Museum Curator Salary in Brookings, SD: $51,695 (2026)

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

Brookings offers a median museum curator salary of $51,695, which is $1,202 below the South Dakota state average of $52,897. Compared to the national median of $60,110, Brookings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Brookings's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $51,695 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,110 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for museum curators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for museum curators in Brookings spans from $30,100 at the 10th percentile to $84,280 at the 90th percentile — a $54,180 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior museum curators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,120. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Museum Curator Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level museum curator earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$32,680

$-5,320 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$53,320

$-8,680 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$79,120

$-12,880 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$30,100	$30,800	$35,000
25th Percentile	$37,840	$38,720	$44,000
Median (50th)	$51,695	$52,897	$60,110
75th Percentile	$67,080	$68,640	$78,000
90th Percentile	$84,280	$86,240	$98,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$30,100

25th Percentile

$37,840

Median (50th)

$51,695

75th Percentile

$67,080

90th Percentile

$84,280

How to Become a Museum Curator in Brookings

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Museum Curator Salary in Brookings

How much does a Museum Curator make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median museum curator salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $51,695 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $60,110. Salaries range from $30,100 (10th percentile) to $84,280 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $51,695, a museum curator in Brookings earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for museum curator pay? ▼

Brookings's median museum curator salary of $51,695 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $52,897. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Brookings, SD? ▼

Brookings has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a museum curator salary of $51,695 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most museum curator positions in Brookings 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 Brookings, South Dakota