  • Computer knowledge and skill level basic POS systems, and excel.
  • Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (10-35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
  • Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

IDEA + Belonging
  • Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units
  • Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels
  • Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary
  • Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back

Previous Experience
  • None required. Previous experience in guest-facing operations (Retail, Cashier, Ambassador, Guest Services, Concierge, Hospitality, Food Service) preferred.
  • Knowledge of the Pokemon brand and affiliated merchandise preferred.
  • All education backgrounds eligible.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. The Company reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)
Compensation and Benefits
  • On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
  • Eligible for Overtime Pay
  • Holiday pay of 1.5x the regular rate is provided for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
  • Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.

Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C.. Colorado: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Maryland: Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Washington: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time.
SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.
All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").
San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.
OFFICE USE ONLY:
#LI-DNI
SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.
All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").
San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.

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