Since 2004 the Museums Association has conducted sector-wide research into pay in museums. This research captures sector pay information at a single point in time and compares it with current legal and campaign-driven expectations, for example the real living wage.
This research has allowed us to provide an accurate reflection of current pay rates, and we know that our research has:
- supported organisations to review pay policies and develop roles that are paid appropriately;
- contributed to pay negotiations and informed organisational restructures and responses;
- been used to make individual cases for pay increases and transparency across organisations.
These are just some of the reasons why this research is so important to us and to the sector.
The research window for our next update is still open and closes on 30 October 2026. Research responses are to be completed at an organisational level.
Once the research window has closed, we will analyse the data and produce a report with recommendations for the sector, aiming to support fair working conditions and workforce wellbeing.
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We are now encouraging our member organisations to complete our questionnaire so we have a strong dataset to support our recommendations to the sector.
How to take part
If your organisation is an MA member or is otherwise engaged with us, it should have received a direct invitation to complete this year’s pay questionnaire.
If you occupy an HR or leadership role and have yet to receive an invitation for your organisation, please email cpd@museumsassociation.org with the relevant contact details so we can forward the survey link to you.
If you have any other questions about this research, or any ideas or suggestions for our recommendations, please email Tamsin Russell, workforce development lead, via tamsin@museumsassociation.org.