Creative & Education Missoula, MT Pop. 75,516

Museum Curator Salary in Missoula, Montana

The median museum curator salary in Missoula, MT is $61,312 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.4% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$61,312
vs State Avg
+$4,207
vs National
+$1,202
Cost of Living
102%

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

Missoula offers a median museum curator salary of $61,312, which is $4,207 above the Montana state average of $57,105. Compared to the national median of $60,110, Missoula pays above average for this role.

Missoula's cost of living is 102% 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 Missoula spans from $35,700 at the 10th percentile to $99,960 at the 90th percentile — a $64,260 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,760, while senior museum curators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,840. Missoula is a smaller market (pop. 75,516), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Museum Curator Salary in Missoula by Experience

In Missoula, an entry-level museum curator earns around $38,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,760
+$760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,240
+$1,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,840
+$1,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Missoula, MT

Percentile Missoula
10th Percentile $35,700
25th Percentile $44,880
Median (50th) $61,312
75th Percentile $79,560
90th Percentile $99,960

Museum Curator Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Museum Curator in Missoula

Education

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

Find Museum Curator Jobs in Missoula

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Frequently Asked Questions: Museum Curator Salary in Missoula

How much does a Museum Curator make in Missoula, MT? ▼
The median museum curator salary in Missoula, Montana is $61,312 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $60,110. Salaries range from $35,700 (10th percentile) to $99,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Museum Curator make per hour in Missoula? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,312, a museum curator in Missoula earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Missoula compare to the Montana state average for museum curator pay? ▼
Missoula's median museum curator salary of $61,312 is 7.4% above the Montana state average of $57,105. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Missoula, MT? ▼
Missoula has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a museum curator salary of $61,312 in Missoula has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a museum curator in Missoula? ▼
Most museum curator positions in Missoula 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.