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Curator Salaries Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Data Curator

$70K - $88K/yr

The Data Curator works closely with others on the team, as well as our customers, to help ... base salary range for this role is listed below. Exact compensation may vary based on skills ...

Req ID: 40891 Summary Data Manager / Curator Arlington, VA Are you ready to enhance your skills and ... Salary/Wage USD $99,000.00/Yr. Up to USD $137,000.00/Yr. Chenega Corporation and family of ...

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Curator Salaries information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do curator salaries jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for curator salaries in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to be a curator?

To become a curator, a bachelor's degree in art history, archaeology, museum studies, or a related field is typically required, with many positions preferring a master's degree or higher. Relevant experience in collections management, research, or exhibition planning, along with strong organizational and communication skills, are also important qualifications.

What is the difference between Curator Salaries vs Archivist Salaries?

AspectCurator SalariesArchivist Salaries
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in art, history, or related field; often a master's for advanced rolesBachelor's degree in library science, history, or related field; often a master's or MLS
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, cultural institutionsArchives, libraries, historical societies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily cultural, educational, and nonprofit sectorsGovernment agencies, educational institutions, private organizations

While both curators and archivists work in cultural and historical settings, curators focus on managing collections of art or artifacts in museums, often engaging in curation, exhibition planning, and public education. Archivists, on the other hand, specialize in preserving and organizing historical documents and records. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and institution type, but generally, curators tend to earn slightly higher salaries due to their public-facing roles and specialized expertise.

Are curators in high demand?

The demand for curators varies by sector, with museums, galleries, and cultural institutions often seeking qualified professionals with expertise in specific collections or themes. While some areas experience steady demand, overall growth is moderate, and competition for positions can be strong, especially without specialized skills or advanced certifications.

What are some common challenges curators face when managing collections, and how can they overcome them?

Curators often encounter challenges such as limited budgets for acquisitions and conservation, balancing public engagement with scholarly research, and keeping up with digital cataloging systems. To overcome these, curators typically prioritize items based on significance and condition, seek grant funding, and collaborate with colleagues across departments. Building strong relationships with donors and staying current with museum technology trends also help address these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of collection management.

Is it difficult to become a curator?

Becoming a curator typically requires a relevant degree in art, history, or a related field, along with experience in collections management or museum work. Developing specialized knowledge, strong organizational skills, and often obtaining professional certifications can also be important for advancing in this career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a curator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Curator, you need expertise in art history or a related field, strong research abilities, and typically a master’s degree in museum studies or a similar discipline. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital archiving tools, and relevant certifications like the Certified Interpretive Guide can be highly beneficial. Excellent communication, organizational skills, and creative problem-solving help curators engage audiences and manage diverse collections. These skills ensure effective preservation, interpretation, and presentation of cultural artifacts, which are vital for a museum or gallery's success.

What are curator salaries?

Curator salaries can vary widely depending on the type of institution, location, level of experience, and education. In the United States, the median annual salary for museum curators is around $60,000, but entry-level positions may start closer to $40,000, while experienced curators at prestigious museums can earn upwards of $90,000 or more. Additional factors such as specialized expertise, advanced degrees, and administrative responsibilities can also influence salary levels.
More about Curator Salaries jobs
What cities are hiring for Curator Salaries jobs? Cities with the most Curator Salaries job openings:
What states have the most Curator Salaries jobs? States with the most job openings for Curator Salaries jobs include:
Infographic showing various Curator Salaries job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Curator of Education and Exhibits, W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History

Tarleton State University

Stephenville, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Tarleton State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

