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Museum Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lord Cultural Resources

Consultant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$55/hr

Direct experience (internships accepted) working in a museum or cultural institution. * Familiarity with the U.S. arts and culture landscape, including nonprofits, public agencies, and philanthropic ...

Lord Cultural Resources

Consultant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$55/hr

Direct experience (internships accepted) working in a museum or cultural institution. * Familiarity with the U.S. arts and culture landscape, including nonprofits, public agencies, and philanthropic ...

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All JobsMuseum JobsMuseum Internship JobsMuseum Internship Jobs in California

Museum Internship information

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$17

$23

How much do museum internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum internship in California is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

What skills do you need to be a museum internship?

A museum internship typically requires strong communication, organizational, and research skills. Attention to detail, familiarity with museum collections or archival work, and basic computer skills are also important. Some positions may require knowledge of specific tools or software related to curation or education.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs in California?

The most popular types of Museum jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Museum Internship jobs in California?

For Museum Internship jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Internship jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Internship jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Museum Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most Museum Internship job openings:

Museum Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,523 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Curator of History | San Bernardino County Museum

e-Active B.V.

Redlands, CA • On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Curator of History | San Bernardino County Museum

The San Bernardino County Museum is recruiting for a Museum Curator of History to lead the preservation, research, interpretation, and promotion of the County’s rich and diverse history.

The Curator oversees history collections and exhibitions at two museums and five historic sites throughout the County, ensuring that collections and historic resources are preserved, documented, and interpreted for the public. Key responsibilities include acquiring, classifying, researching, cataloging, and preserving historical objects and archival materials; developing and overseeing exhibitions; conducting historical research; and supporting the development of engaging educational and public programs.

The Curator also trains and provides guidance to volunteers, interns, and seasonal staff and assists with grant proposals and other initiatives that advance the Museum’s preservation and interpretation efforts. This is an exciting time to join the San Bernardino County Museum as the organization prepares for American Alliance of Museums reaccreditation next year while advancing a range of initiatives across its museums and historic sites.

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