How to Become a Curators in California
Curators in California earn a median salary of $78,710/year, which is 27% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~4.4%. After taxes and rent, a curators takes home approximately $3,613/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a curators can afford in California
Becoming a curators in California
Meet education requirements
Curators positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many curators positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for curatorss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 1,180 curators. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Curators salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $94K | $45.25/hr | 50 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $90K | $43.41/hr | 210 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $84K | $40.34/hr | 150 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $78K | $37.63/hr | 450 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $73K | $34.96/hr | 60 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $73K | $34.86/hr | 50 |
Curators salary range in California
Curators careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a curators make in California?▼
The median curators salary in California is $78,710 per year ($37.84/hr). This is 27% above the national median of $61,770. Salaries range from $51,220 to $129,190.
What are the requirements to become a curators in California?▼
Curators positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a curators afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $78,710, a curators in California would take home approximately $5,025/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 28.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for curators in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for curators in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($94,110), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($90,290), San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad ($83,910). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for curators?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.4%. On a $78,710 salary, this means roughly $3,458/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.