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Museum Security Guard Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

The Cleveland Museum of Art seeks a Security Supervisor who supervises and coordinates the activities of all on duty Gallery Guards and Night Watch Persons. The Security Supervisor monitors all ...

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Museum Security Guard information

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$10

$18

$23

How much do museum security guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum security guard in Ohio is $18.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum security guard?

Museum Security Guards are professionals responsible for protecting museum property, exhibits, and visitors. They monitor galleries, patrol the premises, and enforce security policies to prevent theft, vandalism, and other incidents. These guards may also assist with emergency procedures, provide information to visitors, and respond to alarms or suspicious activity. Their presence ensures a safe and secure environment for both the artifacts and the public.

What are some typical challenges museum security guards face during their shifts?

Museum Security Guards often encounter challenges such as balancing visitor engagement with vigilant supervision of exhibits, adapting to varying visitor volumes during special events, and responding quickly to alarms or suspicious activity. They must remain attentive to both the safety of valuable artifacts and the comfort of guests, sometimes managing difficult situations with professionalism and tact. Additionally, guards regularly collaborate with museum staff and law enforcement to ensure comprehensive protection and smooth operation within the museum.

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

To thrive as a Museum Security Guard, you need knowledge of security protocols, strong observational skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technology, and sometimes CPR or first aid certification is typically required. Attention to detail, calmness under pressure, and excellent communication skills help guards respond effectively to incidents and interact with visitors. These skills are crucial for protecting valuable exhibits, ensuring visitor safety, and maintaining a secure museum environment.

What is the difference between Museum Security Guard vs Security Officer?

AspectMuseum Security GuardSecurity Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; security training; sometimes specialized museum security certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; security training; often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, cultural institutionsVarious settings including commercial, industrial, residential, and public spaces
Employer & IndustryMuseums, art galleries, cultural institutionsSecurity companies, private firms, organizations across multiple industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The primary difference between a Museum Security Guard and a Security Officer lies in their work environment and specific responsibilities. Museum Security Guards focus on protecting valuable artifacts and ensuring visitor safety within cultural institutions, often requiring specialized knowledge of museum policies. Security Officers work across various industries and environments, providing general security services. Both roles require similar credentials and training, but their daily duties and settings differ significantly.

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Museum Security Guard jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Museum Security Guard job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Security Guard job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,639 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Night Watch Person (Full time / Second Shift)

Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, OH • On-site

$19.50/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Cleveland Museum Of Art rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 29 rated museums


Job description

The Night Watch Person protects the collection and museum premises against fire, theft, vandalism and other dangers that might result in damage or loss.

  • Monitor visitors, staff, vendors, volunteers, and contractors flow through metal detectors at points of entry for potential weapons.
  • Makes regular scheduled rounds of the buildings, reporting unusual occurrences to the Control Room.
  •  Examines display cases to determine that they are secure and have not been tampered with or damaged.
  • Watches for and reports irregularities such as damage to art objects, unkept areas requiring the attention of house-keeping, fire hazards, leaking water pipes and security doors.
  • Checks for appropriate temperature and humidity levels as indicated by facilities and conservation.
  • Observes departing staff, vendors and visitors to guard against theft of museum property; requires door passes from staff members for materials taken from museum premises.
  • Responds to alarms in display cases quickly and handles them efficiently; performs duties related to emergency situations within the building and on the premises.
    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
    High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and strong security background is required. 205 hour State of Ohio Private Police Commission preferred. College coursework helpful as well as prior first-aid and CPR training. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand 8-12 hours per day. The employee is regularly required to walk, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Full-time Benefits include:

  • Partner level membership to CMA 
    • Free, unlimited admission to select Cleveland Museum of Art ticketed exhibitions (two adult member tickets per visit, subject to availability)
    • 50% off admission to select ticketed exhibitions for members' guests
    • Free admission to select ticketed exhibitions for unlimited children, 17 and younger, when accompanied by a member
    • Priority registration and discounts for museum art classes for adults and children
    • 20% discount in the museum store
    • 25% discount in the museum restaurant and café
    • Annual subscription to Cleveland Art members magazine
  • Free Garage Parking
  • Your employment relationship with the museum qualifies you for free or discounted admissions to other cultural institutions such as the Natural History Museum, Botanical Gardens, The Cleveland Zoo, etc.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Voluntary Life
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • HSA
  • FSA
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Accident Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • ID Theft
  • Legal Services
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Time Off 

Hourly wage / $19.50

HOURS OF WORK: 5:30 p.m.—1:30 a.m.


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