As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Museum Collections Curator in the United States is $63,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Museum Collections Curator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Museum Collections Curator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Museum Collections Curator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Museum Collections Curator | $59,903 |
| Intermediate Level Museum Collections Curator | $60,275 |
| Senior Level Museum Collections Curator | $61,513 |
| Specialist Level Museum Collections Curator | $65,385 |
| Expert Level Museum Collections Curator | $66,507 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Museum Collections Curators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Initiative | 9.09% |
| Microsoft Office | 3.03% |
| Public Service | 2.02% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Questioning
|
$83,790 |
33%
|
|
Digital Media
|
$74,340 |
18%
|
|
Leadership
|
$68,670 |
9%
|
|
Personnel Management
|
$68,670 |
9%
|
|
Program Management
|
$68,670 |
9%
|
|
Photography
|
$68,040 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Museum Collections Curators enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Museum Collections Curator with a Bachelor's Degree is between $62,291 and $68,170).
Museum Collections Curator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 0.6% |
| Associates | 0.6% |
| Bachelors | 25.3% |
| Masters | 53.8% |
| Doctorate | 19.6% |
Understanding how a Museum Collections Curator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a Museum Collections Curator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,791 in 2023 to around $69,651 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Museum Collections Curator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $70,791 |
| 2024 | $70,374 |
| 2025 | $69,651 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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While nearly all museum curators hold a master's degree, many national museums and certain institutions require a PhD. The salary for a Museum Collections Curator typically ranges from $57,000 to $80,200, with a median salary of around $66,800, reflecting the level of education and experience in the field.
To become a museum collections manager, a graduate degree in Museum Studies or a related field is typically required, along with valuable hands-on experience. Many start their careers through internships and project-based contracts. Salaries for this role range from $57,000 to $80,200, with a median salary of $66,800.
A collections curator is responsible for the care, management, and interpretation of collections in museums and cultural institutions. Their role includes research, preservation, exhibition planning, and educational outreach. Salaries for this position typically range from $57,000 to $80,200, with a median salary of around $66,800.
Museum curators are indeed in high demand, with overall employment projected to grow 11% from 2023 to 2033, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. Annually, around 4,700 openings for these roles are expected. Salaries for museum collections curators range from $57,000 to $80,200, with a median salary of $66,800.
The best job in a museum can vary based on personal interests, but a Museum Collections Curator is highly regarded. They typically earn between $57,000 and $80,200, with a median salary of $66,800. This role involves managing collections, ensuring preservation, and engaging with the public, making it both rewarding and impactful in the museum field.
Museum curators can earn significantly more than the average salary range of $57,000 to $80,200. Notable high-paying cities include Los Angeles, CA, with salaries around $103,110, and New York, NY, where curators earn approximately $79,756. Other cities like Denver, CO, and Asheville, NC, also offer competitive salaries, making them attractive locations for curators.
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