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Museum Guide Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Hampton University

Visitor Service Manager

Hampton, VA · On-site

$31K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Museum Store. Primary: Interact with incoming patrons and serve as the liaison for guided and self-guided tours. Deliver all aspects of the retail operation: from maintaining a clean and tidy ...

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Museum Guide information

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How much do museum guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum guide in Virginia is $17.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $19.09 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 Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,742 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Education Internship

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

POSITION: Education Internship
TYPE: Part-time Hourly
CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt
DEPARTMENT: Education
REPORTS TO: Manager of School and Educator Programs
SUMMARY: The Education Internship is a short-term role that supports the education team by assisting with administrative tasks, organizing supplies, and coordinating communication and logistics for studio programs, special events, and tours. The role also involves conducting research and preparing materials for current and upcoming exhibitions and programs to ensure the smooth execution of educational initiatives. Interns may also have the opportunity to learn how to facilitate tours, art making activities, and other programs as desired.
This internship is ideal for students or emerging professionals interested in museum education, museum studies, nonprofit arts management, K-12 education, public programs, community engagement, or those curious about how art spaces serve the public through education and outreach.
SCHEDULE:
Hours: 4-20 hours per week
Days: Tuesday to Friday
Time: Between 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Maximum Hours: 120
Note: This internship could begin as soon as August 2026. Some evening and weekend hours may be requested.
RESPONSIBILITIES (to be determined based on season of Internship)
General Administrative Duties

  • Assist with recordkeeping of department's budget
  • Oversee the education email inbox and redirect/answer emails from stakeholders
Studio Programs
  • Assist in sending out class reminder emails to instructors with attendee lists
  • Help manage class waitlists and fill spaces as needed
  • Assist in confirming supply needs with instructors and organizing supply orders for purchase
  • Support sending out surveys following the completion of classes
  • Help create and submit check requests for approval for instructors who are not on payroll
  • Assist in planning for studio programs in the next exhibition cycle
Special Events
  • Communicate with vendors and community partners under guidance
  • Help identify supply needs and organize supply orders for purchase
  • Assist in developing event interactive activities and preparation of materials
  • Assist in creating set-ups and schedules for day-of staff and volunteer coordination
  • Support inclusivity initiatives at the museum, including preparing social stories for special events.
Tours
  • Assist in creating calendar events for the building calendar
  • Assist in scheduling volunteers and part-time educators for tour facilitation
  • Organize supply orders for purchase and preparing art making materials
  • Send post-visit surveys to group leaders
Exhibitions
  • Conduct research for upcoming exhibitions and ARTlab Interactive Gallery displays
  • Assist with restocking and re-ordering supplies for ARTlab
  • Assist with preparing Family Gallery Guides for the main exhibitions on display
  • Assist with organizing and installing community and youth exhibitions
SKILLS & ABILITIES
  • Strong interest in art, education, museums or non-profits
  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand and sit for prolonged periods
  • Ability to maintain continuous physical activity while working safely in an office and studio environment
  • Strong customer service and administrative skills
  • Ability to assess priorities and manage multiple projects
  • Clear and effective communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills with a positive, creative approach to being imaginative, flexible, and resourceful
  • Knowledge of modern computer programs (including Microsoft Suite)
  • Experience working in youth-based programs and art studios, preferred
  • Valid Virginia Driver's License with a good driving record
  • Background check is required

Virginia MOCA strives for an inclusive work environment and actively embraces a diversity of people, ideas, talents, and experiences. We highly encourage black, indigenous, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and other historically under

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