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Museum Guide Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

National Gallery of Art

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $187K/yr

CL-PT uses advanced imaging to analyze artist techniques, guide treatment and collaborate with ... Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field. OR 2. Combination of education and ...

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NOVA Parks

Museum Supervisor

Alexandria, VA

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Ability to conduct guided tours of the museum. * Ability to supervise volunteers. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office. * Weekday, weekend, and some evening work required. * This is a year-round ...

NOVA Parks

Museum Supervisor

Alexandria, VA

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Ability to conduct guided tours of the museum. * Ability to supervise volunteers. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office. * Weekday, weekend, and some evening work required. * This is a year-round ...

National Gallery of Art

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $187K/yr

CL-PT uses advanced imaging to analyze artist techniques, guide treatment and collaborate with ... Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field. OR * Combination of education and ...

New

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Museum Guide information

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How much do museum guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum guide in Washington is $20.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.78 and $21.78 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.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired as a museum guide can be competitive, often requiring good communication skills, knowledge of exhibits, and sometimes prior customer service experience. Many positions are part-time and may require background checks or training, but the hiring process generally depends on the museum's needs and applicant qualifications.

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 for new guides. Certification is not usually required but can enhance job prospects.

What are museum guides?

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, and why are they important?

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.

How much do tour guides get paid?

Museum guides typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $10 to $20, depending on location, experience, and the institution. Salaries can vary with part-time or seasonal work, and some guides earn tips in addition to their base pay.

How to get hired as a tour guide?

To become a museum guide, candidates typically need good communication skills, a passion for history or art, and relevant knowledge of the exhibits. Many museums require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some prefer prior experience or training in customer service or education. Certification or training programs in tour guiding can enhance prospects, and being able to work flexible hours is often necessary.

What Is a Museum Guide?

A museum guide helps visitors experience a museum’s collections through guided tours, workshops, and special events. These experts have detailed knowledge of an institution’s exhibits and design specific tours based on an artist, theme, or another category. As a museum guide, you may also occasionally lecture educators and other art historians on particular pieces or collections, as well as perform research duties.

More about Museum Guide jobs
What are popular job titles related to Museum Guide jobs in Washington? For Museum Guide jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Guide jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Guide jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Museum Guide jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Museum Guide job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Guide jobs in WA? For Museum Guide jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Museum Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Guide job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,974 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

History Program Specialist (Museum Curator)

Parsons Corporation

Springfield, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Parsons rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

257th of 439 rated engineering

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!
At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.
Job Description:
The GEOINT History Program Specialist - Mid, is responsible for the development and execution of the historical program, from research and writing to curation and operations. This individual supports the operation and maintenance of the Customer history archives and all associated material residing in the Historical Research Center, and to preserve and communicate Customer's history to Customer's employees and public affairs mission both internally and externally. Duties include content development and execution, museum support, and Historical Research Center archiving and curation.
Duties Include:
  • Content Development & Execution: Research, develop, and execute a high volume of historical content illustrating Customer's history for both internal and external audiences. Products include articles, brochures, social media posts, podcast production, website content, museum exhibits, and museum tour guides.

  • Historical Research Center Archiving: Archival processing, customary basic preservation procedures, inventorying and entering records metadata, assisting in collaborative efforts with Customer Records Management and the National Archives. Organize archival records and apply the proper classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials while providing reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials. Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials. Answer and receive external phone/email inquiries and ability to conduct the background research to generate a response.

  • Historical Research Center Curation: Record processing for artifacts and assistance with the inventorying and enforcing accountability procedures for historical artifacts in Customer custody. Ensuring measurement and metrics are accurately recorded. Locate new materials and advise government customers on acquisition, preservation, and display possibilities. Assist the Program Manager and Customer Historian on Customer's history audit including attending meetings, working with auditors, and performing curation inspections as required. Work deaccessions forms and reports for items along with managing the removal process from start to finish.

  • Customer Museum Support: Work with other museums on loans, exhibits, artifact solicitation, and advise in acquisition decisions. This also includes researching, developing, and producing historical displays, posters, exhibits, museum experiences, and any museum specific communications about Customer history program. Provide guided tours of the museum and exhibits.

Required Skills:
  • Education: A minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in History, Geography, Library Science, Museum Studies, Museum Science, or a related field. 1-year experience in the career field of curation or a certificate from an approved technical curatorial program in museum management required.

  • Experience: A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in the career field of history, geography, library science, museum studies, or museum science role. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, the candidate must have 5+ years of direct museum practice, artifact preservation, curation, or history-related positions.

  • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities with an eagerness to draft, edit, and proofread materials.

  • Attention to Detail: A high degree of accuracy and thoroughness when completing tasks such as inventorying and entering records metadata or recording the origins and significance of archival materials.

  • Organizational Skills: The ability to assist with multiple tasks and prioritize assignments effectively in a fast-paced support role. Organize archival records and apply the proper classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.

  • Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build effective working relationships with internal colleagues and community partners.

  • Written and Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible language.
  • Current/Active TS/SCI clearance or higher.

Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Top Secret SCI security clearance is required for this position.
This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.
The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.
Salary Range: $88,400.00 - $154,700.00
We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!
Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!
Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

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