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Museum Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Museum Aide-Extra Help

Yuba City, CA · On-site

Be familiar with and sell items from Gift Shop; receive money, return change, and manage register transactions on a computer or tablet system. * Open and close Museum, including securing the building ...

Sutter County, CA

Museum Aide-Extra Help

Yuba City, CA · On-site

$36K - $50K/yr

Be familiar with and sell items from Gift Shop; receive money, return change, and manage register transactions on a computer or tablet system. * Open and close Museum, including securing the building ...

Sutter County, CA

Museum Aide-Extra Help

Yuba City, CA · On-site

$36K - $50K/yr

Be familiar with and sell items from Gift Shop; receive money, return change, and manage register transactions on a computer or tablet system. * Open and close Museum, including securing the building ...

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All JobsMuseum JobsMuseum Manager JobsMuseum Manager Jobs in California

Museum Manager information

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$5

$17

$25

How much do museum manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum manager in California is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.83 and $18.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum manager?

To excel as a Museum Manager, you need a background in museum studies, art history, or a related field, along with experience in collections management and exhibition planning. Familiarity with collection management software, budgeting tools, and compliance with museum standards is typically required. Leadership, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing staff, engaging the public, and building partnerships. These competencies ensure the museum's operations run smoothly, its collections are preserved, and its mission is successfully promoted to diverse audiences.

What are some common challenges faced by a museum manager, and how can they be addressed?

Museum Managers often face challenges such as balancing budget constraints with the need to deliver engaging exhibitions and programs. They must also ensure collections are preserved and accessible to the public while complying with regulatory standards. Effective communication and collaboration with curators, educators, and administrative staff are essential for successful project execution. Staying adaptable and proactive in seeking grant opportunities, community partnerships, and innovative visitor experiences can help address these challenges and support the museum's mission.

What is the difference between Museum Manager vs Curator?

AspectMuseum ManagerCurator
Primary RoleOversees museum operations, staff, and budgetsDevelops exhibits, conducts research, and manages collections
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in museum studies, management, or related field; experience in administrationBachelor's or master's in art history, archaeology, or related field; specialized knowledge
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, museum floors, staff meetingsExhibit development areas, collections storage, research spaces
Employer & Industry UsageFound in museums, cultural institutions, historical sitesPrimarily in museums, galleries, and research institutions

While both roles are essential in museums, a Museum Manager focuses on overall operations and administration, whereas a Curator specializes in collections, research, and exhibit development. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How to get into museum management?

To become a museum manager, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in museum studies, history, art, or a related field, along with experience in museum operations or curation. Developing skills in leadership, budgeting, and public engagement, as well as gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles, can help advance into management positions. Some roles may require a master's degree or professional certification in museum management or related areas.

What does a museum manager do?

A museum manager oversees the daily operations of a museum, including staff management, budgeting, and ensuring the preservation and display of collections. They coordinate exhibits, develop educational programs, and ensure compliance with safety and conservation standards, often using management software and possessing relevant certifications. Their role involves leadership, organization, and a strong understanding of museum policies and procedures.

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 Manager jobs in California?

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Museum Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Museum Manager job openings:

Museum Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,885 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Museum Specialist

National Experienced Workforce Solutions

Martinez, CA • On-site

$58.30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Museum SpecialistID:NPSJOMU-001-014Location:MartinezProgram:NPS
Wage/Hr:$58.30Hours/Week:16Minimum Age:55

For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States.

NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the National Park Service (NPS). These experienced professionals provide administrative expertise, facilities management, natural and cultural resource planning, and a broad array of other professional skills that support the National Park Service through the Experienced Services Program (ESP).

Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an ?at-will? relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

PLEASE NOTE: An ?Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ?Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the agency and administered by NEW Solutions.

This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 10 year(s) of experience in Museum collections management including preservation maintenance, environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, research, cataloging, documentation, photography, and storage. OR BA/BS Degree in Museum Management, Archives, History, Anthropology OR Previously completed training in Management of federal museum archives and collections, artifact and archival processing.

  • Ability to work independently in a quiet setting as well as part of a small team. Experience with identifying preservation deficiencies and needs, proper artifact handling and storage as well as historical research and data management.
  • Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel
  • Museum Collection Management System
Duties:

The enrollee will support John Muir National Historic Site, Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, Eugene O?Neill National Historic Site, and Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial to meet museum and collections management goals and objectives.

  • Perform housekeeping, preservation maintenance, environmental monitoring and integrated pest management within historic installations.   35%
  • Photograph historic artifacts and digitize archival materials   20%
  • Inventory and catalog historic artifacts and archival materials into the NPS Museum Collections Management System (MCMS) or approved Excel spreadsheet   30%
  • Prepare collections for long-term preservation storage.   15%

Other:
  • Physical requirements: Enrollee must be able to maneuver boxes weighing up to 25 lbs. The work may involve some walking, standing, bending, or carrying of items such as files, computer reports, or office supplies. Work is performed in an office setting with adequate light, heat, and ventilation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.