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Curator Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Salary: $75,033.30 - $102,518.83 Annually Location : PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ Job Type: Full Time Job ... The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of ...

Curator

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$60K/yr

Position Information Position Information Working Title Curator Department International Quilt ... No Criminal History Background Check Required Yes Posted Salary $60,000/yr. minimum How to Apply ...

As part of the curatorial team for this exhibition, the Assistant Curator will draw from both ... The salary range for this position is $70-80K. This is a hybrid position with a minimum of 3 days ...

$100K/yr

Reports to: Chief Curator FLSA: United States of America (Exempt) Employment Status : Regular ... Salary: $100,000 Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm What you will do: Exhibitions * Plan and ...

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Curator Salary information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do curator salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for curator salary 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 is the role of a curator?

A curator is responsible for selecting, organizing, and managing collections of artwork, artifacts, or specimens in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions. They conduct research, develop exhibitions, and ensure the preservation and proper documentation of items, often requiring knowledge of conservation techniques and relevant certifications.

Do I need a degree to be a curator?

A degree is often required to become a curator, with many positions requiring a bachelor's degree in art history, archaeology, or a related field. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or higher, along with relevant experience and knowledge of collections management and conservation tools.

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

To thrive as a Curator, you need expertise in art history or a related field, research skills, and typically a master’s degree in museum studies or a similar discipline. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital cataloging tools, and exhibit design software is often required. Strong organizational abilities, communication, and public engagement skills help curators connect with audiences and manage collections effectively. These combined skills ensure the preservation, interpretation, and accessibility of collections, supporting the institution's mission and visitor experience.

Is it difficult to become a curator?

Becoming a curator typically requires a relevant bachelor's degree in art, history, or a related field, along with experience in collections management or museum work. Many curators also pursue advanced degrees such as a master's or doctorate, and strong research, organizational, and communication skills are essential. The path can be competitive and may involve internships or entry-level positions to gain experience.

What are the typical challenges curators face when balancing administrative duties with creative exhibition planning?

Curators often juggle the creative aspects of exhibition planning with a significant amount of administrative tasks, such as budgeting, grant writing, and coordinating with other departments. Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, as administrative work can be time-consuming and sometimes limit the time available for research and creative development. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and a collaborative approach are essential to navigate these demands successfully. Working closely with museum educators, conservators, and external partners also helps ensure that both creative and operational goals are met.

How much money can a curator make?

The average salary for a curator typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the institution. Senior or specialized curators can earn higher salaries, especially with advanced degrees and extensive expertise in their field.

What is the average salary of a curator?

The average salary of a curator varies depending on factors like location, experience, and the size of the institution. In the United States, curators typically earn between $45,000 and $75,000 per year, with those at major museums or with significant experience sometimes earning more. Entry-level curators may start at a lower salary, while senior curators or department heads can earn $80,000 or more annually. Benefits and opportunities for advancement can also impact total compensation.
More about Curator Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Curator Salary jobs? Cities with the most Curator Salary job openings:
What states have the most Curator Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Curator Salary jobs include:
Infographic showing various Curator Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Program Coordinator & Assistant Museum Curator

Tuskegee Airmen National Museum

Detroit, MI • On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum
Position Summary
The Program Coordinator & Assistant Museum Curator is a hybrid role that supports the Museum’s Director of Program Innovation 80% & the Museum curator 20%. This position assists with structure, document, and support of education programs and exhibitions, collections care, and public storytelling. The role plays a key part in ensuring that exhibitions and programs are well-organized, repeatable, and clearly communicated through the museum’s voice and mission.
Job Description: Program Coordinator & Assistant Museum Curator
Salary:
Duties:
Programs & Flight Academy Support

Support summer enrichment programs, Flight Academy, and other education initiatives through scheduling, logistics, and materials preparation

Assist with organizing and documenting program workflows, timelines, and materials to support repeatability and growth

Help develop program tools such as checklists, templates, and training guides for instructors, interns, and volunteers

Support onboarding and coordination of program staff and volunteers

Assist in aligning exhibitions with education and program goals to strengthen learning outcomes
Note: This role supports program operations and documentation. Program strategy, curriculum design, and instruction remain under the direction of program leadership.
Exhibitions & Preparator Support

Research and develop temporary, traveling, and permanent exhibits that align with the museum's vision, subject matter, and donor requests

Make updates to traveling exhibit boards

Work with museum curator, director, and other related staff on installation, deinstallation, and travel of exhibits

Work with museum curator to pack, unpack, and crate objects and artwork

Maintain the appearance of galleries and exhibition spaces

Plan out both temporary and permanent exhibit spaces on our properties

Strategize best storage solutions at the Fort Wayne Location

Act as liaison between the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History curatorial and exhibit departments

Manage social media by posting museum updates, student progress, and historical/curatorial trivia

Develop virtual exhibit and museum content for official website
Storytelling, Content & Community Engagement

Coordinate and/or create weekly museum and program-related content for social media platforms

Capture and share behind-the-scenes exhibition work, programs in action, Flight Academy activities, and museum highlights

Assist with or direct the creation of flyers, promotional materials, and digital announcements

Ensure all public-facing content reflects the museum’s mission, history, and interpretive lens

Support website updates, virtual content, and digital storytelling initiatives
Qualifications

Master's degree preferred in museum studies or a related field preferred

Experience in exhibition preparation, gallery operations, or curatorial support

Background in museum education, public programming, or youth engagement

Strong organizational, writing, and interpretive communication skills

Experience creating or coordinating promotional or social media content in an institutional setting

Ability to work collaboratively across departments and manage multiple projects
Desired Skills & Attributes

Systems-oriented and detail-focused

Comfortable documenting processes and improving workflows

Strong visual and narrative storytelling skills

Adaptable and collaborative team member

Passion for education, community engagement, and museum work

Company Description

Tuskegee Airmen National Museum is a unique museum in that it introduces and teaches youth in aviation and aerospace science while at the same time chronicles the history of the Tuskegee Airmen.