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Museum Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Albuquerque

Museum Curator

Albuquerque, NM

$62K - $68K/yr

Position Summary The Albuquerque Museum welcomes a Curator of Art who is proficient in regional art ... Develop strategies for art, history or collections interpretation, through exhibitions ...

University of Kentucky

Museum Assistant

Lexington, KY · On-site

$12/hr

Art Museum Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range $12.00/hour Type of Position Student Position ... interpretation ability Capable of doing curatorial research Keen attention to detail for ...

Veitusa

Vintage Car Museum Curator

Rogers, MN · On-site

POSITION SUMMARY The Museum Curatoris responsible forpreserving, interpreting, andshowcasingthe museum's collection of antique and historically significant automobiles. This role ensures the quality ...

Historic Hudson Valley

Museum Educator

NY · On-site

$21/hr

HHV has a national reputation for groundbreaking on-site interpretation and award-winning digital ... Museum Educators are expected to perform the following core tasks: * Tell the people-focused ...

Museum of Fine Arts

Interpretive Planner

Boston, MA · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

Stay abreast of developments in the fields of art museum interpretation and evaluation through readings, contacts with colleagues at other institutions; and occasional benchmarking travel and ...

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Museum Interpreter information

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$24K

$64K

$104.5K

How much do museum interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum interpreter in the United States is $64,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired as a museum interpreter can be competitive, often requiring relevant education, such as a background in history, art, or education, and strong communication skills. Experience with public speaking, customer service, or educational programs can improve chances, and some positions may require certifications or training in visitor engagement. The hiring process typically involves interviews and background checks.

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

To thrive as a Museum Interpreter, you need a solid background in history, art, or related fields, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with audio-visual presentation tools, museum collection management systems, and sometimes foreign language proficiency is valuable. Exceptional communication, public speaking, and storytelling abilities help create engaging and educational experiences for diverse audiences. These skills are crucial for effectively conveying information, fostering visitor engagement, and enhancing the overall museum experience.

How much does an interpreter get paid?

Museum interpreters typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the institution. Salaries can vary with full-time or part-time positions, and some may receive benefits or stipends for additional training or certifications.

What are museum interpreters?

Museum interpreters are professionals who help visitors understand and connect with museum exhibits and collections. They use storytelling, demonstrations, tours, and educational programs to make the museum experience engaging and informative. Museum interpreters often answer visitor questions, provide historical context, and adapt information for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Their main goal is to make art, history, or science accessible and meaningful for everyone.

How to be a museum interpreter?

To become a museum interpreter, you typically need strong communication skills, knowledge of the museum's exhibits, and often a background in history, art, or science. Relevant experience can include volunteering, internships, or education in a related field, and some positions may require certifications or training in visitor engagement and safety protocols.

What is the difference between Museum Interpreter vs Museum Educator?

AspectMuseum InterpreterMuseum Educator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer related certificationsSimilar; often requires a degree in education, history, or related fields
Work EnvironmentMuseums, historical sites, cultural institutionsMuseums, schools, community centers
Primary FocusEngaging visitors through tours, demonstrations, and interpretive programsDeveloping educational programs, workshops, and curriculum
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in museums and cultural sitesUsed in museums with an educational focus, schools, and outreach programs

While both roles involve engaging the public and promoting understanding of exhibits, Museum Interpreters primarily focus on guiding visitors and providing interpretive information, whereas Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs to deepen visitor learning experiences.

How does a Museum Interpreter typically collaborate with curators and educators to enhance visitor experiences?

Museum Interpreters regularly work alongside curators and education teams to develop engaging tours, workshops, and interactive programs tailored to diverse audiences. They help translate complex exhibition content into accessible stories and activities, ensuring visitors of all backgrounds can connect with the museum’s collections. This collaborative approach not only enriches the visitor experience but also allows interpreters to continuously expand their knowledge and contribute creative ideas to new exhibits or events.

What is the highest paying interpreter job?

Museum interpreters typically earn moderate salaries, but higher-paying interpreter roles include specialized positions such as legal, medical, or technical interpreters, who often require advanced language skills and certifications. These roles can offer higher compensation due to the complexity and importance of the interpretation work.
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Museum Interpreter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Interpreter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Part Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,020 per year, or $30.8 per hour.
Museum Specialist IS-1016-12

Museum Specialist IS-1016-12

National Museum of Asian Art

Washington, DC

$102K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Description
OPEN DATE: May 29, 2026                
CLOSING DATE: June 29, 2026               
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite   
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 

Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive / Moderate Risk
Open to all qualified applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
 
Conditions of Employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
  • Complete a Probationary Period.
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
  • The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

