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Museum Researcher Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

... research, exhibition themes, and institutional priorities into accessible program formats that ... Ability to navigate both museum and garden/park environments. * Clear, effective communication with ...

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Museum Researcher information

See Indiana salary details

$28.5K

$107.6K

$156.5K

How much do museum researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum researcher in Indiana is $107,624.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,800.00 and $146,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum researcher?

Museum researchers are professionals who study, analyze, and interpret objects and collections within museums. They often conduct original research to uncover the historical, scientific, or cultural significance of artifacts, helping to create exhibits, publications, and educational programs. Their work supports the museum's mission to educate the public and preserve cultural heritage, and may involve collaboration with other experts, fieldwork, and publishing scholarly articles.

How does a museum researcher typically collaborate with curators and other museum staff on exhibition projects?

Museum Researchers play a vital role in exhibition development by working closely with curators, educators, and collections managers. They contribute their expertise by researching the provenance, historical context, and significance of artifacts, providing accurate information that shapes exhibition narratives. Collaboration often involves regular meetings to share findings, suggest interpretive angles, and ensure all presented materials are both engaging and academically rigorous. This teamwork ensures that exhibitions are both educational and accessible to diverse audiences.

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

To thrive as a Museum Researcher, you need a solid academic background in history, art, archaeology, or a related field, often supported by advanced degrees and research experience. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital archives, and research databases is typically required, along with knowledge of cataloging standards. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication skills set candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure the accurate documentation, interpretation, and dissemination of information that supports museum exhibitions and public engagement.

What is the difference between Museum Researcher vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum ResearcherMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History, Archaeology, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's, often with specialization; sometimes requires experience in curation
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, archives, museums, field sitesMuseum galleries, storage, administrative offices
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, research institutions, universitiesMuseums, cultural institutions, galleries
Primary FocusConducting research, analyzing artifacts, producing scholarly workManaging collections, developing exhibits, overseeing displays

The main difference between a Museum Researcher and a Museum Curator lies in their focus. Museum Researchers primarily conduct research and analyze artifacts, while Museum Curators manage collections and develop exhibits. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but serve different functions within a museum setting.

How much does a museum researcher make?

Museum researchers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the institution. Salaries can vary based on location, specialization, and whether the role is full-time or part-time, with advanced degrees often leading to higher pay.

How to become a museum researcher?

To become a museum researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in history, archaeology, anthropology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or doctoral degree for advanced roles. Relevant skills include research, data analysis, and familiarity with museum collections and databases; internships or volunteer work can also provide valuable experience. Strong communication skills and knowledge of specific subject areas enhance job prospects in this field.
Infographic showing various Museum Researcher job openings in Indiana as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% Internship, 62% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,624 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Gallery Interpreter, Part-Time

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

The Children's Museum
Museums and Historical Sites • 1 - 10 employees

$21 - $27.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

OVERVIEW:
The part-time Gallery Interpreter, as part of the Interpretation team, works to assist with delivering experiences within the galleries. The Interpreter provides the immersive and interactive experiences for children and families. The incumbent researches and performs informal interactions, tours, costumed characters, and storytelling as well as assists with gallery maintenance. The Interpreter works in their designated galleries as well as remaining cross-trained across other museum galleries.
The Children's Museum is building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences. We believe that collaboration and open dialogue among people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives best support our vision and mission.
REPORTS TO: Interpretation Supervisor
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provides exceptional service and experiences to the visitors and guests of the museum. Maintains general knowledge of all museum galleries and in-depth knowledge of interpretation programs for designated galleries.
2. Interacts positively with visitors and respond to questions and concerns. Resolves visitor concerns quickly and tactfully. Responds to visitor needs for first aid and lost children. Remains visible and approachable in designated galleries. Knows and adheres to museum policies and procedures.
3. Provides facilitation primarily in their designated gallery spaces. Must have general knowledge of museum spaces and in-depth knowledge of interpretation programs for designated galleries. Maintains a high level of content knowledge for designated gallery(ies) in order to provide high quality experiences both formally and informally.
4. Completes training in museum interpretation standards. Attends all gallery trainings for changing exhibit. Learns changing exhibit content, activities, scripts and facilitated programs.
5. Prepares for the presentation of specifically designated interpretation programs by researching subject matter, memorizing scripts, and honing presentation techniques and skills.
6. Prepares gallery spaces daily for visitors. Maintains a safe and inviting atmosphere. Greets visitors. Provides daily care and cleaning of exhibit and activities. Completes checklists and report all maintenance and safety concerns. Sets up and takes down sets, props, or furniture used in rehearsal and performance spaces.
7. Presents programs and interacts directly with visitors between 6-7 hours per day, including set up and take down of sets, props and seating; gathering audiences and conducting post performance discussion. Participates in evaluating staff and audience response to presentations.
8. Maintains cleanliness of costumes and uniforms, and notify their Supervisor/Lead or Operations Manager of larger needs. Maintains daily audience attendance records.
9. Engages with visitors to help them understand gallery concepts and content. Implements educational interpretive experiences in assigned galleries to achieve the goals and objectives of the exhibit, and to help explain the main messages and exhibit concepts to visitors.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. High School diploma or GED equivalent.
2. Strong presentation and customer service skills. Experience working with children and youth in formal and informal environments.
3. Theater experience preferred.
4. Must work a flexible weekday, weekend, evening and some holidays schedule, including 1-2 evenings per month covering special events. The Museum is open 6-7 days per week.
5. Must be able to work in a fast paced environment that values diversity and is child-centric.
6. Interact with visitors and co-workers in a supportive, positive, and friendly manner.
7. Maintain behavior patterns acceptable to co-workers and the general museum culture.
ADA REQUIREMENTS:
1. Required to review log sheets, keep track of visitors and materials in gallery.
2. Must be able to view activities and exhibit components, observe gallery space, and frequently use computers.
3. Must be able to engage in heavy verbal, electronic and public presentation communication as well as present ideas and information to large audiences.
4. Required to manipulate activities, clean and maintain exhibit spaces and use dexterity. Must be able to traverse and navigate the museum building and campus adeptly several times daily.
5. Must be able to stand, walk and sit for extended periods, bending, kneeling, climbing and reaching. Requires ability to lift 45 pounds. Must be able to tolerate dust in the environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.