Creative & Education Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Museum Curator Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median museum curator salary in Nashville, TN is $60,110 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$60,110
vs State Avg
+$6,612
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Nashville offers a median museum curator salary of $60,110, which is $6,612 above the Tennessee state average of $53,498. Compared to the national median of $60,110, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% 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 Nashville spans from $35,000 at the 10th percentile to $98,000 at the 90th percentile — a $63,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,000, while senior museum curators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,000. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Museum Curator Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level museum curator earns around $38,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $35,000
25th Percentile $44,000
Median (50th) $60,110
75th Percentile $78,000
90th Percentile $98,000

Museum Curator Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Museum Curator in Nashville

Education

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

Find Museum Curator Jobs in Nashville

Browse open museum curator positions in Nashville, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Museum Curator Salary in Nashville

How much does a Museum Curator make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median museum curator salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $60,110 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $60,110. Salaries range from $35,000 (10th percentile) to $98,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Museum Curator make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,110, a museum curator in Nashville earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for museum curator pay? ▼
Nashville's median museum curator salary of $60,110 is 12.4% above the Tennessee state average of $53,498. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a museum curator salary of $60,110 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a museum curator in Nashville? ▼
Most museum curator positions in Nashville 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.