Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors

Salaries of zoo and aquarium curators and directors vary widely depending on the size and location of the institution, whether it is privately or publicly owned, the size of its endowments and budget, and job responsibilities, educational background, and experience. Generally, zoos and aquariums in metropolitan areas pay higher salaries.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that the median annual earnings for all curators were $61,770 in May 2024, with salaries ranging from less than $37,110 to more than $105,520.

Directors tend to be the highest paid employees at zoos and aquariums. Zoo directors earned median salaries of $81,808 in 2023. Earnings ranged from $47,000 to $173,000 or more. Some directors at major institutions earn more than $200,000.

Most zoos and aquariums provide benefits packages including medical insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and generous retirement benefits. As salaried employees, directors and curators are not eligible for overtime pay, but they may get compensatory time for extra hours worked. Larger institutions may also offer coverage for prescription drugs, dental and vision insurance, mental health plans, and retirement savings plans. Private corporate zoos may offer better benefits, including profit sharing.