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How much do museum internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum internship in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the big 4 internships?

The 'Big 4' internships typically refer to internship programs offered by the four largest accounting firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These internships provide experience in accounting, auditing, consulting, and advisory services and are highly competitive for students pursuing careers in finance and accounting. For museum internships, the focus is usually on gaining experience in curation, education, or conservation, rather than these corporate programs.

What is a museum internship?

A museum internship is a short-term work experience opportunity offered by museums to students, recent graduates, or individuals interested in pursuing a career in the museum field. Interns gain hands-on experience in areas such as curation, education, collections management, research, and museum administration. These internships can be paid or unpaid and typically last from a few weeks to several months. They are valuable for building professional networks, enhancing résumés, and gaining practical skills relevant to museum careers.

What types of projects or responsibilities can I expect during a museum internship?

During a museum internship, you may be involved in a variety of hands-on projects such as assisting with exhibition installation, cataloging collections, supporting educational programs, or helping with marketing and outreach efforts. Interns often work closely with curators, educators, and collections managers, gaining exposure to the daily operations of the museum. You'll have opportunities to develop professional skills, network with museum professionals, and contribute to meaningful projects that enhance the visitor experience.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired as a museum intern can be competitive, as many applicants seek these positions due to their valuable experience. Candidates often need relevant coursework, strong interest in the field, and sometimes prior volunteer work or related skills. The application process typically involves submitting a resume and interview, and some internships may require background checks or specific certifications.

Do Smithsonian internships pay?

Smithsonian internships are generally unpaid, offering valuable experience and networking opportunities in museum and research environments. Some programs may provide stipends or stipends for living expenses, but most are volunteer-based. Interns often gain skills in curation, education, or research during their internship period.

What do interns do at museums?

Museum interns assist with a variety of tasks such as cataloging artifacts, preparing exhibits, conducting research, and providing visitor support. They often gain experience with museum operations, collections management, and educational programs while working under supervision in a professional environment.

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

To thrive as a Museum Intern, you typically need a background in art history, museum studies, or related fields, along with strong research and organizational skills. Familiarity with collection management systems, database software, and digital archiving tools is often expected. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies help interns effectively support museum operations, contribute to exhibitions and education, and ensure the preservation and accessibility of collections.

What is the difference between Museum Internship vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum InternshipMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a relevant degree (e.g., history, art, archaeology)Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) often required
Work EnvironmentHands-on experience in museums, assisting staff, and learning operationsOversees collections, research, exhibitions, and staff management
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level or training positions within museums and cultural institutionsSenior professional role within museums, cultural institutions, or academia

While a Museum Internship provides practical experience and training in museum operations, a Museum Curator is a professional responsible for managing collections, research, and exhibitions. Internships are ideal for gaining initial exposure, whereas curators hold advanced qualifications and oversee museum programs.

More about Museum Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Internship jobs? Cities with the most Museum Internship job openings:
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What states have the most Museum Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Internship jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Museum Internship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Internship jobs are:
Museum Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Internship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,995 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Fall 2026 Museum Education (Paid) Intern

Country Music Foundation Inc

Nashville, TN • On-site

$18/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description

Internship: Museum Education (Paid)


For application deadlines and internship dates, please visit: Countrymusichalloffame.org/support/get-involved/internships.


Museum Overview: Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum documents and interprets the history of country music-a musical genre and culture central to the identity of the city, the state, and the nation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Museum proudly combines subject expertise, ambitious research, and preservation of an unparalleled collection with expressions of creativity in music, art, and history. The Museum collects artifacts that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music and provides diverse learning opportunities through educational programs, publications, and exhibitions. The core exhibit follows the story of country music from its folk beginnings through its evolution as a commercial art form. Rotating exhibits examine a broad range of topics, from country classics to contemporary and emerging artists in American Currents. The Museum owns Hatch Show Print, a letterpress print shop opened in 1879, and it operates Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley and many others recorded.


Internship Program Overview: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum offers paid internships to full-time college students (undergraduate and graduate) that advance the educational goals of the intern and help to promote the Museum's mission. The Museum's internship program offers work-based learning opportunities that introduce college students to museum-related careers and other professions found in large cultural organizations. Internships are designed for a maximum commitment of 25 hours per week for 12 weeks with consideration given to individual university requirements. Additional adjustments to the 12-week, 25-hour schedule will be at the discretion of the internship supervisor. Educational programs which operate on a quarterly basis may be accommodated. Motivated students who are seeking hands-on experiences in a team-oriented environment will find excellent opportunities at the Museum.


