Creative & Education San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Museum Curator Salary in San Diego, California

The median museum curator salary in San Diego, CA is $85,356 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$85,356
vs State Avg
+$2,404
vs National
+$25,246
Cost of Living
142%

Museum Curator Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level museum curator earns around $53,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,960
+$15,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,040
+$26,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,640
+$38,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $49,700
25th Percentile $62,480
Median (50th) $85,356
75th Percentile $110,760
90th Percentile $139,160

Museum Curator Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Museum Curator in San Diego

Education

Most museum curator positions require a master's degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Collection ManagementExhibition DesignArt HistoryResearchGrant WritingPublic Programming

Job Outlook

Nationally, museum curator employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.