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How much do museum collections intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collections intern in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Collections Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Collections Intern, you need a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field, along with strong organizational and research skills. Familiarity with collections management software, cataloging systems, and basic artifact handling procedures is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the proper care, documentation, and accessibility of cultural artifacts, which are vital for preserving and sharing museum collections.

What types of projects and tasks can a Museum Collections Intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Museum Collections Intern, you can expect to engage in a variety of hands-on projects such as cataloging artifacts, updating collection databases, assisting with condition reports, and helping with the preparation and installation of exhibits. Interns often work closely with collections managers and conservators, gaining exposure to best practices in object handling, storage, and preventive conservation. You'll also have opportunities to participate in team meetings and may be asked to conduct research to support interpretive or curatorial projects, providing a well-rounded experience in museum operations.

What are Museum Collections Interns?

Museum Collections Interns are individuals, usually students or recent graduates, who assist museum staff in managing, cataloging, preserving, and researching items within a museum's collection. Their duties may include inventorying artifacts, updating records in collection databases, helping with the preparation of exhibits, and ensuring proper storage and handling of objects. These internships provide hands-on experience in museum operations and are valuable for those interested in pursuing careers in museum studies or related fields.
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Museum Collections Intern jobs near you
Margaret and Peter Dzwilewski Library and Research Center Intern

Margaret and Peter Dzwilewski Library and Research Center Intern

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS

Washington, DC • On-site

$18.40/hr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description

Position Summary

The Margaret and Peter Dzwilewski Library and Research Center Intern will work with the Betty Boyd Dettre Library and Research Center (LRC) staff to provide access to the LRC's collections and resources. The intern will be expected to work on the reference desk, answer questions when appropriate, and perform basic circulation tasks, along with other duties and projects dependent on availability and applicant skill level. This position is part-time, 20 hours per week, up to 240 total hours. This position reports to the Reference & Technical Services Librarian. The fall internship term runs from September to December 2026, with flexible end dates.


Responsibilities

Functions may include, but are not limited to:

  • Assist with Reference Desk Services by engaging visitors and answering questions in person, by email, and over the phone.
  • Circulate requested library materials to museum staff.
  • Shelve materials and maintain order of library stacks.
  • Process books (barcode, label, and add/edit catalog item records).
  • File and organize artist file material and create new artist files as directed.
  • Copy catalog books and/or metadata creation.
  • Assist with archival processing tasks including box label creation, file organization, appraisal, inventory, arrangement, basic preservation, and re-housing of archival institutional records.
  • Assist with digital asset management, scanning and cataloging digitized collections.
  • Write blog posts to highlight recent library acquisitions, resources, and events.
  • Assist with planning and implementation of library programming.
  • Conceptualize social media posts for public outreach.

Requirements

Qualifications 

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following skills/experience:

  • Applicants must reside in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virgina and must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship by NMWA.
  • Applicants must have completed their sophomore year of undergraduate study (or higher) or two-years' worth of work experience after high school. 
  • Enrollment in a library and information science graduate program, or interest in pursuing advanced degree in library science is strongly preferred.
  • Very strong organization skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
  • Excellent computer skills and comfort in learning new computer programs and databases
  • Strong customer service skills with professional, friendly, and positive demeanor
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Interest in research tools

If much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role, even if you don't meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely for an applicant to meet 100% of the qualifications for a given role, and that every candidate brings unique experience and qualifications to a role. We are excited to meet you!


Compensation

NMWA Interns will be paid $18.40 per hour.


How to Apply

Please apply through NMWA's online job application. You do not need to provide a cover letter, instead please upload a two-page writing sample of your choice. If you are currently a student, please upload your unofficial transcript in PDF format. All supplemental documents must be in PDF format and labeled with the applicant's last name, first name, and name of the document. To request accommodations in the application or hiring process, please notify NMWA's internship coordinator at internship@nmwa.org.  


The National Museum of Women in the Arts is an equal opportunity employer. To comply with tax and legal obligations all candidates must reside in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship by NMWA.


The National Museum of Women in the Arts is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts. With its collections, exhibitions, programs, and online content, the museum inspires dynamic exchanges about art and ideas; advocates for better representation of women artists; and serves as a vital center for thought leadership, community engagement, and social change.

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