Museum Curator Salary in Tacoma, Washington
The median museum curator salary in Tacoma, WA is $66,121 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.
Museum Curator Pay in Tacoma: What to Expect (2026)
Tacoma offers a median museum curator salary of $66,121, which is $3,006 below the Washington state average of $69,127. Compared to the national median of $60,110, Tacoma pays above average for this role.
Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $38,500 at the 10th percentile to $107,800 at the 90th percentile — a $69,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,800, while senior museum curators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,200. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Museum Curator Salary in Tacoma by Experience
In Tacoma, an entry-level museum curator earns around $41,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA
| Percentile | Tacoma |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $38,500 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,400 |
| Median (50th) | $66,121 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $107,800 |
Museum Curator Salary in Other Washington Cities
How to Become a Museum Curator in Tacoma
Education
Most museum curator positions require a master's degree. Tacoma and the surrounding Washington 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 Tacoma may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Museum Curator Jobs in Tacoma
Browse open museum curator positions in Tacoma, WA: