Creative & Education Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Museum Curator Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median museum curator salary in Memphis, TN is $51,695 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$51,695
vs State Avg
$-1,803
vs National
$-8,415
Cost of Living
86%

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

Memphis offers a median museum curator salary of $51,695, which is $1,803 below the Tennessee state average of $53,498. Compared to the national median of $60,110, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis'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 Memphis an attractive option for museum curators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for museum curators in Memphis 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. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Museum Curator Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, 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

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $30,100
25th Percentile $37,840
Median (50th) $51,695
75th Percentile $67,080
90th Percentile $84,280

Museum Curator Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$60,110
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$55,301
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$52,897
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$52,897
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Museum Curator in Memphis

Education

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

Find Museum Curator Jobs in Memphis

Browse open museum curator positions in Memphis, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Museum Curator Salary in Memphis

How much does a Museum Curator make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median museum curator salary in Memphis, Tennessee 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 Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,695, a museum curator in Memphis earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for museum curator pay? ▼
Memphis's median museum curator salary of $51,695 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $53,498. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a museum curator salary of $51,695 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a museum curator in Memphis? ▼
Most museum curator positions in Memphis 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.