Chiming into the conversation. I work for the main regional art museum in my state, which operates as an auxiliary of the state university here in town, and I'm at $32,000. We were recently told to not expect any kind of raise for years because of the pandemic, but did hear that next fiscal year there's likely a cost of living increase.
I am the only full time preparator, and handle all mount making, matting/framing, etc. We have temporary assistant preparators, they are on call and make an hourly rate just a dollar less than me. I handle the purchasing of all supplies, maintenance on two vehicles and the upkeep of an off-site wood shop.
