Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Learn more
Curators Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Curators make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$78,740
Median Annual Salary
▬
+0.0% vs 2024
$86,330
Mean Salary
$78,740
Median Salary
$37.86
Hourly Rate
1,140 people work as Curators in California
Curators salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Curators in California earn a median salary of $78,740 per year ($6,561/month).
This is 25.0% above the national average of $63,010.
California ranks #4 out of 49 states for Curators pay.
Approximately 1,140 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries remained stable by 0.0% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Curators
Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.
Top Skills
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Active Listening
3.88
Writing
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.75
Key Knowledge Areas
English Language
4.57
History and Archeology
4.52
Fine Arts
3.76
Administration and Management
3.33
Sociology and Anthropology
3.3
Typical Education: Master's Degree
(44.0% of workers)
Salaries for Curators in California range from $53,390 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $125,670 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $66,480 and $99,430.
Median $78,740
P10: $53,390P25: $66,480P75: $99,430P90: $125,670
10th
$53,390
25th
$66,480
Median
$78,740
75th
$99,430
90th
$125,670
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$53,390
$25.67
$4,449
25th Percentile
$66,480
$31.96
$5,540
Median (50th)
$78,740
$37.86
$6,561
75th Percentile
$99,430
$47.80
$8,285
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$125,670
$60.42
$10,472
Note: The mean (average) salary of $86,330 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Curators in California is $78,740 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $86,330.
What is the salary range for a Curators in California?
Salaries for Curators in California range from $53,390 at the 10th percentile to $125,670 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $66,480 and $99,430.
What is the starting salary for a Curators in California?
Entry-level Curators positions in California typically start around $53,390 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $66,480 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Curators in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,140 people are employed as Curators in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Curators in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Curators in California is approximately $37.86 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
We use cookies to improve your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve relevant ads.
You can choose which categories to allow. For details, see our
Privacy Policy and
Cookie List.