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Museum Tech Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ambassador - Museum Guest Experience

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Knowledge and love of art or technology is a plus. * Ability and willingness to work flexible hours ... WNDR Museum warmly welcomes people of all ages, identities, ethnicities, beliefs, religions, and ...

Guest Experience Associate

Glenview, IL ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Through our museum space in Glenview, IL, we offer engaging learning environments featuring ... Proficiency in office technology and software (Microsoft Office suite) * Ability to maintain ...

Senior Director, Business Enterprise

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Museum's mission and strategic goals. Working cross-functionally with Finance, Marketing, Development, Operations, Technology, Exhibitions, and Guest Experience teams, this leader will identify and ...

Manager, Events

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) expose guests of all ages to awe-inspiring ... science, technology, engineering and math. We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative ...

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Showing results 1-20

Museum Tech information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$32.5K

$45.5K

$57.7K

How much do museum tech jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum tech in Chicago, IL is $45,527.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $50,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum tech?

Museum techs, or museum technicians, are professionals who assist in the care, preservation, and display of museum collections. Their responsibilities often include preparing artifacts for exhibitions, helping set up displays, maintaining records, and ensuring the proper handling and storage of objects. Museum techs work closely with curators, conservators, and other museum staff to support the daily operations of museums and galleries. They play a crucial role in safeguarding cultural and historical items for public education and enjoyment.

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

To thrive as a Museum Tech, you need a background in museum studies or a related field, attention to detail, and experience with artifact handling and preservation. Familiarity with collection management software, environmental monitoring tools, and proper storage systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you excel in managing collections and supporting exhibitions. These skills ensure the proper care, documentation, and presentation of museum artifacts, safeguarding cultural heritage and supporting educational missions.

What are some common challenges museum techs face when maintaining and installing exhibits?

Museum Techs often manage the challenge of handling delicate artifacts while ensuring exhibits are both secure and accessible to visitors. They work closely with curators and conservators to install displays that meet strict preservation requirements, which can involve specialized lighting, temperature, and humidity controls. Additionally, Museum Techs frequently need to troubleshoot technical issues with exhibit components, such as interactive displays or audio-visual equipment, sometimes on tight deadlines before public openings. Effective communication and adaptability are key skills for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Museum Tech vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum TechMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; technical certificationsBachelor's or master's degree in museum studies, history, or related field
Work EnvironmentHands-on technical work in museums, galleries, or preservation labsResearch, collection management, exhibit planning, and public engagement
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, cultural institutions, preservation organizationsMuseums, historical societies, academic institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding technical roles supporting museum operationsUnderstanding roles involved in curation and collection management

In summary, Museum Techs focus on technical support, maintenance, and preservation tasks within museums, often requiring technical certifications. Museum Curators are responsible for managing collections, researching artifacts, and developing exhibits, typically requiring advanced degrees. Both roles are essential in museum operations but differ significantly in responsibilities and qualifications.

Infographic showing various Museum Tech job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,527 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Ambassador - Museum Guest Experience

WNDR Museum

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$17/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

ABOUT WNDR
WNDR Museum is an immersive experience located in the vibrant West Loop of Chicago. Our mission is to ignite curiosity, creativity, and wonder within everyone who walks through our doors. We foster a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and endless possibilities, providing a dynamic and interactive environment for exploration.
Title: Ambassador
Reports To: General Manager
Compensation: $17.00/Hour
ABOUT THE ROLE
WNDR Museum Chicago is looking for individuals to join our Ambassador team! Ambassadors play an integral role in shaping the entire guest experience, offering top-notch customer service with a dose of fun and genuine human interaction that adds to our guests' overall experience of "wonder". This job is perfect for those with previous experience in the hospitality industry, retail or other customer service positions.
This is a part-time, on-site role located in Chicago, IL.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Engaging warmly with guests, facilitating meaningful interactions, answering any questions, and actively taking steps to correct any guest issues.
  • Arriving on time and being ready for pre-shift meetings and communicating effectively with other Ambassadors, and Floor Managers.
  • Facilitating authentic museum experiences for our guests through meaningful guest interaction.
  • Having a comprehensive knowledge of our space, exhibits, artists and WNDR culture.
  • Facilitating the flow of guests in our space while maintaining the safety and security of exhibits and guests.
  • Attending trainings and monthly all-staff meetings.
  • Working in all aspects of the museum floor experience, including retail, food and beverage, box office and at special events.
  • Learning and processing transactions on both our ticketing and POS systems.
  • Keeping our space clean and orderly for everyone's enjoyment.
  • Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Previous experience in museums, hotels, restaurants, or other guest facing, hospitality related positions.
  • Value collaboration and acting as a team player.
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred but any related work experience accepted.
  • Knowledge of POS or ticketing systems is a plus.
  • Knowledge and love of art or technology is a plus.
  • Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including but not limited to opening and closing shifts, Saturday or Sunday shifts, and holidays.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (with our without accommodations)
  • Mobility: The ability to consistently walk and move around is essential for this role.
  • Stationary Tasks: This position involves frequent stationary activities, including standing, reaching, and maintaining balance while walking.
  • Body Movements: Occasional physical activities such as kneeling, crouching, climbing, bending, or stooping may be required.
  • Equipment Handling: The role could include pushing or pulling equipment, such as shelving bays, dollies, and carts.
  • Lifting: Candidates must be capable of lifting, carrying, and placing items weighing up to 25pounds.
  • Being present in a space with a significant amount of multi-sensory stimulation including but not limited to multiple recorded audio tracks played over speakers, crowd noise, abrupt shifts in lighting, strobe lights and multiple video devices visible at once.

WNDR Museum warmly welcomes people of all ages, identities, ethnicities, beliefs, religions, and backgrounds to join our team. WNDR Museum is an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to achieving an inclusive and diverse workplace and we strongly encourage nontraditional candidates to apply. We hold ourselves to our commitment and continuously strive to attract, engage, and grow with our talented team.