Curators vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education: Who Earns More?
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education out-earn Curators by $550 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Curators land at $63,420 and Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education at $63,970. The education gap is real: curator programs typically require bachelor's degree, while elementary school teachers, except special education programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Curators is District of Columbia ($93,310); for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education it's Washington ($102,350).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Curators median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Curators or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education earn more nationally. The median is $63,420 for Curators versus $63,970 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, a difference of $550. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Curators or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Curators has the better 10-year outlook at 7% projected growth, compared to -2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Curators or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Curators typically requires bachelor's degree. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Curators get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Curators at $93,310/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Curators vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Curators earn $93,310 vs. $96,580 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.