Museum host

What does a museum guard do? – Tasks and work environment

A museum guard works daily welcoming visitors, answering questions, and providing information about the museum's exhibitions. Tasks also include supervising exhibition halls, ensuring rules are followed, and sometimes guiding groups or school classes. The contact with the public is extensive, requiring good service skills and an interest in culture and history. Working hours can vary, with evening and weekend shifts, especially during special events. The work environment is often calm and pleasant, but periods of high visitor numbers can mean a faster pace.

Salary development over time

The salary of a museum guard has developed steadily over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,200 SEK per month, increasing to 28 500 SEK in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, there was a clear increase to 30 200 SEK, corresponding to an increase of just over 6% over two years. This trend can be partly explained by increased demand for service-oriented staff in the cultural sector and general wage adjustments in the public sector. The salary growth for museum guards has thus been somewhat stronger than for several other professions in the same category, possibly due to a greater focus on visitor experience and safety. Despite this, the salary level for the profession remains aligned with the average for similar service jobs.

Museum guard salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary (female): 27,700 SEK
• Lowest salary (male): 30,600 SEK
• Highest salary (female): 33,600 SEK
• Highest salary (male): 31,500 SEK
• Hourly wage (average): 181 SEK
• Women earn: 29 900 SEK (97 % of men's salary)
• Men earn: 30 800 SEK
• Regional differences: Data varies, often higher salaries in metropolitan regions

Education and qualifications

To work as a museum guard, usually no advanced higher education is required, but employers often view a high school diploma and experience in service jobs positively. Many workplaces offer internal training about the museum's collections and safety routines. Additional merits include good language skills and an interest in history or culture. Practical experience through internships or seasonal work can be crucial for recruitment.

• High school diploma: Often in humanities, culture, or tourism (2–3 years)
• Internal training: Common upon hiring, especially regarding the museum's offerings and safety
• Language skills: Meritorious, especially English and other major languages
• Internships or seasonal work: Provide good chances for permanent employment
• Service experience: Previous work in customer service or reception is often a plus

Common benefits and compensations

Museum guards often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized lunches, and collective insurance schemes. Paid training within the museum's operations and opportunities for professional development through internal courses are also common. The work may include overtime pay for evening and weekend shifts, which can increase total income slightly.

Competition and challenges

Competition for permanent positions as a museum guard can be high, especially at larger museums in cities. Seasonal variations also affect the number of available positions, with more temporary jobs during summer and major exhibitions. The profession requires the ability to handle stress during busy periods and work independently during quieter hours. Maintaining a service-oriented and pedagogical approach, even during repetitive tasks, is a challenge for many. Additionally, advancement opportunities are often limited without further education or specialization.

Tips for aspiring museum guards

To succeed as a museum guard, it helps to combine a genuine interest in culture with strong service skills and good communication abilities. Showing curiosity and willingness to learn about the museum's history and collections makes it easier to engage visitors. Flexibility is an important trait, as shifts often vary and the pace can change quickly. Building experience through internships or seasonal work, especially if competition is high, is advisable. Being able to work in a team and also independently during quieter times is an asset. For those who speak multiple languages, responsibilities for international groups can be an opportunity, providing additional experience. An open and welcoming attitude often receives positive feedback and contributes to a pleasant work environment.

Key facts about museum guards

• Education level: High school diploma most common, often with a cultural focus
• Work environment: Public setting with varying pace
• Typical employment type: Temporary or part-time, especially seasonal employment
• Demand: About 550 job openings within the profession (May 2024)
• Special skills: Language skills and pedagogical ability are valued

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a museum guard, there are opportunities to develop into other roles within museum work, such as museum educator, exhibition coordinator, or guide with a specialization. Further education in museology, pedagogy, or cultural administration is often necessary for advancement. Forecasts from the Employment Service do not provide an exact assessment for museum guards, but within the "guides and tour leaders" category, there were 550 job openings in spring 2024. The labor market is strongly influenced by economic cycles and the development of the tourism industry, with limited access to permanent positions. For those willing to work seasonally or in different locations, opportunities for employment increase.

Frequently asked questions about museum guards

• What is the average salary of a museum guard?
  - A museum guard has an average salary of 30 200 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a museum guard?
  - The highest salary is 33,600 SEK (female, public sector). The lowest salary is 27,700 SEK (female, various sectors).
• Are there gender differences in salaries for museum guards?
  - Yes, women earn 97 % of what men do, with an average salary of 29 900 SEK compared to 30 800 SEK.
• What education is required to become a museum guard?
  - Usually a high school diploma, preferably with a focus on culture or service, along with internal training.
• What does the job market look like for museum guards?
  - There are approximately 550 job openings in the profession, but competition for permanent positions is high.
• What does a museum guard do at work?
  - A museum guard greets visitors, provides information, monitors exhibitions, and sometimes guides groups.
• Are there regional salary differences for museum guards?
  - Yes, salaries tend to be higher in metropolitan areas compared to smaller towns.