How to become a Museum Attendant

Museum Attendant

Museum attendants work in the public spaces of museums, greeting visitors and attending to enquiries, and ensuring the protection of exhibits.

Personal requirements for a Museum Attendant

  • Interested in museums or art galleries
  • Able to process large amounts of information
  • Outgoing and friendly nature
  • Good communication skills
  • Able to handle groups of people with ease

Education & Training for a Museum Attendant

You can work as a museum attendant without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Employers usually prefer those who can demonstrate a genuine interest in the collection. Carrying out volunteer work may improve employment prospects.You can also become a museum attendant through an apprenticeship or traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.


Duties & Tasks of a Museum Attendant

Museum attendants:

  • Conduct tours of museums or galleries
  • Answer enquiries
  • Direct visitors to specific exhibits
  • Give visitors information about exhibits
  • Control visitors' access to exhibits
  • Check that all visitors have departed at closing time
  • Prevent unauthorised entry
  • Inspect membership cards, admission passes and tickets
  • Patrol the museum or gallery to ensure security.

Tasks

  • Arranges entry to places of interest.
  • Plans, organises and conducts tours.
  • May assist with installing and dismantling exhibits.
  • Meets and greets visitors.
  • Answers questions, provides commentaries, issues brochures and tour literature, shows audio-visual presentations, and explains components and procedures at tour sites.
  • Controls visitors' access to exhibits.

Working conditions for a Museum Attendant

Museum attendants generally work indoors but may be required to travel with exhibitions and displays.


Employment Opportunities for a Museum Attendant

Museum attendants are employed in a variety of roles, usually by a museum, but they can also work in other institutions such as galleries, universities or other cultural institutions. Many people volunteer as a museum attendant prior to obtaining paid employment.


Specializations

Museum Attendant

Museum attendants work in the public spaces of museums, greeting visitors and attending to enquiries, and ensuring the protection of exhibits.

  • Average age
    Average age
    37 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Very strong
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    70% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    40 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $1,374
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Lower skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Lower unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    29% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    1,200 workers
  • Employment Size
    Employment by state
    ACT: 12.4%
    NSW: 28.8%
    NT: 2.1%
    QLD: 17.1%
    SA: 3.0%
    TAS: 8.4%
    VIC: 19.5%
    WA: 8.4%
  • Employment Size
    Age brackets
    15-19: 2.6%
    20-24: 13%
    25-34: 30.3%
    35-44: 15.9%
    45-54: 15.9%
    55-59: 8.4%
    60-64: 5.6%
    65 and Over: 8.2%
  • Employment Size
    Education level
    Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 10%
    Bachelor degree: 40.3%
    Certificate III/IV: 7.1%
    Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 18.6%
    Year 10 and below: 4.8%
    Year 11: 2.9%
    Year 12: 16.4%
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