- Salary statistics
- Curator, exhibitions salary
Curator, exhibitions salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
28 500 - 49 500 SEK / month
Women earn 98% of what men do.
Kultur, media, design
Related tools
Salary progression Curator, exhibitions
What does an Exhibition Curator do? – Job tasks and work environment
An Exhibition Curator is responsible for planning, developing, and executing exhibitions at museums, art galleries, or other cultural institutions. Tasks range from idea generation and concept development to practical coordination of transportation, installation, and lighting. The work requires close collaboration with artists, designers, technicians, and educators. The environment is often creative but can also be intense before exhibition openings, with periods of high activity and demands for flexibility. Administrative tasks such as budgeting, reporting, and applying for grants are often part of the role.
Salary development over time
The salary for an Exhibition Curator has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,700 SEK per month, increasing to 38 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 41 400 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 6% over the period. This trend reflects an increased demand for qualified curators, especially within government and larger institutions, where education level and experience are often prioritized. Salary increases may also be linked to a growing interest in culture and art, as well as efforts to retain expertise in the sector despite limited job opportunities. Expectations for the role have also risen, which can contribute to gradual salary increases.
Exhibition Curator salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 41 400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 26,600 SEK/month (female, government sector, pre-secondary education)
- Highest salary: 47,000 SEK/month (male, government sector, doctoral education)
- Hourly wage: 234 SEK
- Women: 41 100 SEK/month
- Men: 41 900 SEK/month
- Gender gap: Women earn 98% of what men do
Many curators have opportunities to work with international collaborations and exchanges, especially at larger institutions. This involves exciting meetings, travel, and knowledge exchange across borders, which can broaden networks and perspectives within the profession.
Education and qualifications
To work as an Exhibition Curator, a higher education degree in art history, museology, cultural studies, or related fields is usually required. Many employers also value experience in project management, exhibition production, or similar roles. Practical experience, such as internships or trainee positions, often carries significant weight in recruitment. Advanced knowledge and specialization in areas like contemporary art, history, or pedagogy can be advantageous.
- Formal education: Bachelor's or master's degree (3–5 years) in art history, museology, or cultural studies
- Internships: Internships or trainee positions at museums or cultural institutions are recommended
- Certifications/courses: Courses in project management, pedagogy, or exhibition techniques can be beneficial
- Prerequisites: Often, a secondary school diploma plus relevant higher education is required
- Tips for choosing specialization: Specializing in a specific area, such as contemporary art or technology, can increase competitiveness
Common benefits and compensations
Exhibition Curators are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and extra vacation days. Some employers provide professional development, opportunities for international exchanges, or subsidized cultural activities. Flexible working hours and remote work options may also be available, especially outside intense exhibition periods.
Competition and challenges
The job market for Exhibition Curators is relatively limited, with few positions advertised annually and many qualified applicants. Competition is particularly fierce at larger museums and institutions in metropolitan areas. Challenges often include balancing artistic vision with practical and financial constraints, as well as managing projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines. Digitalization and changing audience behaviors also demand innovative thinking and adaptability.
Tips for aspiring Exhibition Curators
To succeed as an Exhibition Curator, a genuine interest in art and culture combined with strong organizational skills is essential. Developing communication skills facilitates collaboration with artists, colleagues, and suppliers, while analytical abilities assist in planning and evaluating exhibitions. Taking initiative by engaging in student projects or volunteering at museums provides practical experience and references. Flexibility and stress tolerance are important, especially during opening events and deadlines. Building a broad network within the industry, both nationally and internationally, can open new opportunities. Finally, continuous education and staying updated on developments in museology and exhibition practices are crucial for maintaining competitiveness.
Key facts about Exhibition Curators
- Education level: Usually bachelor's or master's degree (3–5 years)
- Work environment: Museums, art galleries, or cultural institutions
- Work form: Project-based and often interdisciplinary collaboration
- Available jobs in the field: 620 (as of May 2024)
- Gender distribution: Women earn 98% of what men do
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, an Exhibition Curator can advance to leadership roles such as head of exhibition activities, museum director, or project manager for larger international collaborations. There are also opportunities to specialize further in areas like collection management, education, or digital development. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there are no definitive forecasts for this specific role, but there are 620 available positions in the field of museum curators and related roles. Long-term demand is influenced by public investments in culture, changing audience behaviors, and digitalization, making flexibility and ongoing skills development important for the future.
Frequently asked questions about Exhibition Curators
- What does an Exhibition Curator earn?
