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Museum Technology Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... natural science, technology, biology, or zoology. In addition to the basic qualification ... museum or similar collection of valuable objects. For this position specialized experience is ...

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $111K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position is located in Curatorial Office, Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM ... technology, biology, or zoology. In addition to the basic qualification requirement above:

KID Museum

Maker Educator

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

About KID Museum KID Museum is the nation's leading educational makerspace for youth. Our mission ... Experience with common maker tools and technologies such as woodshop tools, 3D printers, and laser ...

National Inventors Hall of Fame

Museum Manager

Alexandria, VA

$63K - $72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Master's degree in history, history of technology, or related areas preferred * 3+ years of management, retail, and/or related work experience required * Museum/specialty retail background with an ...

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Museum Technology information

See Washington salary details

$35.7K

$50.1K

$63.4K

How much do museum technology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum technology in Washington is $50,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $54,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel in Museum Technology, you typically need expertise in information technology, digital archiving, and a background in museum studies or a related field. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital imaging tools, and software for interactive exhibits is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for preserving collections, enhancing visitor engagement, and supporting the museum’s digital transformation.

How does a museum technology professional collaborate with curators and exhibit designers to enhance visitor experiences?

Museum Technology professionals work closely with curators and exhibit designers to integrate digital elements like interactive displays, audio guides, and virtual reality into exhibitions. They often participate in planning meetings to understand curatorial goals and propose technology solutions that align with the narrative of the exhibit. This collaboration ensures that technological enhancements are both educational and engaging, while also being accessible to a diverse audience. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as the role frequently involves troubleshooting and refining tech elements based on visitor feedback.

What is museum technology?

Museum technology refers to the use of digital tools, systems, and innovations to enhance the operations, exhibitions, and visitor experiences in museums. This can include everything from interactive displays and virtual reality experiences to digital cataloging and collection management systems. Museum technology professionals work to integrate these tools effectively, making art and history more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. The field is rapidly evolving as new technologies emerge, requiring ongoing learning and adaptation.

What is the difference between Museum Technology vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum TechnologyMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsTechnical certifications, degrees in museum studies, information technology or related fieldsDegree in history, archaeology, art history, or related fields; often with a master's or PhD
Work EnvironmentTechnology labs, exhibit development teams, digital departments within museumsExhibition spaces, archives, research offices, galleries
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, cultural institutions focusing on digital and interactive exhibitsMuseums, galleries, cultural heritage organizations

While Museum Technology focuses on developing and maintaining digital systems, interactive exhibits, and technological solutions, Museum Curators are responsible for acquiring, researching, and interpreting collections. Both roles are essential in modern museums but differ in their focus and skill sets.

What are popular job titles related to Museum Technology jobs in Washington?

For Museum Technology jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Technology jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Technology jobs in Washington are:

Museum Technology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Technology job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,055 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Museum Specialist

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$121K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums

Job description

Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is organizationally located in Collections Management (OCM), Acquisitions and Special Collections, Curatorial Affairs (OCA), National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The Supervisory Museum Specialist oversees a portion of the collections information management services and participates with the Assistant Director in establishing long- and short-term goals, hiring, space management and budget.
In this position, you will:
  • Assess potential acquisitions to flag any issues with the collections policies, providing relevant information to the Collections Committee and Director to assist them in their decision to follow through with or deny an accession.
  • Manage incoming loans for inaugural and temporary exhibitions. Negotiates terms of agreements and associate paperwork. Manage and implement all aspects of the museum's outgoing loans program.
  • Regularly review and update policies and procedures in accordance with evolving museum practices.
  • Specify requirements and monitor packer, shipper, airline, freight forwarder and customs broker provision of proper packing, handling, control and timely delivery of objects. Ensures that museum standards for security, care and handling of objects are observed both in transit and while objects are in the custody of NMAAHC.
  • Plan work to be accomplished by staff.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Requires career/career-conditional status or eligibility.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
  • May be required to serve an 18-month
    probationary period for supervisors.

Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications: Experience related to the operation or management of a museum or similar collection of valuable objects. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include collections management, registration, cataloging, research, preservation, restoration, or conservation of collections of museum material, or other experience related to the position to be filled. Most positions require a particular subject-matter specialization, e.g., aeronautics, anthropology, art, geology, history, natural science, technology, biology, or zoology.
In addition to the basic qualification requirement above:
Grade 13: You qualify for this position if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service or comparable pay band system that is in or closely related to the operation or management of a museum or similar collection of valuable objects. For this position specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience managing incoming and outgoing loans, negotiating loan contracts, overseeing object installation, organizing shipping of museum objects, and accessioning.
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Education
This position has no basic education requirement.
Additional information
This position is not included in the bargaining unit.
Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options.
Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/
Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp
Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp
Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

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