Download the 2026 Salary Survey here!

AAMD has completed its 2026 Salary Survey, which includes responses from 193 museums in the United States and Canada, and covers more than 70 different staff positions, from the director’s office to leadership and support positions in curatorial, education, advancement, communications, security, and more. The survey also includes data on compensation practices, benefits, and intern compensation.

Thank you to the staff from 193 museums who contributed their time and data to make this survey possible!

This is the 40th salary survey issued by AAMD.

The report was developed in partnership with Rex and Partners. Thank you to their team, we are grateful for our partnership!

Please note that the beginning of the report includes a preface that defines certain key data sources, followed by a page defining key terms used throughout the report.