Museum Curator Salary in Springfield, MO: $49,290 (2026)

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

Springfield offers a median museum curator salary of $49,290, which is $3,607 below the Missouri state average of $52,897. Compared to the national median of $60,110, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $49,290 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,110 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for museum curators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for museum curators in Springfield spans from $28,700 at the 10th percentile to $80,360 at the 90th percentile — a $51,660 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,160, while senior museum curators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,440. With a population of 169,176, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Museum Curator Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level museum curator earns around $31,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$31,160

$-6,840 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$50,840

$-11,160 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$75,440

$-16,560 vs national

Percentile	Springfield	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$28,700	$30,800	$35,000
25th Percentile	$36,080	$38,720	$44,000
Median (50th)	$49,290	$52,897	$60,110
75th Percentile	$63,960	$68,640	$78,000
90th Percentile	$80,360	$86,240	$98,000

Percentile

Springfield

10th Percentile

$28,700

25th Percentile

$36,080

Median (50th)

$49,290

75th Percentile

$63,960

90th Percentile

$80,360

How to Become a Museum Curator in Springfield

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Museum Curator Salary in Springfield

How much does a Museum Curator make in Springfield, MO? ▼

The median museum curator salary in Springfield, Missouri is $49,290 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $60,110. Salaries range from $28,700 (10th percentile) to $80,360 (90th percentile).

How much does a Museum Curator make per hour in Springfield? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $49,290, a museum curator in Springfield earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Springfield compare to the Missouri state average for museum curator pay? ▼

Springfield's median museum curator salary of $49,290 is 6.8% below the Missouri state average of $52,897. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Springfield, MO? ▼

Springfield has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a museum curator salary of $49,290 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a museum curator in Springfield? ▼

Most museum curator positions in Springfield 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.

Museum Curator Salary in Springfield, Missouri