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Museum Guide Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... a museum environment in Memphis, Tennessee. This contract-to-permanent opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys creating a positive visitor experience, guiding guests throughout exhibit spaces ...

... museum. * Availability to work weekends and a schedule that includes being off on Tuesdays plus one additional day during the week. * Ability to guide guests, manage directional questions, and ...

Studio B Bus Driver

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

The Museum collects objects and archival materials that illustrate the evolving history and ... Communicate with tour guides to ensure timely transportation of guests Requirements Minimum ...

Studio B Bus Driver

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

The museum collects artifacts that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music ... Communicate with tour guides to ensure timely transportation of guests Requirements Minimum ...

FT Memphis PAC APC - Sourcing

Alamo, TN · On-site

$119K - $141K/yr

Our innovative population health data reports will guide you towards optimal and timely care for ... Visit Elvis's Graceland, the eminent Peabody Hotel, and Mud Island, a museum that houses the ...

New

Yard Sticker

Sweetwater, TN · On-site

$18.55/hr

Responsibilities * Assist with laying rough, raw wood sticks onto cutting tables using guided laser ... Museum and The Tennessee Valley Theatre, job seekers can enjoy a unique work-life balance. From ...

Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing team of tour managers, hosts, and guides * Manage ... marketing, or museum/attraction operations * 3+ years of demonstrated leadership experience ...

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Museum Guide information

See Tennessee salary details

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How much do museum guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum guide in Tennessee is $16.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

Are museum tour guides paid?

Museum tour guides are typically paid employees or contractors who earn wages or hourly rates for leading visitors through exhibits. Compensation varies by institution, location, and experience, and some guides may also receive tips or bonuses. Many guides need good communication skills and knowledge of the exhibits to perform their duties effectively.

How do you become a museum guide?

To become a museum guide, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and good communication skills. Relevant knowledge of the museum's exhibits, customer service experience, and sometimes a background in history or art are beneficial; some museums offer training or require certification. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage visitors are essential for this role.

How to get hired as a museum guide?

To get hired as a museum guide, applicants typically need strong communication skills, a good knowledge of the museum's exhibits, and customer service experience. Many positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may prefer or require familiarity with specific subjects or languages. Applying through the museum's employment portal or job boards and demonstrating enthusiasm for education and history can improve chances of hiring.

What are popular job titles related to Museum Guide jobs in Tennessee?

For Museum Guide jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Guide jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Guide jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Museum Guide jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Museum Guide job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Museum Guide jobs in TN?

For Museum Guide jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Museum Guide job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Locum Tenens, 50% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,636 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Museum Host (Guest Experience Team)

Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum - Nashville, TN - Part Time and Full Time Hourly

Please Note: While we are not actively filling this position at the moment, we welcome applications on an ongoing basis. We regularly review our talent pipeline and encourage you to apply if you're interested in joining our team. If a position that matches your experience becomes available, we'll be in touch.

About the Museum

Located in downtown Nashville inside Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel, Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum invites guests to step into the extraordinary story of Dolly Parton- her Smoky Mountain childhood, her music, films, philanthropy, and the values that shaped her life. Spanning more than 20,000 square feet, the museum takes visitors behind the scenes of iconic moments while celebrating the heart, humor, and generosity that define Dolly's legacy.

Every guest who walks through our doors should feel the same warmth, joy, and sense of possibility that Dolly brings to the world. Our team makes that happen.

Position Summary

Museum Hosts are the heart of the guest experience within the museum environment. They serve as welcoming guides, wayfinders, and storytellers throughout the galleries-helping create a seamless, engaging, and comfortable journey for every visitor.

Hosts ensure every guest feels seen, cared for, and excited to explore-while contributing to an environment that is safe, inclusive, and grounded in thoughtful, story-driven experiences and sound judgment in day-to-day interactions.

What You'll DoWelcome & Guest Experience
  • Greet every guest with warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine hospitality
  • Create a welcoming environment that reflects Dolly's kindness, humor, and authenticity
  • Provide clear information about exhibits, museum experiences, and amenities
  • Help guests navigate the space and ensure everyone feels comfortable and included
Ticketing & Entry
  • Assist with ticket sales and reservations
  • Answer questions about museum experiences and offerings
  • Use handheld ticket scanners or entry technology to support accurate and efficient guest entry
Gallery & Exhibit Support
  • Serve as a friendly presence throughout the museum galleries
  • Help maintain an engaging, respectful environment for exhibits
  • Share exhibit information in a way that helps bring Dolly's story to life and encourages curiosity
  • Help create a space where guests feel comfortable, respected, and free to engage at their own pace
  • Support the operation of interactive exhibits and theater experiences, including ushering guests and initiating show elements using simple digital controls
  • Follow and communicate museum guidelines such as photography and social media policies in a friendly, guest-focused way
Safety & Awareness
  • Follow museum safety and emergency procedures, helping maintain a calm and organized environment
  • Recognize when a situation requires additional support and communicate clearly with leadership
  • Support an inclusive environment by assisting guests with accessibility needs when appropriate
Events & Group Support
  • Assist with the preparation, execution, and breakdown of special events, including morning, evening, and after-hours programming as scheduled
  • Help facilitate group visits, providing orientation, wayfinding, and support for larger parties
  • Adapt to changing event needs while maintaining a calm, guest-focused presence
Operational Support
  • Assist with opening and closing procedures
  • Monitor guest flow and support overall museum operations
  • Support other Guest Experience Team roles as needed to ensure a seamless overall operation

Care of Space

  • Help maintain clean, welcoming, and guest-ready environments throughout the museum
  • Support light custodial tasks such as tidying, resetting spaces, and addressing spills or minor clean-up needs
  • Take shared responsibility for the overall presentation and care of the museum

What Makes a Great Host

We're looking for people who naturally bring warmth, kindness, and a sense of fun to their work.

Ideal candidates:

  • Enjoy connecting with people from around the world
  • Are energized by creating memorable guest experiences
  • Take pride in representing Dolly's values of generosity, authenticity, and positivity
  • Help create an environment where every guest feels safe, welcomed, and included
  • Are thoughtful and balanced in how they support both guests and the team
  • Communicate clearly and kindly with guests and teammates

Qualifications

  • Previous customer service, hospitality, retail, or museum experience preferred
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced guest environment
  • Ability to stand and move throughout the museum for extended periods
  • Availability for weekends, holidays, and peak tourism periods
  • Comfortable working flexible hours for special events including evenings and weekends
Why Join Us

Working at Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum means helping bring an extraordinary story to life for visitors from around the world. Every day is an opportunity to share joy, inspire curiosity, and make someone's visit unforgettable.

If you believe in treating people with kindness, celebrating creativity, and spreading a little sparkle wherever you go-you'll fit right in.

A Shared Purpose

Whether in the galleries or in retail, every Host is part of the same story. We meet our guests at different moments in their visit-but we share one purpose:

We inspire joy by bringing Dolly's genuine spirit to everyone.

Employment Type: OTHER