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Museum Internships Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Computer History Museum

Cisco Archivist

San Jose, CA · On-site

... interns, engage in reference services; * Digitize materials according to accepted professional practices; * Responsible for compiling quarterly statistical reports; * Support Computer History Museum ...

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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$38.1K

$59.7K

How much do museum internships jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum internships in California is $38,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28,887.00 and $43,575.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum internship?

Museum internships are temporary work experiences offered by museums to students or recent graduates interested in gaining practical skills in fields such as curation, education, conservation, administration, or visitor services. These internships typically provide hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to the daily operations of a museum. Interns may assist with research, exhibit preparation, educational programming, or collection management. Most internships are part-time and may be paid or unpaid, depending on the museum and funding availability. Completing a museum internship can be an important step for those considering a career in museums or the broader cultural sector.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a museum internship?

As a museum intern, you may be involved in a variety of projects depending on the department, such as assisting with exhibit preparation, cataloging artifacts, conducting research, supporting educational programs, or helping with visitor services. Interns often collaborate closely with curators, educators, and collections managers, gaining hands-on experience in museum operations. It’s common to work both independently and as part of a team, and you’ll have opportunities to learn about the day-to-day challenges and rewards of museum work. This exposure is not only valuable for building practical skills but also for networking and exploring different career paths within the museum field.

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 a related field along with strong research and organizational skills. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital archiving tools, and basic office software is often required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective support for museum operations, meaningful visitor engagement, and successful execution of educational or curatorial projects.

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Museum Internships jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Internships job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 48% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,097 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Curatorial and Archives

Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum

Compton, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Intern Responsibilities

Curatorial & Archives Intern

Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum

Thank you for your interest in the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum. Curatorial and Archives Interns play an important role in preserving, researching, and interpreting the museum's collections while supporting exhibitions, educational programs, and the stewardship of California history.

Collections Care

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with the proper handling and care of museum artifacts.
  • Follow museum procedures for object handling and storage.
  • Help organize and rehouse collections using archival-quality materials.
  • Monitor the condition of artifacts and report any concerns to museum staff.
  • Assist with inventory projects and collections organization.

Archival Processing

Responsibilities:

  • Organize, sort, and catalog archival materials, including photographs, documents, maps, and manuscripts in PastPerfect.
  • Assist with digitization projects by scanning and organizing digital files.
  • Label and file archival materials according to museum standards.
  • Help maintain accurate records within the museum's collections database.
  • Preserve archival materials using proper archival handling techniques.

Research

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct historical research using primary and secondary sources.
  • Assist with artifact and archival research to support exhibitions and educational programming.
  • Verify historical information and document research findings.
  • Compile research notes and bibliographies for museum projects.
  • Assist staff with special research requests as needed.

General Intern Expectations

All Curatorial & Archives Interns are expected to:

  • Arrive on time and maintain a consistent internship schedule.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail.
  • Handle all collections and archival materials with care and respect.
  • Follow museum policies regarding collections, confidentiality, and safety.
  • Maintain an organized and clean workspace.
  • Ask questions and seek guidance when handling unfamiliar materials or tasks.
  • Communicate effectively with museum staff regarding project progress and deadlines.
  • Represent the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum in a courteous and professional manner.

Thank you for contributing to the preservation and interpretation of the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum's collections. Your work helps ensure that the history of the Dominguez family and early California remains accessible for future generations.

Apply