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Science Museum Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Museum Educator

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Working under the guidance of the Education Supervisor, this role engages guests on the museum floor, and facilitates hands-on STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math ...

CUSTODIAN

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$3.3K - $4.1K/mo

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team at the California Science Center (CSC), a world-class science museum that develops and features award-winning exhibits and internationally renowned ...

... museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural ...

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Science Museum information

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$11

$22

$33

How much do science museum jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for science museum in California is $22.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $27.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a science museum?

Science museums are institutions dedicated to educating the public about science and technology through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational programs. These museums often feature displays on topics such as physics, biology, chemistry, and earth sciences, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages. Science museums play a crucial role in inspiring curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of the scientific world.

What are the qualifications to work in a science museum?

The qualifications to work in a science museum depend largely on your specific responsibilities. If you are a curator or researcher, you need to have a background in science and training or an advanced degree in museum studies to coordinate exhibits properly. Development aids and associates should have a bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, or a closely related field. Security guards and tour guides may only need a high school diploma. Jobs at science museums also require strong verbal communication skills and an interest in science and education.

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

To thrive as a Science Museum Educator, you need a strong background in science education, public engagement, and often a degree in a scientific field or education. Familiarity with educational technology, exhibit design software, and museum management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning help educators engage diverse audiences and foster curiosity. These skills ensure effective science communication, memorable visitor experiences, and the promotion of lifelong learning.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a science museum, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in science museums often encounter challenges such as engaging diverse audiences, keeping exhibits up-to-date with current scientific advances, and balancing educational goals with visitor entertainment. Addressing these challenges involves ongoing professional development, collaborating closely with educators and scientists, and actively seeking visitor feedback to improve exhibit design and programming. Teamwork and adaptability are key, as museum staff frequently work cross-functionally to create interactive, accessible, and impactful experiences for all visitors.

What is the difference between Science Museum vs Science Educator?

AspectScience MuseumScience Educator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science, education, or museum studiesRequires a background in science or education, often with teaching certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic museums, exhibits, and interactive displaysClassrooms, workshops, and outreach programs within or outside museums
Employer & IndustryMuseums, science centers, cultural institutionsEducational institutions, museums, science centers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles involving public engagement and exhibit managementCompared for roles focused on education delivery and visitor interaction

The main difference is that a Science Museum is an institution that houses exhibits and collections, while a Science Educator is a professional who teaches and engages visitors or students about science within or outside such institutions. Both roles require science knowledge, but the museum focuses on curation and display, whereas the educator emphasizes teaching and outreach.

What cities in California are hiring for Science Museum jobs?

Cities in California with the most Science Museum job openings:

Infographic showing various Science Museum job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,361 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

$26.41/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) include the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park, and La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park. They operate under the collective vision to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. The museums hold one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history—more than 35 million objects—used for groundbreaking scientific and historical research, and community engagement. From NHM’s opening in 1913 as the very first museum in Los Angeles, the organization has entered an exciting new era of transformation with building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach and impactful audience engagement.

NHMLAC’s values—adventurous, inclusive, authentic, and intentional—guide our work and visitor experience, committing us to foster a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace environment where innovation and collaboration thrive and every team member can contribute their unique perspectives to advance our mission. NHMLAC seeks candidates who are aligned with our values and priorities, and are passionate about connecting science with the vibrant and diverse communities we serve throughout Los Angeles.

The NHMLAC is seeking a Museum Educator 2 for our Education & Programs department. The Museum Educator 2 is Enhancing the visitor experience through personal interaction, conducting various educational programs, having interpretive engagements with diverse, multi-generational museum visitors and online audiences, and working as needed at off-site, after-hour, and online events.


Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

  • Provides an outstanding museum experience by contributing to a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for guests, both in person and online.
  • Actively engages and interprets scientific and cultural content with general visitors throughout various exhibit spaces at NHMLA and La Brea Tar Pits, including outdoor spaces like Seasonal Pavilions, Nature Gardens, and Tar Pits excavation sites.
  • Researches, writes, and delivers a variety of educational programs including tours, animal presentations, and nature walks with guidance from Manager, Interpretation. These programs can contain online elements and may consist of live or recorded program facilitation.
  • Facilitates guided programming with school groups on behalf of the School and Teacher Programs division. These programs can contain online elements and may consist of live or recorded program facilitation.
  • Develops special programs, activities, and curriculum as assigned by Manager, Interpretation based on the educational needs of the Education and Programs department. These may take the form of live programming onsite, live programming online, or video recordings.
  • Works with other museum departments to facilitate and provide support for specially requested programs. This includes VIP tours, after-hour and offsite events, live online programming, live online event hosting, and social media engagement.


This position has the following requirements:

  • Strong written and oral communication skills. Must be personable with the ability to interact effectively with Museum staff, volunteers, members, and visitors. Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver online content.
  • Ability and comfort presenting in front of large groups and on camera.
  • Flexibility, nimbleness, and willingness to adapt to NHMLA’s diverse visitors. Must also be comfortable adapting to different teaching situations and dynamics.
  • Interest in working in museums, zoos, National Parks, or other cultural institutions.
  • Fluency in a second language is preferred but not required.
  • Experience using a personal computer and with MS Office and its Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Publisher functions (PC and/or Macintosh).


NHMLAC is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a workplace and public environment that uplifts Kindness, Fairness, Openness and Dignity. These values extend not only to our employees, but to our guests, local community, and organizational partners. If you are interested in this position, we encourage you to apply!

The hourly rate for this position is $26.41 with excellent benefits. This is a full-time regular, non-exempt position.

A cover letter, current resume, and list of 3-4 references are required for all applicants. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates, please visit www.nhmlac.org/careers-our-museums and click the link of the position you are interested in or go directly to the online application.