How to become a 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
36
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
72% female
Average full-time
39 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
20%
Employment Size
1,300
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%
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%
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%