- The average salary is 41 400 SEK per month, but variations depend on experience and workplace. - What education is required to become an Exhibition Curator?
- Usually, a bachelor's or master's degree in art history, museology, or cultural studies. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn approximately 98% of what men do in the profession. - What is the job market like for Exhibition Curators?
- The job market is competitive, with 620 available positions in the field of museum curators and related roles. - What personal qualities are important in this profession?
- Communication skills, organization, flexibility, and initiative are particularly valued. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for Exhibition Curators?
- The highest salary is 47,000 SEK (male, doctoral education, government sector), the lowest is 26,600 SEK (female, pre-secondary education, government sector). - What are the main tasks of an Exhibition Curator?
- Planning, development, and execution of exhibitions, as well as collaboration with artists and technical staff.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 35000 kr | 36200 kr |
| 35-44 | 105% | 43400 kr | 43600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 41600 kr | 42000 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 42600 kr | 42900 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 40800 kr | 41400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 26100 kr | 31000 kr |
| 25-34 | 103% | 32300 kr | 34100 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 38000 kr | 38600 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40600 kr | 40900 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 40800 kr | 41100 kr |
| 65-68 | 103% | 37900 kr | 39100 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 38000 kr | 38800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 36000 kr | 36000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 104% | 36900 kr | 37000 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 41300 kr | 41400 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 43500 kr | 43600 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 44600 kr | 44700 kr |
| 65-68 | 106% | 42100 kr | 42100 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 42600 kr | 42700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 25400 kr | 30800 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 30300 kr | 32900 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 35800 kr | 36700 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 37500 kr | 38200 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 37100 kr | 37600 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 34800 kr | 36900 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 34500 kr | 36000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 28100 kr | 29000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 110% | 33700 kr | 34500 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 38800 kr | 39300 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 40100 kr | 40300 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 39200 kr | 39400 kr |
| 65-68 | 99% | 39600 kr | 40700 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 38100 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 39500 kr | 39800 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 44500 kr | 44700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 39500 kr | 39800 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 44500 kr | 44700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 36700 kr | 37600 kr |
| 35-44 | 105% | 41300 kr | 41700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 42800 kr | 43000 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 44600 kr | 44800 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 41400 kr | 41900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 25500 kr | 30700 kr |
| 25-34 | 103% | 31600 kr | 33200 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 37700 kr | 38400 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40900 kr | 41300 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 41300 kr | 41400 kr |
| 65-68 | 103% | 36900 kr | 38400 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 38300 kr | 39000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 104% | 35900 kr | 35900 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 41400 kr | 41400 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 43800 kr | 43800 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 44200 kr | 44300 kr |
| 65-68 | 106% | 40600 kr | 40600 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 42700 kr | 42800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 24800 kr | 30500 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 30500 kr | 32600 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 35100 kr | 36100 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 36500 kr | 37300 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 37800 kr | 38100 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 32300 kr | 35500 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 34200 kr | 35600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 110% | 30100 kr | 32100 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 39200 kr | 39900 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 41300 kr | 41300 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 38900 kr | 39000 kr |
| 65-68 | 99% | 40900 kr | 40900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 38200 kr | 38700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 93% | 47000 kr | 47100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 93% | 47000 kr | 47100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 34200 kr | 35500 kr |
| 35-44 | 105% | 43800 kr | 44000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 41000 kr | 41400 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 41500 kr | 41800 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 40600 kr | 41100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 26300 kr | 31100 kr |
| 25-34 | 103% | 32600 kr | 34400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 38100 kr | 38700 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40400 kr | 40800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 40500 kr | 40900 kr |
| 65-68 | 103% | 38400 kr | 39500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 37900 kr | 38700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 104% | 37300 kr | 37400 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 41300 kr | 41300 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 43400 kr | 43400 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 44900 kr | 44900 kr |
| 65-68 | 106% | 43000 kr | 43000 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 42600 kr | 42600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 25600 kr | 30900 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 30200 kr | 33000 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 36000 kr | 36900 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 37900 kr | 38600 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 36800 kr | 37500 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 35800 kr | 37400 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 34700 kr | 36200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 110% | 35000 kr | 35400 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 38700 kr | 39000 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 39200 kr | 39400 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 39300 kr | 39600 kr |
| 65-68 | 99% | 38300 kr | 40500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 38000 kr | 38300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 93% | 43800 kr | 44000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 93% | 43800 kr | 44000 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Curator, exhibitions has the SSYK code 2621, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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