Creative & Education Topeka, KS Pop. 127,473

Museum Curator Salary in Topeka, Kansas

The median museum curator salary in Topeka, KS is $49,891 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 4.6% below the Kansas state average.

City Median
$49,891
vs State Avg
$-2,405
vs National
$-10,219
Cost of Living
83%

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

Topeka offers a median museum curator salary of $49,891, which is $2,405 below the Kansas state average of $52,296. Compared to the national median of $60,110, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $49,891 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,110 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for museum curators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for museum curators in Topeka spans from $29,050 at the 10th percentile to $81,340 at the 90th percentile — a $52,290 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,540, while senior museum curators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,360. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Museum Curator Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level museum curator earns around $31,540, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,540
$-6,460 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,460
$-10,540 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,360
$-15,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Topeka, KS

Percentile Topeka
10th Percentile $29,050
25th Percentile $36,520
Median (50th) $49,891
75th Percentile $64,740
90th Percentile $81,340

Museum Curator Salary in Other Kansas Cities

Overland Park, KS
$57,706
Pop. 197,238
Olathe, KS
$56,503
Pop. 141,290
Kansas City, KS
$52,897
Pop. 156,607
Wichita, KS
$51,094
Pop. 397,532

How to Become a Museum Curator in Topeka

Education

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

Find Museum Curator Jobs in Topeka

Browse open museum curator positions in Topeka, KS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Museum Curator Salary in Topeka

How much does a Museum Curator make in Topeka, KS? ▼
The median museum curator salary in Topeka, Kansas is $49,891 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $60,110. Salaries range from $29,050 (10th percentile) to $81,340 (90th percentile).
How much does a Museum Curator make per hour in Topeka? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,891, a museum curator in Topeka earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for museum curator pay? ▼
Topeka's median museum curator salary of $49,891 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $52,296. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼
Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a museum curator salary of $49,891 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a museum curator in Topeka? ▼
Most museum curator positions in Topeka 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.