Creative & Education Minnesota (MN) Rank #20 of 50

Museum Curator Salary in Minnesota

The median museum curator salary in Minnesota is $58,307 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $60,110.

Median Salary
$58,307
vs National
$-1,803
State Rank
#20 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Museum Curator Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for museum curator compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for museum curator pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $58,307 per year, museum curators in Minnesota earn $1,803 less than the national median of $60,110.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning museum curator salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: museum curators at the 10th percentile earn $33,950, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $95,060 — a $61,110 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $63,116.

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 Minnesota and beyond.

Museum Curator Salary in Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level museum curator earns around $36,860, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,240 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,860
$-1,140 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,140
$-1,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,240
$-2,760 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $33,950
25th Percentile $42,680
Median (50th) $58,307
75th Percentile $75,660
90th Percentile $95,060

Museum Curator Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for museum curators in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Museum Curator in Minnesota

Education

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

Key Skills

Collection ManagementExhibition DesignArt HistoryResearchGrant WritingPublic Programming

Job Outlook in Minnesota

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

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Data shows Museum Curators who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $30,933 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Museum Curator Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Museum Curator make in Minnesota? ▼
The median museum curator salary in Minnesota is $58,307 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $60,110. Salaries range from $33,950 (10th percentile) to $95,060 (90th percentile).
How much does a Museum Curator make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,307, a museum curator in Minnesota earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for museum curators? ▼
Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for museum curator pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level museum curators earn $36,860, while senior professionals earn $89,240.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for museum curator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for museum curators is Hawaii at $102,187. Minnesota's median of $58,307 ranks #20 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($58,908) and Arizona ($58,307).
What is the entry-level museum curator salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level museum curator in Minnesota earns approximately $36,860 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,140. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $89,240.
What city in Minnesota pays museum curators the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for museum curators, with a median salary of $63,116. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.