Creative & Education Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Museum Curator Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median museum curator salary in Milwaukee, WI is $55,301 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$55,301
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,809
Cost of Living
92%

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

Milwaukee offers a median museum curator salary of $55,301, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $55,301. Compared to the national median of $60,110, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% 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 Milwaukee spans from $32,200 at the 10th percentile to $90,160 at the 90th percentile — a $57,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,960, while senior museum curators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,640. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Museum Curator Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level museum curator earns around $34,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,960
$-3,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,040
$-4,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,640
$-7,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

Percentile Milwaukee
10th Percentile $32,200
25th Percentile $40,480
Median (50th) $55,301
75th Percentile $71,760
90th Percentile $90,160

Museum Curator Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$60,110
Pop. 269,840
Kenosha, WI
$54,099
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$52,897
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$51,695
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Museum Curator in Milwaukee

Education

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

Find Museum Curator Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open museum curator positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Museum Curator Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Museum Curator make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median museum curator salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $55,301 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $60,110. Salaries range from $32,200 (10th percentile) to $90,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Museum Curator make per hour in Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,301, a museum curator in Milwaukee earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for museum curator pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median museum curator salary of $55,301 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $55,301. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a museum curator salary of $55,301 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a museum curator in Milwaukee? ▼
Most museum curator positions in Milwaukee 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.