Museum assistant
Museum assistants take care of customers and security in museums and galleries.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £15,000 - £22,000
Typical hours (a week): 41 - 43
How to become a museum assistant
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
You could get into this work through a cultural learning and participation officer or museums technician advanced apprenticeship. You could also do an apprenticeship in cultural and heritage venue operations.
Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Volunteering & Experience
It's important that you get as much work experience as possible. It will help you get a better understanding of the role, and make contacts who may help you to find paid work.
Direct application
You do not need any particular qualifications to become a museum assistant, although you'll usually need a good general standard of education, especially in English and maths.
There is a lot of competition for jobs and you may find some museums and galleries ask for a certain level of qualification, like A levels or equivalent.
You'll be in a stronger position when looking for work if you have:
- experience in customer care
- an interest in museums and their services
- volunteering experience in a museum, gallery or heritage attraction
More info
Career tips Experience of security work could be useful for some jobs. Professional and industry bodies You can join the Museums Association for your professional development.
What it takes
Skills & Knowledge
You'll need:
- an interest and knowledge of history
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent written communication skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restriction & Requirements
You'll need to:
What you'll do
Day to day
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- patrolling buildings to monitor security
- making sure exhibits are in good order
- giving talks to visitors about exhibitions
- helping curators to change displays and exhibitions
- creating labels for objects and recording items on display
- issuing entrance tickets
- serving in a museum shop
- carrying out administrative tasks and cleaning
Working environment
You could work in a museum. You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression
Career path & progression
With experience and relevant qualifications, you could become a programmes assistant, volunteer co-ordinator or assistant curator. You could also become a learning assistant or education officer.
