Creative & Education Illinois (IL) Rank #24 of 50

Museum Curator Salary in Illinois

The median museum curator salary in Illinois is $57,105 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $60,110.

Median Salary
$57,105
vs National
$-3,005
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Museum Curator Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level museum curator earns around $36,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,100
$-1,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,900
$-3,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-4,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $33,250
25th Percentile $41,800
Median (50th) $57,105
75th Percentile $74,100
90th Percentile $93,100

Museum Curator Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for museum curators in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Museum Curator in Illinois

Education

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

Key Skills

Collection ManagementExhibition DesignArt HistoryResearchGrant WritingPublic Programming

Job Outlook in Illinois

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