477th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Title
Curator of Education and Exhibits, W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History
Agency
Tarleton State University
Department
WK Gordon Center
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Stephenville, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Curator of Education and Exhibits at the W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives-on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.
At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
No matter where you're located-on campus or online-you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.
Important Immigration Information:
A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Tarleton State University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Tarleton State University subject to this fee.
In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.
The Curator, under direction, oversees training and supervision of personnel and assists in personnel management. Acquires, researches, and manages collections. Plans, organizes, interprets, and presents exhibitions and lectures.
This is an in-office position located at the W. K. Gordon Center in Mingus, TX., thirty miles north of the Stephenville campus. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM and may require occasional work in the evenings and on weekends. Serves as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act.
This position is primarily on-site in accordance with Texas Senate Bill 2615. Following the successful completion of required training, hybrid work arrangements may be considered for eligible employees whose roles and duties permit, subject to institutional approval. No visa sponsorship is available for this role.
Responsibilities
35% Educational Outreach
Plan, coordinate, evaluate, and participate in presenting educational programs to children and adults at the W. K. Gordon Center and other locations for the Center. Build relationships with local educators through teacher preview opportunities, on-site school meeting visits, and creation of teacher materials sent through mail. Develop educational field trips for students that adhere to Texas state educational standards. Schedule and lead interactive field trips through the museum for school-aged students. Schedule and perform off-site field trip experiences as necessary. Develop and implement educational programming for children and adults. Seek out and create contacts with Texas industry professionals for Sunday afternoon museum programs. Plan, schedule, promote, and supervise set up and tear down of public museum events including Sunday afternoon educational programs, special night events, members only events, children's educational events, and other museum programming as necessary. Evaluate programs based on visitor numbers and feedback.
35% Exhibitions
Research, develop, and install temporary and permanent exhibitions that interpret the history of Thurber and promote the mission of the museum. Collaborate with staff to create temporary exhibition schedule at least one year in advance of exhibit opening. Develop, research, and interpret museum collection of Thurber artifacts. Research content for temporary and permanent exhibitions. Coordinate and collaborate with local community leaders and residents to create joint exhibitions and related public outreach programming. Develop concepts and interactive elements of temporary and permanent exhibitions. Create research based written content for exhibitions. Design and install exhibitions including written, graphic, and interactive content. Evaluate impact of exhibitions. Prepare objects and images for public display. Supervise interns and part time staff as needed to assist with administrative, research, and exhibition work.
10% Social Media Coordinator
Oversee coordination of advertising, publicity, and public relations. Coordinate with University marketing department to promote museum programs and exhibitions through internal and external advertising. Maintain website and University calendar with pertinent museum updates. Create content for and maintain museum social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, and Blogger. Coordinate and collaborate with local communities to promote local events in an effort to create strong ties between the museum, University, and area community members. Supervise interns and part-time employees in research, writing, and publishing monthly blog posts on museum blog; write and publish own blog posts to museum blog as necessary; manage backend of blog.
10% Administrative
Supervise interns, graduate assistants, and part-time employees. Supervise greeting of visitors, acceptance of admission fees, answers for verbal queries. Represent Gordon Center in official meetings and trainings as necessary. Complete university mandated documents related to finance, travel, employment, statistics, communications, operations, and technology. Oversee operations of online museum store; add new merchandise as it becomes available; process and fulfill online orders; ensure proper accounting information processed through Tarleton system. Seek out and apply for grants to fund museum educational programming and exhibitions. Stay up to date on current museum trends, strategies, and public history philosophies through research, conversations with other professionals, and continuing education opportunities.
5% Membership
Design and gather membership package printed materials. Process membership packages at museum: add to museum database, print membership materials, write thank-you letter to new members, pack and ship new member packages. Promote Gordon Society member program through museum communications and social media channels.
5% Other-Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Collection Management/Conservation or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Four years of related experience in academic and/or professional collection management or conservation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
  • Knowledge of conservation and collection management.
  • Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Compensation & Benefits
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Salary Range:
The target base annual salary range is $47,000 up to $56,187.84 and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position.
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and qualifying part-time employees. Our Careers Page offers an overview of the great benefits we offer; for detailed information visit our Benefits Information page.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.
Application Procedure:
During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.
Employment applications must include:
  • Completed online application
  • Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume
  • At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered. Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. "See resume" is not an acceptable entry in the job application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

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