Museum Curator Salary in Austin, Texas
The median museum curator salary in Austin, TX is $63,116 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 14.1% above the Texas state average.
Museum Curator Pay in Austin: What to Expect (2026)
Austin offers a median museum curator salary of $63,116, which is $7,815 above the Texas state average of $55,301. Compared to the national median of $60,110, Austin pays above average for this role.
Austin's cost of living is 105% 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 Austin spans from $36,750 at the 10th percentile to $102,900 at the 90th percentile — a $66,150 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,900, while senior museum curators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,600. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.
Museum Curator Salary in Austin by Experience
In Austin, an entry-level museum curator earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX
| Percentile | Austin |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $36,750 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,200 |
| Median (50th) | $63,116 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $102,900 |
Museum Curator Salary in Other Texas Cities
How to Become a Museum Curator in Austin
Education
Most museum curator positions require a master's degree. Austin and the surrounding Texas area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, museum curator employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Austin may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Museum Curator Jobs in Austin
Browse open museum curator positions in Austin, TX: