1

Museum Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Museum Aide-Extra Help

Yuba City, CA · On-site

$36K - $50K/yr

Staff the visitor desk; greet visitors and assist in their visit to the Museum by providing ... Research information when requested. May utilize objects, photographs, and reference material from ...

Museum Curator

Gillette, WY · On-site

$70K/yr

... research, conceptual design, construction, installation, and exhibit maintenance. The Museum Curator will also assist the Museum Director with management of the museum by serving as a second in ...

Museum Store Assistant

Cambridge, MA

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

The Store provides earned revenue to support the MIT Museum's mission to make research and innovation accessible to all. Will assist customers in the store: answer questions, share product knowledge ...

Museum Specialist

Sells, AZ · On-site

$24.01/hr

Under general supervision, performs a variety of semi-technical activities to assist the curatorial ... Works closely with elders, school children, members of the community, researchers, and other ...

Museum Specialist

Sells, AZ · On-site

$24.01/hr

Under general supervision, performs a variety of semi-technical activities to assist the curatorial ... Works closely with elders, school children, members of the community, researchers, and other ...

Showing results 41-60

Museum Research Assistant information

See salary details

$8

$23

$45

How much do museum research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum research assistant in the United States is $23.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum research assistant?

A Museum Research Assistant supports research projects within a museum by gathering, analyzing, and organizing historical or cultural data. They assist curators and researchers in cataloging artifacts, preparing exhibitions, and maintaining accurate documentation. Duties may also involve archival research, data entry, and helping with public engagement initiatives. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in history, anthropology, or museum studies are often required.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a museum research assistant?

Museum Research Assistants commonly spend their days conducting object or exhibit research, cataloguing artifacts, updating digital records, and assisting with exhibition planning. They may also help prepare research materials, respond to scholarly inquiries, and support curators in organizing information for publications or educational programs. Collaboration with curators, conservators, and education staff is frequent, ensuring all research aligns with the museum’s goals and public programming. This multifaceted role can be both independent and team-oriented, offering variety and continuous learning opportunities for those passionate about museum work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the museum research assistant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Research Assistant, you need a strong background in art history, anthropology, or a related field, with experience in research methods and data analysis. Familiarity with cataloguing software, digital archives, and collection management systems is often required, along with relevant certifications in archival practices being a plus. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and strong written and verbal communication abilities are excellent soft skills for this position. These competencies ensure precise research, effective management of collections, and successful collaboration with curators and other museum staff.

How much does a Museum Research Assistant make?

The average salary for a Museum Research Assistant is around $30,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or advanced degrees can earn higher wages. Many roles also offer opportunities for part-time work or internships with lower pay.

How much does a museum research assistant get paid?

Museum research assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, education, and the institution. Salaries can vary based on location, with full-time positions offering annual salaries generally ranging from $25,000 to $45,000. Some roles may also include benefits such as access to museum resources and opportunities for professional development.

How to become a museum research assistant?

To become a museum research assistant, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in history, archaeology, anthropology, or a related field. Relevant skills include research, data analysis, and familiarity with museum collections or archival tools; internships or volunteer experience can also improve prospects. Some positions may require knowledge of specific software or research methodologies.
More about Museum Research Assistant jobs

What cities are hiring for Museum Research Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Museum Research Assistant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Research jobs?

The most popular types of Museum Research jobs are:

What states have the most Museum Research Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Museum Research Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Museum Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,852 per year, or $23 per hour.

WS - Museum Assistant - FWS

University of Pikeville

Pikeville, KY • On-site

$8.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

MUSEUM ASSISTANT

Division: Community Service Department: Community Service

Experience: Entry-level Supervisor/Reports To: Brandon R. Kirk

Start Date: 8/25/20256

The Museum Assistant supports daily operations at the Big Sandy Heritage Center Museum through visitor services, exhibition support, and administrative tasks. Working across the front desk, gift shop, and exhibit installations, the role helps deliver a welcoming, informative visitor experience while maintaining collection care and general museum upkeep.

Responsibilities and Career Competencies

  1. Ensure a welcoming and informative environment for all visitors - C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
  2. Handle admissions, assist with the museum gift shop, and manage cash transactions - C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
  3. Assist with the care and maintenance of the museum collection - C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
  4. Lead and assist with sorting, arranging, cataloging, and inventorying artifacts, rare documents, and photographs - C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
  5. Conduct research online and in libraries on topics related to the museum mission and its collection - C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
  6. Assist with the installation, maintenance, and de-installation of exhibits - C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
  7. Help with the arrangement and display of artifacts - C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
  8. Contribute to developing ideas and strategies for community programming - C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
  9. Improve the museum's online presence (website, Wikipedia, YouTube, social media) - C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
  10. Perform routine cleaning and general maintenance of museum spaces - C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
  11. Assist with events, programs, and workshops - C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T

Competencies/Skills: Communication (C), Teamwork (TW), Professionalism (P), Career & Self-Development (CSD), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Technology (T)

Education Requirements: Must be a current UPIKE student in good standing.

Preferred Skills: Word, Social Media & New Technology; attention to detail; written & verbal communication; willingness to learn new things.

Work Schedule: M 10:00 AM-4:00 PM; R 10:00 AM-4:00 PM; F 10:00 AM-4:00 PM; Sa 10:00 AM-4:00 PM (considering opening Tu & W 10:00 AM-4:00 PM; museum staff on hand until 6:00 PM M, R-Sa).

Work Conditions: Dust.

Physical Demands: Keyboarding; reaching/handling; stooping/kneeling; crouching/crawling; lifting and carrying up to 15 lbs.; balancing.

Number of Positions: 3

Pay Rate: $8.75/hour

Location: Off-campus, approximately 3 blocks from the city parking building, city park, and UPIKE. 172 Division St. 4th floor, Pikeville

To Apply: Submit application and resume through the UPIKE campus employment system.

Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or admission of students.