Creative & Education

Librarian Salary

Librarians manage library collections, help patrons find information, develop community programs, and maintain digital and physical resources for public and academic institutions.

Median Salary
$61,190
Mean Salary
$64,270
Total Employed
144,200
Job Growth
+3%

Librarian Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level librarians earn around $42,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $62,000. Senior-level librarians can earn $88,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,000

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Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for librarians varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $39,200, while the top 10% earn $96,600.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $39,200
25th Percentile $49,000
50th Percentile (Median) $61,190
75th Percentile $77,200
90th Percentile $96,600

Librarian Salary by State

Librarian salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $104,023, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $50,788.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $104,023 Details →
#2 California $84,442 Details →
#3 Massachusetts $82,607 Details →
#4 Alaska $75,876 Details →
#5 New York $74,652 Details →
#6 New Jersey $70,369 Details →
#7 Washington $70,369 Details →
#8 Connecticut $68,533 Details →
#9 Maryland $67,309 Details →
#10 Oregon $67,309 Details →
#11 Colorado $64,250 Details →
#12 New Hampshire $64,250 Details →
#13 Rhode Island $64,250 Details →
#14 Virginia $63,638 Details →
#15 Delaware $61,802 Details →
#16 Vermont $61,802 Details →
#17 Florida $59,966 Details →
#18 Maine $59,966 Details →
#19 Arizona $59,354 Details →
#20 Minnesota $59,354 Details →
#21 Nevada $59,354 Details →
#22 Utah $59,354 Details →
#23 Pennsylvania $58,742 Details →
#24 Illinois $58,131 Details →
#25 Montana $58,131 Details →
#26 Idaho $57,519 Details →
#27 Georgia $56,907 Details →
#28 New Mexico $56,907 Details →
#29 North Carolina $56,295 Details →
#30 Texas $56,295 Details →
#31 Wisconsin $56,295 Details →
#32 Wyoming $56,295 Details →
#33 Louisiana $55,683 Details →
#34 Indiana $55,071 Details →
#35 Michigan $55,071 Details →
#36 Nebraska $55,071 Details →
#37 North Dakota $55,071 Details →
#38 Ohio $55,071 Details →
#39 Iowa $54,459 Details →
#40 South Carolina $54,459 Details →
#41 Tennessee $54,459 Details →
#42 Missouri $53,847 Details →
#43 South Dakota $53,847 Details →
#44 Alabama $53,235 Details →
#45 Kansas $53,235 Details →
#46 Kentucky $53,235 Details →
#47 Oklahoma $52,623 Details →
#48 Arkansas $51,400 Details →
#49 West Virginia $51,400 Details →
#50 Mississippi $50,788 Details →

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Key Responsibilities

  • ● Manage and curate library collections and databases
  • ● Assist patrons with research and information needs
  • ● Develop and lead community programs and events
  • ● Maintain digital resources and library technology systems
  • ● Train staff and volunteers on library procedures

Top Skills

Information Science Research Cataloging Community Programming Digital Literacy Database Management

Education Required

Master's degree

Job Outlook

As fast as average — projected 3% growth over the next decade

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Frequently Asked Questions About Librarian Salaries

How much does a Librarian make per year? ▼
The median librarian salary in the United States is $61,190 per year. Entry-level positions start around $42,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $88,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $64,270.
How much does a Librarian make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $61,190 per year, a librarian earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for librarians? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for librarians, with a median salary of $104,023. Other top-paying states include California ($84,442) and Massachusetts ($82,607).
What education do you need to become a librarian? ▼
Most librarian positions require a master's degree. Key skills include Information Science, Research, Cataloging, Community Programming. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for librarians? ▼
Employment for librarians is projected to grow 3% over the next decade, which is as fast as average. There are currently 144,200 librarians employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level librarian make? ▼
An entry-level librarian with 0-2 years of experience earns around $42,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $62,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $39,200, while the top 10% earn $96,600.