1

Museum Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Technical Designer

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$25 - $34/hr

Associate Director of Technical Design About Ravenswood Studio Inc. Ravenswood Studio is a ... With our core values of Trust, Ingenuity and Excellence, we build museum and corporate exhibits ...

Associate Director of Technical Design About Ravenswood Studio Inc. Ravenswood Studio is a ... With our core values of Trust, Ingenuity and Excellence, we build museum and corporate exhibits ...

Visitor Experience Systems Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $74K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain oversight of VE procedures for ticketing setup of museum admission and programs ... Support ongoing training efforts and serve as a role model for VE Assistants and Associates.

Estimator

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

With our core values of Trust, Ingenuity and Excellence, we build museum and corporate exhibits ... Flag issues of risk including schedule, complexity, or structural challenges to the Associate ...

Estimator

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

With our core values of Trust, Ingenuity and Excellence, we build museum and corporate exhibits ... Flag issues of risk including schedule, complexity, or structural challenges to the Associate ...

Estimator

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

With our core values of Trust, Ingenuity and Excellence, we build museum and corporate exhibits ... Flag issues of risk including schedule, complexity, or structural challenges to the Associate ...

Sous Chef

Oak Brook, IL

$50K - $68K/yr

... Theatre, Elmhurst Art Museum, and downtown. At Crescent Hotels & Resorts, we are a team of ... More than that, we know our Associates are the shining stars of what we do! We understand what it ...

Sous Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

  • Retirement

... Theatre, Elmhurst Art Museum, and downtown. At Crescent Hotels & Resorts, we are a team of ... More than that, we know our Associates are the shining stars of what we do! We understand what it ...

Restaurant Manager

Chicago, IL

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... our associates to put their career path, safety and success as our top priority, as well as to ... Marisol, the restaurant and bar at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, features innovative ...

Restaurant Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... our associates to put their career path, safety and success as our top priority, as well as to ... Marisol, the restaurant and bar at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, features innovative ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Technical Designer

RAVENSWOOD STUDIO

Lincolnwood, IL • On-site

$25 - $34/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Technical Designer

Reports to: Associate Director of Technical Design

About Ravenswood Studio Inc.
Ravenswood Studio is a nationally recognized custom fabrication company driven by passionate artisans who take pride in every aspect of each and every project we undertake. With our core values of Trust, Ingenuity and Excellence, we build museum and corporate exhibits, specialty millwork, custom themed elements and scenery for theater, opera, and film.

Celebrating 35 years as one of the nation's most talented builders, we fabricate projects of all scales and complexities.We are creative, detail oriented, deadline sensitive, and budget conscious, making us a perfect match to bring our clients vision into a physical reality. We are as passionate about our projects as our clients are. Our team of innovators includes Project Managers, Technical Designers, Carpenters, Metalworkers, Scenic Artists,Sculptors, and Electronics Experts who partner and collaborate with Designers, Architects, and Clients. Within our 100,000 sq ft fabrication facility, we use state-of-the-art fabrication technologies, methods and materials to produce award winning projects that set our clients apart time and time again.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Technical Designers are responsible for creating drawings of our projects for both client review and shop fabrication. With input from project managers, job leads, and fabricators, technical designers aim to find the simplest and most efficient solutions.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create detailed shop drawings for a variety of different types of projects.
Work in a collaborative team setting.
Clearly communicate design intent and fabrication techniques onto drawings.
Maintain open and clear communication with the project team and Associate Director of Technical Design.
Create drawings for design specific parts, ordered from suppliers.
Create production files for our internal CNC machines.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Proficiency in AutoCAD, especially 3D, as well as Microsoft and Google Suites
Hands on fabrication experience highly recommended
Relevant degree / diploma, professional certification, or equivalent work experience of at least 3 years' detailing in
one or more of the following industries: museum exhibit, display, cabinetry / millwork, theater / opera, or themed environments.
Ability to prioritize and problem solve with shifting priorities and deadlines.
Is proactive, aware, and focused.
High attention to detail, seeing tasks through until completed.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Understanding of the materials and methods used in a custom fabrication facility