Creative & Education North Dakota (ND) Rank #37 of 50

Museum Curator Salary in North Dakota

The median museum curator salary in North Dakota is $54,099 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $60,110.

Median Salary
$54,099
vs National
$-6,011
State Rank
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Museum Curator Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for museum curator compensation. Museum Curator salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $54,099 per year, museum curators in North Dakota earn $6,011 less than the national median of $60,110.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $54,099 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $60,110 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: museum curators at the 10th percentile earn $31,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,200 — a $56,700 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $56,503.

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 North Dakota and beyond.

Museum Curator Salary in North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level museum curator earns around $34,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,800 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,200
$-3,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,800
$-6,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,800
$-9,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $31,500
25th Percentile $39,600
Median (50th) $54,099
75th Percentile $70,200
90th Percentile $88,200

Museum Curator Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for museum curators in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Museum Curator in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Collection ManagementExhibition DesignArt HistoryResearchGrant WritingPublic Programming

Job Outlook in North Dakota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Museum Curator Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Museum Curator make in North Dakota? ▼
The median museum curator salary in North Dakota is $54,099 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $60,110. Salaries range from $31,500 (10th percentile) to $88,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Museum Curator make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,099, a museum curator in North Dakota earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for museum curators? ▼
North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for museum curator pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level museum curators earn $34,200, while senior professionals earn $82,800.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for museum curator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for museum curators is Hawaii at $102,187. North Dakota's median of $54,099 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($54,099) and Nebraska ($54,099).
What is the entry-level museum curator salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level museum curator in North Dakota earns approximately $34,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $82,800.
What city in North Dakota pays museum curators the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for museum curators, with a median salary of $56,503. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.