Museum Curator Salary in Des Moines, Iowa
The median museum curator salary in Des Moines, IA is $55,301 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.
Museum Curator Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)
Des Moines offers a median museum curator salary of $55,301, which is $1,803 above the Iowa state average of $53,498. Compared to the national median of $60,110, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for museum curators in Des Moines spans from $32,200 at the 10th percentile to $90,160 at the 90th percentile — a $57,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,960, while senior museum curators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,640. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Museum Curator Salary in Des Moines by Experience
In Des Moines, an entry-level museum curator earns around $34,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA
| Percentile | Des Moines |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $32,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,480 |
| Median (50th) | $55,301 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $90,160 |
Museum Curator Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Museum Curator in Des Moines
Education
Most museum curator positions require a master's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, museum curator employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Museum Curator Jobs in Des Moines
Browse open museum curator positions in Des Moines, IA: