Museum Curator Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina
The median museum curator salary in Raleigh, NC is $58,908 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.
Museum Curator Pay in Raleigh: What to Expect (2026)
Raleigh offers a median museum curator salary of $58,908, which is $3,607 above the North Carolina state average of $55,301. Compared to the national median of $60,110, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Raleigh's cost of living is 98% 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 Raleigh spans from $34,300 at the 10th percentile to $96,040 at the 90th percentile — a $61,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,240, while senior museum curators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,160. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Museum Curator Salary in Raleigh by Experience
In Raleigh, an entry-level museum curator earns around $37,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC
| Percentile | Raleigh |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $34,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,120 |
| Median (50th) | $58,908 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $96,040 |
Museum Curator Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Museum Curator in Raleigh
Education
Most museum curator positions require a master's degree. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Museum Curator Jobs in Raleigh
Browse open museum curator positions in Raleigh, NC: