Museum Assistant

Typical Salary

£15,000 To £22,000

Typical Hours

41 to 43 a week

evenings / weekends on a rota

How To Become a Museum Assistant

You can get into this job through:

an apprenticeship
volunteering
applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

You could get into this work through a cultural learning and participation officer or museums technician advanced apprenticeship.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

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

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And 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

Day To Day Tasks

On a typical day you may:

patrol buildings to monitor security
make sure exhibits are in good order
give talks to visitors about exhibitions
help curators to change displays and exhibitions
create labels for objects and record items on display
issue entrance tickets
serve in a museum shop
carry out administrative tasks and keep the museum clean and tidy

Working Environment

You could work in a museum.

You may need to wear a uniform.

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.

Volunteering Opportunities

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.

Tips & Information

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.

Further information

You can get more advice on working in museums from the Museums Association.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks