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Museum Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KidZone Museum, Truckee, CA Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt Employment Status: At-Will Position Summary Join the KidZone Museum team and help keep our space clean, safe, and welcoming for ...

KidZone Museum, Truckee, CA Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt Employment Status: At-Will Position Summary Join the KidZone Museum team and help keep our space clean, safe, and welcoming for ...

Showing results 21-40

Museum information

See California salary details

$31.1K

$43.6K

$55.3K

How much do museum jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum in California is $43,616.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $47,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum?

A museum is an institution that collects, preserves, and displays objects of historical, cultural, artistic, or scientific significance for public education and enjoyment. People who work in museums may serve in a variety of roles, such as curators who manage collections, educators who develop learning programs, conservators who preserve artifacts, and administrators who oversee operations. Their work helps to safeguard heritage, provide valuable research, and create engaging experiences for visitors.

What are different careers at a museum?

Different careers at a museum include archive work, curatorial jobs, and museum security, as just some examples. As a curator, your duties are to curate a museum’s permanent collections and work with museum workers from other institutions to develop new exhibits, tours, and shows. Archivists catalog and prepare artifacts and works of art for the exhibit, clean and restore old pieces, and train new museum workers. Careers with customer service and security responsibilities, such as working at the ticketing office or as gallery security require you to interact with the public and ensure the rules are followed in the museum.

What are some common challenges faced by museum professionals in curatorial roles?

Museum professionals in curatorial roles often encounter challenges such as balancing the preservation of artifacts with the need for public accessibility, managing limited budgets for exhibitions, and staying updated with evolving digital technologies for collection management. Additionally, curators frequently collaborate with educators, conservators, and external partners to develop engaging exhibits that appeal to diverse audiences. Navigating these responsibilities requires strong project management skills, interdisciplinary teamwork, and a passion for both scholarship and public engagement.

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

To thrive as a Museum Curator, you need a solid background in art history, cultural studies, or museum studies, often supported by an advanced degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital cataloging tools, and conservation techniques is typically required. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities help curators engage audiences and manage collections effectively. These skills are vital for preserving artifacts, curating compelling exhibits, and ensuring the museum's educational and cultural mission is fulfilled.

What is the difference between Museum vs Archivist?

AspectMuseumArchivist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in museum studies, history, or related fieldsRequires a degree in library science, archival studies, or related fields
Work EnvironmentMuseums, cultural institutions, educational settingsArchives, libraries, historical repositories
Industry UsageUsed in cultural, educational, and historical sectorsUsed in historical, governmental, and corporate sectors
Job FocusCurating exhibits, educational programs, public engagementPreserving, organizing, and managing archival records

While both Museum professionals and Archivists work with historical and cultural materials, Museum staff focus on curation, public education, and exhibit management, whereas Archivists specialize in preserving and organizing records for long-term access. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Can I get a job at a museum?

Yes, museum jobs include roles such as curators, educators, conservators, and administrative staff. These positions often require relevant education, experience, and skills in areas like history, art, or science, and may involve working with exhibits, collections, or visitors.

How do you get to work in a museum?

To work in a museum, candidates typically need relevant education or experience in fields like art, history, or education. Job seekers should search for openings through museum websites, job boards, or local employment agencies, and may need to demonstrate skills such as customer service, organization, or knowledge of exhibits. Many museum jobs also require background checks and adherence to safety protocols.

What are the different jobs in a museum?

Museum jobs include curators who manage collections, archivists who preserve records, educators who develop programs, conservators who restore artifacts, security staff, visitor services associates, and administrative personnel. These roles require various skills, certifications, and knowledge of museum operations and preservation techniques.

What roles are there in a museum?

Museum roles include curators who manage collections, educators who develop programs, conservators who preserve artifacts, registrars who handle documentation, security staff, and administrative personnel. These positions require specific skills, certifications, and knowledge of museum operations and collections management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs in California?

The most popular types of Museum jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Museum jobs in California?

