Museum Curator Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $52,897 (2026)

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

Chattanooga offers a median museum curator salary of $52,897, which is $601 below the Tennessee state average of $53,498. Compared to the national median of $60,110, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Chattanooga's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $52,897 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,110 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for museum curators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for museum curators in Chattanooga spans from $30,800 at the 10th percentile to $86,240 at the 90th percentile — a $55,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,440, while senior museum curators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,960. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Museum Curator Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level museum curator earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$33,440

$-4,560 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$54,560

$-7,440 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$80,960

$-11,040 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$30,800	$31,150	$35,000
25th Percentile	$38,720	$39,160	$44,000
Median (50th)	$52,897	$53,498	$60,110
75th Percentile	$68,640	$69,420	$78,000
90th Percentile	$86,240	$87,220	$98,000

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$30,800

25th Percentile

$38,720

Median (50th)

$52,897

75th Percentile

$68,640

90th Percentile

$86,240

How to Become a Museum Curator in Chattanooga

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Museum Curator Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Museum Curator make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

The median museum curator salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $52,897 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $60,110. Salaries range from $30,800 (10th percentile) to $86,240 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $52,897, a museum curator in Chattanooga earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for museum curator pay? ▼

Chattanooga's median museum curator salary of $52,897 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $53,498. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a museum curator salary of $52,897 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most museum curator positions in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga, Tennessee