I have not followed the entire thread re: museum salaries, however, I will
add my .02 worth as a young person who is soon to graduate with an MA in
public history/museum studies.

My graduate advisor has been very forthcoming about the salaries and
prospects for a career in the museum field.  I feel that most people who are
politically aware must realize that the arts tend to be under-funded and
have no illusions about the non-profit world.

To pay graduate tuition, I have been working full-time in the for-profit
sector.  I am starting to send out resumes, and hope that the recruiters
will not toss my resume into the trash when they see my salary history.  In
the corporate world, I am making two times what average starting pay is in
museums.  However, I have worked long and hard for my degree and I chose the
field because I have always been interested in history and material culture.
I know that to become a curator, I will have to start in an entry-level
museum position and work up.  I'm ever so willing to take the large pay cut,
and hope that all of the recruiters out there will understand the motivation
I have for the career.

I recently had an internship director who told me that "museum pay is
directly disproportionate to the fun you will have in the career."  I know
she's right!

Thanks, everyone, for all the great information and friendly advice on the
listserv.

A. Geremia
Graduate Student
Middle Tennessee State University

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