Creative & Education Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Museum Curator Salary in Delaware

The median museum curator salary in Delaware is $60,711 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $60,110.

Median Salary
$60,711
vs National
+$601
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Museum Curator Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for museum curator compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for museum curator pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $60,711 per year, museum curators in Delaware earn $601 more than the national median of $60,110.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning museum curator salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: museum curators at the 10th percentile earn $35,350, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $98,980 — a $63,630 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $63,116.

Nationally, museum curator employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Delaware and beyond.

Museum Curator Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level museum curator earns around $38,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,920 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,380
+$380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,620
+$620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,920
+$920 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $35,350
25th Percentile $44,440
Median (50th) $60,711
75th Percentile $78,780
90th Percentile $98,980

Museum Curator Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for museum curators in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Museum Curator in Delaware

Education

Most museum curator positions require a master's degree. Delaware has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Collection ManagementExhibition DesignArt HistoryResearchGrant WritingPublic Programming

Job Outlook in Delaware

Nationally, museum curator employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Delaware's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Museum Curators who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $32,209 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Museum Curator Salary in Delaware

How much does a Museum Curator make in Delaware? ▼
The median museum curator salary in Delaware is $60,711 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $60,110. Salaries range from $35,350 (10th percentile) to $98,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Museum Curator make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,711, a museum curator in Delaware earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for museum curators? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for museum curator pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level museum curators earn $38,380, while senior professionals earn $92,920.
How does Delaware compare to other states for museum curator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for museum curators is Hawaii at $102,187. Delaware's median of $60,711 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($63,116) and Virginia ($62,514).
What is the entry-level museum curator salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level museum curator in Delaware earns approximately $38,380 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $62,620. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,920.
What city in Delaware pays museum curators the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for museum curators, with a median salary of $63,116. Other cities include Dover and Newark.