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Museum Photography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Landover, MD · On-site +1

$70K - $111K/yr

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a national museum for the study and ... photographers, exhibition services staff and project managers in the development and installation ...

SIRIS LLC

Museum Specialist

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Perform and oversee collections management tasks, including inventory, cataloging, photography, and ... museum standards * Ensure compliance with established collections care, handling, and storage ...

SIRIS LLC

Museum Specialist

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Perform and oversee collections management tasks, including inventory, cataloging, photography, and ... museum standards * Ensure compliance with established collections care, handling, and storage ...

SIRIS

Museum Specialist

Greensboro, NC

$70K - $90K/yr

Perform and oversee collections management tasks, including inventory, cataloging, photography, and ... museum standards * Ensure compliance with established collections care, handling, and storage ...

City of Lakewood, CO

Museum Curator

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$74K - $82K/yr

PastPerfect) • Ancestry.com • Photography and Scanning Equipment • Use of Photoshop, Adobe ... Five years of relevant museum experience includes experience in collections management ...

Lakewood

Museum Curator

Lakewood, CO

$74K - $82K/yr

PastPerfect) Ancestry.com Photography and Scanning Equipment Use of Photoshop, Adobe, and Workday Education and Experience Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in history, museum ...

Florida State University

Museum Preparator

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$37K - $46K/yr

Department The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is located in Sarasota, Florida, and is a ... Mats and frames work on paper (photographs, drawings, prints). Performs lighting installation and ...

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How much do museum photography jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum photography in the United States is $20.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is museum photography?

Museum photography involves capturing high-quality images of artworks, exhibitions, artifacts, and museum spaces for documentation, archival, promotional, and educational purposes. Museum photographers work closely with curators, conservators, and other museum staff to ensure accurate representation of objects while adhering to preservation standards. Their work not only helps in cataloging collections but also supports online exhibitions, publications, and marketing materials.

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

To thrive as a Museum Photographer, you need expertise in digital photography, image editing, lighting techniques, and a solid understanding of art or artifact handling, often supported by a degree in photography or visual arts. Familiarity with professional camera equipment, Adobe Creative Suite (especially Photoshop and Lightroom), and digital asset management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills help ensure accurate documentation and effective collaboration with curators and exhibit designers. These skills are vital to produce high-quality images that preserve, document, and promote museum collections while adhering to conservation standards.

What is the difference between Museum Photography vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum PhotographyMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsPhotography skills, possibly a degree in photography or related fieldDegree in museum studies, history, or related field; often requires experience in curation
Work EnvironmentPhotographing exhibits, artifacts, and events within museum settingsManaging collections, developing exhibits, and overseeing museum operations
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, galleries, cultural institutionsMuseums, historical societies, cultural institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to museum documentation and presentationLearning about museum management and exhibit development

While Museum Photography focuses on capturing images of exhibits and artifacts, Museum Curators are responsible for managing collections and developing exhibits. Both roles are essential in museums but differ significantly in skills, responsibilities, and career paths.

What are some common challenges faced by museum photographers when capturing artwork and exhibits?

Museum photographers often face challenges such as working with fragile or light-sensitive artifacts, navigating strict conservation guidelines, and dealing with limited lighting conditions. They must use specialized techniques and equipment to avoid damaging artworks while still producing high-quality images for documentation or publication. Additionally, coordinating with curators and conservators is essential to ensure that photography sessions do not interfere with ongoing exhibitions or conservation efforts.
More about Museum Photography jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Photography jobs? Cities with the most Museum Photography job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Museum Photography jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Photography jobs are:
Museum Photography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Photography job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Parks Museum Aide

City of Frankfort Kentucky

Frankfort, KY • On-site

$10 - $12.50/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the Museum and Historic Sites Supervisor's direction, the Museum Aide is a part-time employee who is responsible for welcoming and working with guests at the museum.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Greets and offers a brief introduction to the Capital City Museum for visitors
  • Creates content for social media channels, including by not limited to: photography, videography, and written posts
  • Communicates with staff to create content
  • Writes, creates, and distributes quarterly newsletter
  • Creates and distributes digital newsletter on monthly/bi-weekly basis
  • Attends museum events to document (photograph) and post to social media
  • Creates a digital archive of social media posts and photographs from event
  • Designs material for advertising purposes
  • Interacts with the visitors including, answering basic questions and providing tour information
  • Other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES
  • Strong communication
  • Motivated and personally driven
  • Able to interact with people of different backgrounds and ideas
  • Able to use digital cameras (including DSLrs and video cameras)
  • Proficiency with Canva
  • Basic computer skills, including, but not limited to: Google Suite, Excel, and Microsoft Word

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Must have experience posting to social media and proficiency with curating an online presence.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Must be a High School graduate or equivalent.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Willing to work inside the Capital City Museum, outside at Leslie Morris Park, Cove Spring Park, or other areas
as necessary. Strong communication and teamwork necessary to complete tasks. Museum Aides are expected to demonstrate decorum and professionalism for guests.
Requirements
WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Must have experience with cataloging and documenting historic materials. Should be able to work independently on self-assigned and directed projects.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Must be a High School graduate or equivalent.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is typically performed indoors at the Capital City Museum. Should be able to lift weights of 20-35 pounds.

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