I think you're observation of Museum Educator's salaries being three times
lower than California teacher salaries is probably par for the course.  New
England is still coming out of a depression/recession in many sectors -
dispite the bull market.
First of all - salaries. Most museum educators - docents, museum teachers,
guides, interpreters - whatever the title - are volunteer or wage, part-time
folks. Many are capped at 1,000 hrs a year. Benefits like health insurance
therefore are not paid.
You will find all manner of work combinations - seasonal hourly, over 1,000
hour hourly, paid by "piece" or "project", ten month salary, full time year
round salary and a rainbow of benefits combinations.

A lot depends on the local economy and the competition for workers suited for
the museum positions. The local ice cream store, in some locations, can pay
more per hour with benefits than museums can or do. The trick is - there's
often a lot of turn over and folks moving between stores. And, is it really
something the person who would be a good museum educator wants to do with
their talents for a long time?

Some educators have a couple of jobs. One makes it possible to take the
museum job.

Teachers often have unions. Most museums do not. The non or not-for profit
world is still a good bit different from public or private schools.

There's a very tough balancing act between doing what you love and making a
living.

Good luck,

K. Boardman

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