Creative & Education Kailua, HI Pop. 38,635

Museum Curator Salary in Kailua, Hawaii

The median museum curator salary in Kailua, HI is $102,187 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median and 0.0% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$102,187
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
+$42,077
Cost of Living
170%

Museum Curator Pay in Kailua: What to Expect (2026)

Kailua offers a median museum curator salary of $102,187, which is $0 above the Hawaii state average of $102,187. Compared to the national median of $60,110, Kailua pays above average for this role.

However, Kailua's cost of living index is 170%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $102,187 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,110. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Kailua should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for museum curators in Kailua spans from $59,500 at the 10th percentile to $166,600 at the 90th percentile — a $107,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $64,600, while senior museum curators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $156,400. Kailua is a smaller market (pop. 38,635), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Museum Curator Salary in Kailua by Experience

In Kailua, an entry-level museum curator earns around $64,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,600
+$26,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,400
+$43,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$156,400
+$64,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kailua, HI

Percentile Kailua
10th Percentile $59,500
25th Percentile $74,800
Median (50th) $102,187
75th Percentile $132,600
90th Percentile $166,600

Museum Curator Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$105,193
Pop. 350,964
Pearl City, HI
$100,985
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$97,378
Pop. 38,216
Hilo, HI
$91,367
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Museum Curator in Kailua

Education

Most museum curator positions require a master's degree. Kailua and the surrounding Hawaii 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 Kailua may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Museum Curator Jobs in Kailua

Browse open museum curator positions in Kailua, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Museum Curator Salary in Kailua

How much does a Museum Curator make in Kailua, HI? ▼
The median museum curator salary in Kailua, Hawaii is $102,187 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $60,110. Salaries range from $59,500 (10th percentile) to $166,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Museum Curator make per hour in Kailua? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $102,187, a museum curator in Kailua earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kailua compare to the Hawaii state average for museum curator pay? ▼
Kailua's median museum curator salary of $102,187 is 0.0% above the Hawaii state average of $102,187. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kailua, HI? ▼
Kailua has a cost of living index of 170% compared to the national average. This means a museum curator salary of $102,187 in Kailua has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a museum curator in Kailua? ▼
Most museum curator positions in Kailua require a master's degree. Key skills include Collection Management, Exhibition Design, Art History, Research. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.