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Museum Guide Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

... guided, personalized approach to wellness. In this role, you will provide hands-on care by ... Famous landmarks include the Milwaukee Art Museum with its iconic "wings," the historic Third Ward ...

Respite Provider

Altoona, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $19.25/hr

The child communicates using an AAC device and by physically guiding others to items of interest ... Occasional outings such as the children's museum or outdoor adventures Responsibilities- * Prepare ...

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Museum Guide information

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How much do museum guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum guide in Wisconsin is $17.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $19.42 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.

Do you need a degree to be a museum guide?

A museum guide typically does not need a degree, but strong communication skills, knowledge of the exhibits, and customer service experience are important. Some museums may prefer or require relevant certifications or training, especially for specialized collections or roles. Educational requirements vary by institution, but most entry-level positions focus on skills and enthusiasm rather than formal education.

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 to get a job as a museum tour guide?

To become a museum tour guide, candidates typically need strong communication skills, a good knowledge of the museum's exhibits, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions may require prior experience in customer service or education, and guides may need to complete training provided by the museum. Certification is not usually mandatory but can enhance job prospects.

Are museum guides paid?

Museum guides are typically paid employees or contractors who earn wages or hourly rates for their work. Compensation varies depending on the museum, location, and experience, and some guides may also receive tips or benefits. Many museums require guides to have good communication skills and knowledge of the exhibits.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A museum guide typically does not earn $10,000 a month without additional experience or specialized skills. High earnings in such roles are uncommon; most museum guides earn moderate wages, and higher salaries usually require advanced qualifications or management positions within the museum sector.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Museum Guide jobs in Wisconsin? For Museum Guide jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Guide jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Guide jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Guide jobs in WI? For Museum Guide jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Museum Guide job openings in Wisconsin as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,407 per year, or $18 per hour.
Tour Guide at Historic Wade House - LTE

Tour Guide at Historic Wade House - LTE

State of Wisconsin

Greenbush, WI • On-site

$14/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 12 days ago


State Of Wisconsin rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 50 rated states


Job description

Introduction
The Wisconsin Historical Society , considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization. The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history. Click here for more information about WHS' mission, vision, and core values.
Position Summary
Historic Wade House Stagecoach Inn, Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum, blacksmith shop, sawmill and grounds in Greenbush, Wisconsin. The site offers guided tours from May - early November with special events throughout the year. The Visitor Center and Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum is open year-round. The domestic interpreter (tour guide) is responsible for the daily guest experience at the 1850s Wade House Stagecoach Inn, interpretation of the history of the Wade family, the Wade House Historic Site, and the Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum. Duties will include interactions with a diverse array of guests, leading house tours, caring for the site animals including the chickens and sheep, and using the wood burning stove for demonstrations. Interpreters are stewards of the buildings and collections of the Wisconsin Historical Society and are responsible for daily cleaning and collections care to ensure that we can share Wisconsin's stories for generations to come. All interpreters are provided with 1850s clothing to wear as a domestic interpreter.
Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Provide engaging storytelling opportunities to guests, guiding them through the history of the Wade House Stagecoach Inn, the Wade Family, and daily life in the 1850s.
  • Interpret the Wade House Stagecoach Inn and Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum according to approved materials and as explained by the Guest Experience Coordinator/Curator.
  • Provide assistance and guidance to visitors in a courteous and professional manner.
  • Keep the Wade House Stagecoach Inn clean, organized, and presentable for guests.
  • Open and close site as needed.
  • Use the 1850s wood burning stove for daily interactive programming.
  • Assist in the preparation, presentation, and clean up for events during which you are scheduled to work.
  • Interpret any special materials which are needed for special events and relate this information to site visitors as scripted.
Work Environment:
Work is in an environment which may be dusty, hot, humid, moldy and open to pollen, ragweed and other allergens at times, while in 1850s period clothing.
Salary Information
Pay range is $14.00 per hour with a weekend differential of 80 cents per hour. This classification is in schedule and class 18-00
Please note this is a Limited Term Employment position so it does not include paid time off or benefits upon hire.
Job Details
A criminal background check will be conducted by WHS prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.
This is a Limited Term Employment (LTE) position and limited to 1,039 hours. This position will be part time and average 15-20 hours per week.
Wisconsin residency is required for Limited Term Employment positions.
Limited Term Employment (LTE) positions are not civil service classified positions, do not give any rights to permanent civil service classified positions and do not lead to permanent status.
WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
Qualifications
  • Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) interpretive methodologies, including guided tours
  • Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) site specific history
  • Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) professionally-recognized collection care principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of material culture, its connection to cultural history, and the ability to build these elements into interpretation (or willingness to learn).
  • Excellent oral communication skills with staff and the public. Ability to give presentations to the public.
  • Ability to use email and enter time using computer technology.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) use of period equipment including an 1850s wood burning stove and other items necessary for demonstrations and programs.
  • Ability to work well with and coordinate diverse groups of individuals, including children, adults and mixed groups.

How To Apply
Apply online! To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don't have an account. Once you are logged in, click "Apply for Job." Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here .
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.
Questions can be directed to dawn.garcia@wisconsinhistory.or g or (608) 264-6670
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.
Deadline to Apply
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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