I agree with Robert.  It is not necessary to have a degree to do a good job when working for a museum.  Unfortunately, directors and boards often seem to think a degree reflects more prestige on a museum or instills the staff member with a magic wand for solving all problems.

When an opening for an Assistant Curator opened at my museum, I recommended someone from my curatorial staff who was very knowledgeable and perfectly suited for the job.  I had often sought advice from this person when situations arose for which I had no direct experience.  Unfortunately, the Director turned this person down because she did not have that college degree.  Six months later, she left the museum.

Salaries do need to be raised, but also museum studies programs should let prospective museum professionals know that they most likely be underpaid.  While it didn't make a difference to me, there are people out there trying to support families who think of museums as businesses who pay business salaries to people with that higher degree.