Museum Curator Salary in Madison, Wisconsin
The median museum curator salary in Madison, WI is $60,110 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average.
Museum Curator Pay in Madison: What to Expect (2026)
Madison offers a median museum curator salary of $60,110, which is $4,809 above the Wisconsin state average of $55,301. Compared to the national median of $60,110, Madison pays above average for this role.
Madison'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 Madison 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. With a population of 269,840, Madison is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Museum Curator Salary in Madison by Experience
In Madison, 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.
Salary Percentiles in Madison, WI
| Percentile | Madison |
|---|---|
| 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 Wisconsin Cities
How to Become a Museum Curator in Madison
Education
Most museum curator positions require a master's degree. Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin 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 Madison may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Museum Curator Jobs in Madison
Browse open museum curator positions in Madison, WI: