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Museum Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Asian Art Museum

Emerging Leaders Internship

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Interns will gain hands-on experience while making a positive impact on museum guests from across the Bay Area and around the world. This internship offers genuine engagement opportunities in art ...

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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How much do museum internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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.

Emerging Leaders Internship

Asian Art Museum

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Interns will gain hands-on experience while making a positive impact on museum guests from across the Bay Area and around the world. This internship offers genuine engagement opportunities in art practice, museum education, art education, public programs, digital learning, and civic engagement.
Internship Dates: September 21, 2026-January 18, 2027
This is a sixteen-week, part-time (20 hours/week) internship. Schedule to be determined; interns must be available in person on Sundays from 10AM-5PM for the duration of the internship to facilitate Sundays at the Asian Art Museum events.
What to Expect
This internship combines project-based learning, one-to-one mentorship, and weekly seminars with professionals from across the museum field. Interns will receive training on best practices in museum education and curriculum design. They will then embark on projects throughout the museum, gaining hands-on teaching experience with audiences of all ages and abilities along the way. Projects may include:
  • Designing developmentally appropriate collection tours for K-12 audiences
  • Developing and offering artmaking workshops for adult audiences
  • Researching, selecting, and hosting Asian and Asian American luminaries at our public programs
  • Creating curricular resources and other assets for our digital learning platforms
  • Collaborating with marketing and communications to market programs

Interns will also learn from professionals across the museum through weekly seminars. Seminar activities may include special exhibition tours with curators, lunches with senior leadership, and talks from division heads across a variety of departments. Interns will also visit local museums and other cultural institutions across the Bay Area.
Eligibility
Interns must be at least 18 years old and currently enrolled in an accredited, degree-granting program at the time of their internship. Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors are encouraged to apply.
The museum welcomes qualified candidates from all backgrounds. Prior museum experience is not required. Students who are the first generation in their family to attend college, low-income, and bilingual in an Asian language are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with a commitment to accessibility, social justice, and museum equity are preferred. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic to learn and eager to build connections with a diverse, lively community.
Compensation
Internships are sixteen-week, part-time (20 hours/week) internships. Interns must be available in person on Sundays from 10AM to 5PM for the duration of the internship. Internship schedules may vary according to their focus and may include some evenings and additional weekend days.
Academic year paid internships are part-time and will receive $3,000. All stipends are paid in two parts, at the start and end of the internship period.
Non-paid internships are for credit only through the intern's university. All applicants to these internships must have permission from their university to earn college credit through their internship.
Working Conditions
  • Standard museum, office, event, educational environment.
  • Computer, tablet, and phone use.

Application Timeline
Applications will open in August. All components of the application (essay, work sample, transcripts, letters of recommendation) must be submitted on/before 11:59 pm PST on September 11, 2026.
Information Sessions will be held in early February. Dates of these sessions and registration links will be posted on the Asian Art Museum Calendar.
Finalists will be contacted for an interview.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must submit:
  • A completed application form using the link provided below
  • Cover letter / essay that answers the following questions:
    • What makes you want to work at the Asian Art Museum? Consider our mission of centering and celebrating Asian/Asian American art and culture.
    • Why are you interested in education and public programs?
    • What skills, experiences, and perspectives will you bring to the position?
    • What do you hope to learn from the internship? How will this position help you achieve a longer-term career goal?
  • Academic transcript (This can be unofficial but must be legible)
  • One letter of recommendation from a professor or employer

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply