Creative & Education Utah (UT) Rank #22 of 50

Museum Curator Salary in Utah

The median museum curator salary in Utah is $58,307 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $60,110.

Median Salary
$58,307
vs National
$-1,803
State Rank
#22 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Museum Curator Salary Overview in Utah (2026)

Utah ranks #22 out of 50 states for museum curator compensation. Utah falls in the middle of the pack for museum curator pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $58,307 per year, museum curators in Utah earn $1,803 less than the national median of $60,110.

Utah's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning museum curator salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Utah is significant: museum curators at the 10th percentile earn $33,950, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $95,060 — a $61,110 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Utah for this role is Salt Lake City, where the median reaches $61,312.

Nationally, museum curator employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Utah and beyond.

Museum Curator Salary in Utah by Experience

In Utah, an entry-level museum curator earns around $36,860, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,240 per year. The cost of living index in Utah is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,860
$-1,140 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,140
$-1,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,240
$-2,760 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Utah

Percentile UT Salary
10th Percentile $33,950
25th Percentile $42,680
Median (50th) $58,307
75th Percentile $75,660
90th Percentile $95,060

Museum Curator Salary by City in Utah

The largest employment areas for museum curators in Utah include Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, and West Jordan. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Museum Curator in Utah

Education

Most museum curator positions require a master's degree. Utah has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Collection ManagementExhibition DesignArt HistoryResearchGrant WritingPublic Programming

Job Outlook in Utah

Nationally, museum curator employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Utah's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Museum Curators who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $30,933 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Museum Curator Salary in Utah

How much does a Museum Curator make in Utah? ▼
The median museum curator salary in Utah is $58,307 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $60,110. Salaries range from $33,950 (10th percentile) to $95,060 (90th percentile).
How much does a Museum Curator make per hour in Utah? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,307, a museum curator in Utah earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Utah a good state for museum curators? ▼
Utah ranks #22 out of 50 states for museum curator pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level museum curators earn $36,860, while senior professionals earn $89,240.
How does Utah compare to other states for museum curator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for museum curators is Hawaii at $102,187. Utah's median of $58,307 ranks #22 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Minnesota ($58,307) and Nevada ($58,307).
What is the entry-level museum curator salary in Utah? ▼
An entry-level museum curator in Utah earns approximately $36,860 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,140. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $89,240.
What city in Utah pays museum curators the most? ▼
Salt Lake City is the highest paying city in Utah for museum curators, with a median salary of $61,312. Other cities include West Valley City and Provo.