Creative & Education Idaho (ID) Rank #26 of 50

Museum Curator Salary in Idaho

The median museum curator salary in Idaho is $56,503 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $60,110.

Median Salary
$56,503
vs National
$-3,607
State Rank
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
94%

Museum Curator Salary Overview in Idaho (2026)

Idaho ranks #26 out of 50 states for museum curator compensation. Museum Curator salaries in Idaho are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $56,503 per year, museum curators in Idaho earn $3,607 less than the national median of $60,110.

A key advantage of working in Idaho is its below-average cost of living (94% of the national index). This means the $56,503 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $60,110 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Idaho is significant: museum curators at the 10th percentile earn $32,900, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $92,120 — a $59,220 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Idaho for this role is Boise, where the median reaches $60,110.

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 Idaho and beyond.

Museum Curator Salary in Idaho by Experience

In Idaho, an entry-level museum curator earns around $35,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,480 per year. The cost of living index in Idaho is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,720
$-2,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,280
$-3,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,480
$-5,520 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Idaho

Percentile ID Salary
10th Percentile $32,900
25th Percentile $41,360
Median (50th) $56,503
75th Percentile $73,320
90th Percentile $92,120

Museum Curator Salary by City in Idaho

The largest employment areas for museum curators in Idaho include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Museum Curator in Idaho

Education

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

Key Skills

Collection ManagementExhibition DesignArt HistoryResearchGrant WritingPublic Programming

Job Outlook in Idaho

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Museum Curator Salary in Idaho

How much does a Museum Curator make in Idaho? ▼
The median museum curator salary in Idaho is $56,503 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $60,110. Salaries range from $32,900 (10th percentile) to $92,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Museum Curator make per hour in Idaho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,503, a museum curator in Idaho earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Idaho a good state for museum curators? ▼
Idaho ranks #26 out of 50 states for museum curator pay. The cost of living index is 94% of the national average. Entry-level museum curators earn $35,720, while senior professionals earn $86,480.
How does Idaho compare to other states for museum curator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for museum curators is Hawaii at $102,187. Idaho's median of $56,503 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($57,105) and Montana ($57,105).
What is the entry-level museum curator salary in Idaho? ▼
An entry-level museum curator in Idaho earns approximately $35,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,280. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $86,480.
What city in Idaho pays museum curators the most? ▼
Boise is the highest paying city in Idaho for museum curators, with a median salary of $60,110. Other cities include Meridian and Nampa.