Over half of the survey respondents feel they are underpaid or living in wage poverty. Many earn only slightly above the minimum cultural worker salary, which 13% receive directly. To address this, the Estonian Museums Association (EMA) proposes raising the cultural worker minimum to 90% of the national average wage. The study also highlights that salary levels in the museum sector are barely influenced by education, experience, or specialisation.
Museum professionals represent a highly educated segment of Estonia’s population. 92% of respondents have higher education, yet education level has little influence on wages in the sector. Museum employees expect their academic achievements to be valued and reflected in their pay.
EMA finds that high-quality, specialized education in museology is crucial for the preservation of the Estonian language and culture: to maintain this heritage, a robust body of terminology in the native language is needed.
The pay raises granted to cultural workers employed under the Ministry of Culture do not extend to the entire field, and in particular not the museums receiving their funding elsewhere. Still, the Ministry could lead by example, setting sector-wide wage standards and acknowledging the role museums play in preserving cultural heritage.
Many museum professionals remain in the sector due to a strong sense of mission and responsibility for preserving and sharing cultural heritage. However, they are increasingly concerned about the lack of incoming qualified staff and the fact that, at current pay levels, museums are not attractive employers for young people.
The report also uncovers deep concerns about poor management, lack of recognition, and weak internal communication. Many staff feel overwhelmed by fragmented responsibilities, while leadership often lacks people management skills. Material insecurity significantly affects workplace wellbeing: how can one attend museum yoga if they can’t afford groceries? Alarmingly, many respondents are considering leaving the field, despite their love for the work, due to financial strain and frustrating management practices.
Low public recognition of museum work adds to the sector’s challenges. Workers want their contributions to be seen, respected, and adequately funded. EMA stresses the importance of regular salary surveys and increased collaboration within the field to foster understanding and professional growth.
Despite the difficulties, museum professionals remain dedicated to their mission. To ensure a vibrant future, the sector must become a more attractive career path through fair pay, strong leadership, and greater public support.
- Learn more and access the full report (in Estonian)
