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Museum Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER

Tour Guide

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20/hr

The Museum of Tolerance Los Angeles, founded in 1993, is the educational arm of the SWC. Moriah ... The Museum of Tolerance is seeking an experienced, energetic and engaging Part Time Tour Guides to ...

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Museum Guide information

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How much do museum guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum guide in California is $17.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges museum guides face when engaging diverse visitor groups?

Museum Guides often encounter groups with varying ages, backgrounds, and levels of interest, which can make it challenging to tailor tours that are engaging for everyone. Adapting communication styles, managing group dynamics, and balancing the need to convey accurate information while fostering interactive discussions are key aspects of the role. Successful guides are flexible, observant, and skilled at reading their audience to ensure a memorable and educational experience for all visitors.

What is the difference between Museum Guide vs Tour Guide?

AspectMuseum GuideTour Guide
CredentialsMay require knowledge of art, history, or specific museum certificationsOften requires general tour guiding certifications or licenses
Work EnvironmentIndoor museum settings, exhibits, galleriesVarious locations including outdoor sites, historical landmarks, city tours
Employer & IndustryMuseums, cultural institutionsTravel agencies, tour companies, historical sites
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking museum-specific roles or informationPeople comparing different types of guiding roles for travel or leisure

While both roles involve guiding visitors, a Museum Guide specializes in indoor museum environments, focusing on art and history exhibits, often requiring specific knowledge or certifications. A Tour Guide typically leads groups at various sites, including outdoor landmarks, and may need general guiding licenses. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their interests and qualifications.

What is a museum guide?

Museum guides are professionals who provide tours and share information about exhibits, artifacts, and the overall history of a museum with visitors. They help make the museum experience educational and engaging by interpreting displays, answering questions, and sometimes offering specialized tours for different age groups or interests. Museum guides often possess in-depth knowledge of the museum’s collections and are skilled at communicating complex topics in an accessible way.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum guide?

To thrive as a Museum Guide, you need strong knowledge of art, history, or science (depending on the museum), excellent public speaking skills, and typically at least a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with audio-visual equipment, tour management software, and digital ticketing systems is often required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and adaptability help guides engage diverse audiences and handle unexpected situations. These skills ensure visitors have an informative, enjoyable experience and help the museum fulfill its educational mission.

Are museum tour guides paid?

Museum tour guides are typically paid employees or contractors who earn wages or hourly rates for leading tours and engaging visitors. Compensation varies depending on the museum, location, and experience, with some guides working part-time or seasonally. Many guides also receive tips from visitors, which can supplement their income.

What does it take to be a museum guide?

A museum guide typically needs strong communication skills, a good knowledge of the exhibits, and the ability to engage visitors. Relevant education may include a high school diploma or higher, and some guides pursue training or certifications in museum education or interpretation. Customer service skills and the ability to work flexible hours are also important.
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Museum Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Guide job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,575 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Tour Guide

SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

About us:

The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) is a global Jewish human rights activist organization that confronts anti-Semitism, hate, stands with Israel, defends the safety of Jews worldwide, and teaches the lessons of the Holocaust for future generations.  It is an accredited Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) at the United Nations, UNESCO and the OSCE, the Organization of American States, the Latin American Parliament, and the Council of Europe.  The SWC is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York, Chicago, Miami, Toronto, Paris, Jerusalem and Buenos Aires. The Museum of Tolerance Los Angeles, founded in 1993, is the educational arm of the SWC. Moriah Films is the Center’s two-time Academy Award®-winning film division and the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem is scheduled to open in 2024.

About the role:

The Museum of Tolerance is seeking an experienced, energetic and engaging Part Time Tour Guides to provide museum tours, in all permanent and special exhibitions, in order to enhance the quality of the museum experience for all visitors. 

About you:

You are passionate about making the Museum of Tolerance relevant for our visitors. You believe in the mission of the Museum and in the values of human and civil rights and Holocaust education. You have a great demeanor, professional behavior and impeccable customer service skills. 

This position will report to the MOT Floor Coordinators and is based in Los Angeles.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead museum tours and assist museum visitors
  • Serve as stationary guide in assigned locations
  • Communicate with Floor Coordinator team daily for assigned duties
  • Participate in all professional development opportunities
  • Must be available to work flexible days Sunday through Friday as needed and hours starting as early as 8:30am
  • Must be able to commit to working 29 hours per week
  • SUNDAY HOURS ARE REQUIRED
  • Other duties as assigned by full-time Floor Coordinator Supervisor

Our Benefits:

This role is part time (under 29 hours per week).

The Simon Wiesenthal Center embraces inclusivity and values our diverse community. We are committed to building a team based on qualifications, merit and business need. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Experience and Skills:

  • Comfortable in a dynamic, fast paced and highly flexible environment
  • Excellent communication & interpersonal skills
  • Excellent presentation skills with groups and general public
  • Ability and desire to work with students of all ages, especially high school students
  • Multilingual skills are a bonus

Physical Requirements:

  • This job requires standing/walking for up to 3 hours multiple times per day

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