OVERVIEW
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art opened in 1923 as America’s first national art museum and the first Asian art museum in the United States. It now stewards on of the world’s most important collections of Asian art, with works dating from antiquity to the present. The museum also hosts an unparalleled collection of 19th- and early 20th-century American art.
Through an ambitious program of collecting, conservation, exhibitions, programming and research, both onsite and online, the museum serves as a global and national resource for understanding the arts and cultures of Asia and their interaction with America, past and present. By presenting the arts and cultures of Asia in their extraordinary richness, the museum furthers cross-cultural understanding and aims to exemplify foundational ideals of curiosity, creativity and respect.
Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the museum is free and open 364 days a year (closed Dec. 25). The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex and welcomes millions of visitors yearly. For more information about the National Museum of Asian Art, visit asia.si.edu.
The Opportunity
This position serves as an Objects Conservator within the Department of Conservation and Scientific Research with the responsibility to independently plan, coordinate and execute conservation examination, treatment, documentation, and preventative conservation activities in support of the National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) exhibitions, loans, acquisitions, and long-term collections stewardship priorities. The role functions as a principal technical advisor to curators, registrars, collections management, exhibition staff, and other stakeholders regarding the safe handling, packing, transport, storage, display, and environmental requirements of objects and develops recommendations that mitigate risk and ensure compliance with museum and Smithsonian standards. The incumbent is supervised by the Welch Head, Department of Conservation and Scientific Research. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent, under the supervision of the Welch Head of Conservation and Scientific Research, performs the following:
Conservation
• Develop and carry out routine to complex conservation treatments on a variety of collection objects in every state of condition, including highly complex and delicate procedures on fragile and irreplaceable objects. 
• Conservation work involves gathering contextual information, identifying and analyzing conservation needs, developing treatment recommendations, procedures, and implementation.
• Examines objects to identify composition, method of manufacture, authenticity, and condition; evidence of previous repair, and the nature and extent of treatment needed for the preservation.
• Responsible for exercising initiative and good judgement in seeking, interpreting, adapting guidelines to best fit conservation treatment and collections care stewardship in a deadline oriented, changing environment that demands flexibility, social awareness and diplomacy. 
• Responsible for applying preventive conservation principles as they relate to the care and stewardship of NMAA’s collection, executing conservation treatment when required, conducting materials testing and workshops on conservation and collections care.
• Prepare and analyze samples, interpret scientific analyses, and collaborate with internal and external conservators and scientific research staff.
• Prepare written records on the examination of objects, including reports, comprehensive technical documentation, treatment records, and photographs.
• Undertakes research to develop and adapt new methods and techniques to address unique or unforeseen preservation challenges.
Collections and Exhibition Support
• Collaborate with exhibition conservator, curatorial, collections management, and exhibition teams to ensure safe handling, storage, display, and transport of objects. 
• Assess objects for loans and exhibitions, prepare condition reports, and recommend environmental and handling requirements, as well as advises on materials used for transporting and storing objects. 
• Provide conservation guidance for exhibition planning including coordinating and performing conservation treatments for objects related to exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions. 
• Serves as expert advising on materials, packing, transport, and environmental controls for collections and as a courier ensuring the safe transport and installation of objects.
• Examines collections to assess condition and suitability for loan or exhibition, and performs or coordinates conservation treatments with staff, partner institutions, or external conservators and contractors.
• Contribute to collections care planning, including storage improvements and long-term stewardship initiatives. 
• Identifies long-term object storage projects and performs periodic surveys of NMAA collections to determine if storage or environmental conditions need to be modified.
• Advises collections managers and other staff on the care of the collections, including preventive conservation strategies such as proper handling, storage, and environment.
• Participate in internships and fellowships, including reviewing applications, mentoring participants, and evaluating outcomes. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for this position you must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service or comparable experience outside the Federal government.
Specialized experience is defined as:
• Experience conducting conservation examinations, treatment, and documentation of museum objects.
• Knowledge of museum conservation standards, ethics, and methodologies.
• Experience advising on object handling, storage, exhibition, and transport.
• Demonstrated ability to apply scientific principles (chemistry, physics, or materials science) to conservation challenges.
• Experience preparing technical reports and maintaining detailed conservation records.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with curators, collections staff, and other stakeholders.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Knowledge of conservation ethics, principles, and professional standards.
• Knowledge of analytical and laboratory techniques used in conservation science.
• Ability to develop and implement conservation treatment plans for a wide range of materials.
• Ability to assess risks and recommend preservation strategies for exhibitions and loans.
• Strong written communication skills for technical reporting and documentation.
• Ability to communicate complex conservation concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.
Additional information
• Work involves concurrent conservation activities in a dynamic, deadline driven environment.
• Objects vary widely in material, structure, condition, and cultural context, requiring adaptable and sensitive approaches.
• Work directly impacts the preservation, accessibility, and research value of the museum’s collections.
 
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
 
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
  
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
 
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.  
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
 
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact nmaa-hr@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures. 
 
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo  Â