The application process for prospective interns includes the submission of:

  • An online application for the specific internship you are applying for via our internal hiring system
  • A resume
  • A one-page cover letter; it is recommended that your cover letter explain how your education and experience will contribute positively to this internship and how this internship relates to your academic pursuits and/or career goals

What We Offer Interns:

  • The hourly rate for this position is $15/hr. for students pursuing a bachelor's degree; $18/hr. for students pursuing a master's degree or higher
  • Free 24/7 downtown parking or WeGo bus pass
  • Complimentary admission to the Museum for yourself
  • Two complimentary Museum admission passes for friends and family use
  • Free guided tour of Hatch Show Print, Historic RCA Studio B, and the Museum's galleries
  • Discounts at Museum stores and restaurants 
  • Free or discounted entry to local venues including: National Museum of African American Music, the Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and more! 
  • Fun, friendly, and supportive learning environment

Field Forward Stipend: Field Forward is a living and relocation stipend, offered to select candidates in addition to the paid internship, that supports students who identify as traditionally underrepresented in cultural arts careers and students with demonstrated financial need. Field Forward's goals are to encourage diverse student engagement with the Museum and the broader museum field and to promote educational and professional experience and training to students historically underrepresented in museum and other cultural arts professions. Students must submit an additional application and demonstrate financial need (if applicable) to be considered. To learn more, including important deadlines, please visit: Countrymusichalloffame.org/support/get-involved/internships.


Departmental Overview: Charged with the mission of educating varied audiences about country music, the Education Department develops programs and resources that illuminate the stories, themes, and music explored in the Museum's galleries. Traditionally serving more than 120,000 people per year through 2,000+ programs, the Education Department supports students of all ages, from school groups and families who engage in hands-on learning activities to general Museum guests who experience performance presentations during their visit. A creative and curious team, the Education staff is composed of traditional and nontraditional educators, including classroom teachers, visual artists, historians, museum educators, and professional musicians. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum educators share a passion for country music, popular culture, and lifelong learning, and they regularly collaborate to develop and implement dynamic educational offerings commensurate with one of the most-visited history museums in America.


Museum Education Internship Overview: The goal of this internship is for the intern to engage in a variety of interdisciplinary educational experiences in a museum environment through the School Programs Department. School Programs provide dynamic, interdisciplinary learning experiences that support curriculum standards in core subject areas, such as STEAM, College and Career Readiness, English Language Arts, Social Studies, Social and Emotional Learning, and fine arts curriculum for grades K-12. The Museum Education intern will receive hands-on training from Museum educators, and they will interact directly with student, teacher, and family audiences. The intern will assist with program delivery and facilitation, support program preparations, facilitate administrative tasks, support evaluation and assessment, attend team meetings, and research and develop resources to support programming.


Specific Internship Duties: 

  • Assist the School Programs team in daily activities, such as preparing and facilitating student programs in the Museum galleries and classrooms
  • Set specific, personal and professional goals and work with the School Programs Manager to achieve them
  • Develop and practice interdepartmental communication skills and general professionalism
  • Perform administrative tasks as needed

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled, credit-seeking, and/or degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student

Preferred Requirements:

  • Interest in experiential/museum education, music, American history, and youth-focused program development, with course work in a related field
  • Experience or course work in education, history, and/or the fine arts
  • Knowledge of country music, or willingness to learn
  • Experience working with children and/or teaching
  • Ability to multitask and solve problems
  • Upbeat and energetic

Conditions of Internship:

  • Availability to work a flexible schedule, within Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CT
  • Lift 25 lbs. or less 

Note to Applicant:


The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We respect the varied attributes, characteristics, and perspectives that make each person unique. The museum promotes an environment of respect, communication, and understanding, while actively providing opportunities for all employees of all backgrounds the skills, experience, and information necessary to succeed. The museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or characteristics, age, membership in an employee organization, military or veteran status, or other non-merit factor. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.


We are a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified candidates to apply for open positions. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and visitors. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and employment verification, including federally mandated E-Verify processes, as required for position.


Due to the high volume of applications received for this position, hiring managers will only contact candidates they are interested in scheduling for an interview. Please refrain from calling or emailing to inquire about the status of your application. 


Please upload a resume and cover letter when applying for the position.


Applications are only accepted online on our career page: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/careers.

Apply