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

What cities in California are hiring for Museum jobs?

Cities in California with the most Museum job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,616 per year, or $21 per hour.

MUSEUM PORTER (Custodial & Facilities Support)

Cayton Children's Museum

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

MUSEUM PORTER (Custodial & Facilities Support)
Organization
CAYTON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Reporting to
Museum Experience & Administration team
Working closely with
All Members of the Cayton Team
Job Type
Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Hourly
Schedule
7.5-29.5 hours per week / weeknights and weekend availability required, based on Wed-Sun operating hours
About the Cayton Children's Museum
We are on a mission to serve the many communities that make up the greater Los Angeles area through engaging exhibits and playful learning opportunities as well as relevant and responsive programming. The Cayton Children's Museum is a nonprofit organization that activates the power of PLAY to enrich the lives of children and their families, build stronger, more connected communities, and create a better world. We strive to nurture children of all backgrounds and abilities to become engaged citizens of the world by facilitating collaborative, experiential learning and creative expression, both in our Museum space and through our community programs.
JOB SUMMARY
The Cayton Children's Museum is seeking dedicated and detail-oriented Museum Porters to oversee the cleanliness, sanitation, and upkeep of our museum space. This role is crucial in maintaining a safe, inviting, and engaging environment for children, families, and staff. Porters will be responsible for daily custodial duties, routine maintenance tasks, and responding to on-demand cleaning and light repair needs throughout the Museum. Due to the variable nature of events and programming, the Museum Porter must have flexibility with respect to schedule and assignments.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Daily Cleaning & Maintenance
  • Perform regular cleaning of all museum areas, including restrooms, floors, surfaces, exhibits, play spaces, offices, and common areas.

  • Remove trash and recycling from all bins, replacing liners as needed.

  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as handrails, tables, chairs, exhibit components, and doors.

  • Spot-clean spills, stains, and debris throughout the museum to maintain a presentable space.

  • Maintain restroom cleanliness, restocking consumables (soap, toilet paper, paper towels) and addressing sanitation concerns immediately.

  • Dust and wipe down horizontal and vertical surfaces, including signage, counters, and display cases.

  • Monitor and maintain trash levels in high-traffic areas, emptying as necessary.

  • Support museum staff with exhibit sanitation and upkeep.

Weekly & Monthly Tasks
  • Perform high-dusting on installations, ledges, and hard-to-reach areas.

  • Deep clean and disinfect exhibit materials, furniture, and educational tools.

  • Perform detailed restroom cleaning, including scrubbing floors and wiping down dividers.

  • Clean glass surfaces, including windows, doors, and display cases.

  • Assist with setup and breakdowns for museum events, programs, and special requests.

  • Maintain and organize janitorial supplies, reporting inventory needs.

Quarterly & As-Needed Maintenance
  • Machine-scrub restroom floors and buff hard flooring.

  • Lift and clean underneath removable flooring where applicable.

  • Provide light facilities support, such as minor repairs or special cleaning projects.

  • Respond promptly to urgent cleaning needs or maintenance requests from museum staff.

Other Duties and Projects as Assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Prior custodial, janitorial, or porter experience required.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, child-focused environment.

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high cleanliness standards.

  • Comfortable with physical tasks, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.

  • Availability for evening, weekend, and holiday shifts as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The person in this position must be able to:
  • Move about the facility while completing cleaning tasks, utilizing machinery, and carrying appropriate tools and products.

  • Capability to lift at least 25lbs

  • Stand extended periods of time; accommodation can be made where necessary.

  • Communicate via telephone, video conference, email, and in-person.

COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE
The base range for this position is $18-$20 USD Per hour. The Museum Porter is a part-time position with a typical schedule varying from Wednesday to Sunday, with some evenings and holidays as needed; however, the schedule may vary.
The Cayton Children's Museum is an equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
This position complies with California wage and hour laws, including overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and minimum wage requirements.
Adherence to California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) standards to ensure a safe working environment.