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Museum Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Museum & Archives Coordinator

Linthicum, MD · Hybrid

$30/hr

This role works closely with physicians, historians, committees, and internal teams to coordinate ... Coordinate annual museum exhibits and history-related projects from planning through execution

Historic Hudson Valley

Museum Educator

NY · On-site

$21/hr

Be an active member of an engaging team of historians and educators who thrive in an environment of ... Museum Educators are asked to work a specific number of hours at other, seasonal HHV events (Great ...

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$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do museum historian jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum historian in the United States is $86,335.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Historian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Historian, you need a solid background in history or a related field, typically supported by at least a master's degree and experience in research or curatorial work. Familiarity with collections management systems, digital archiving tools, and historical research databases is often required. Strong written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and public engagement skills help distinguish top professionals in this field. These competencies ensure accurate preservation, interpretation, and presentation of historical artifacts and narratives to educate and inspire the public.

What does a Museum Historian do?

A Museum Historian researches, interprets, and presents historical information related to a museum's collections and exhibitions. They work to ensure that exhibits are accurate, engaging, and educational for visitors. Their duties may include curating artifacts, writing exhibit labels, developing educational programs, and conducting scholarly research. Museum Historians often collaborate with other museum staff, such as curators and educators, to create meaningful experiences for the public.

How much do historians at museums make?

Museum historians typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary based on the size of the institution and the complexity of the collections managed.

What does a historian do at a museum?

A museum historian researches, interprets, and presents historical information related to the museum's collections and exhibits. They often develop educational programs, write labels and catalogs, and collaborate with curators to ensure accurate historical representation, using skills in research, writing, and sometimes archival tools. Their work helps visitors understand the historical significance of artifacts and exhibits.

How to become a historian in a museum?

To become a museum historian, typically a bachelor's degree in history, archaeology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or doctoral degree for advanced positions. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or research projects, along with strong research, writing, and communication skills, is essential for securing a role in a museum setting.

What jobs can you get with museum studies?

A museum historian can pursue careers such as curators, collections managers, exhibit designers, education coordinators, and archivists. These roles typically require knowledge of history, research skills, and familiarity with collections management tools and preservation techniques.

What is the difference between Museum Historian vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum HistorianMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History, Museum Studies, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Museum Studies, Art History, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, archives, historical interpretationExhibitions, collection management, public engagement
Employer & Industry UsageHistorical museums, research institutionsArt, history, science museums
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Museum Historian and a Museum Curator lies in their focus. Museum Historians primarily conduct research, interpret historical data, and contribute to scholarly publications. Museum Curators manage collections, develop exhibitions, and engage with the public. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but serve different functions within museum settings.

How does a Museum Historian typically collaborate with curators and educators on exhibit development?

Museum Historians play a vital role in exhibit development by researching and interpreting historical content, ensuring accuracy and context for artifacts and narratives. They work closely with curators to select objects and shape the overall story of an exhibit, and with educators to develop engaging materials and programs for visitors. This collaborative process often involves regular meetings, research sharing, and collective decision-making to create meaningful experiences that connect the public with history.
More about Museum Historian jobs
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Museum Historian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Historian job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 23% Locum Tenens, 31% Full Time, and 46% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Part Time Public Historian

Part Time Public Historian

City of Grand Prairie

Grand Prairie, TX • On-site

$22.73 - $32.96/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

City Of Grand Prairie rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 654 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Job Summary The city of Grand Prairie seeks a part-time (up to 20 hours a week) public historian with experience in giving tours of historic museums; curation, creation, installation, display, interpretation and storage of museum exhibits; maintenance and restoration of historic buildings and artifacts; primary and secondary research; maintenance of collections, archives and databases; and outreach, community engagement and promotion. The purpose of the position is to increase visits to and program attendance at the Grand Prairie Historical Museum by creating a positive experience for customers. In addition, the position provides professional exhibit guidance, is responsible for the operations of the museum and travelling exhibit space, for developing educational programs and museum exhibits that appeal to diverse audiences, and for providing direct customer service.

Essential Job Functions Work at Grand Prairie Historical Museum up to 20 hours a week to allow it to be open to the public, including weekend hours Schedule tours for interested parties, be a meeting host location for community organizations and offer support where you can to increase the visitor traffic to the museum. Coordinate with the community, historical and genealogical organizations to further enhance, curate and preserve history, museum and collection Manage maintenance of Historical Museum, Copeland Home and Bowles Home Coordinate Historic Marker Applications from the public Coordinate with downtown and other community events Expand promotion of museum using social media, community outreach and public appearances. Minimum Qualifications Education: A degree or work related experience in Museum Studies, Public History, or closely related field is preferred.

Experience: One year experience. Licenses: Valid Driver's License required

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