Creative & Education Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Librarian Salary in Colorado

The median librarian salary in Colorado is $64,250 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $61,190.

Median Salary
$64,250
vs National
+$3,060
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Librarian Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for librarian compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for librarian pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $64,250 per year, librarians in Colorado earn $3,060 more than the national median of $61,190.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning librarian salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: librarians at the 10th percentile earn $41,160, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $101,430 — a $60,270 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $78,323.

Nationally, librarian employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for librarians across the country.

Librarian Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level librarian earns around $44,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,100
+$2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,100
+$3,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
+$4,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $41,160
25th Percentile $51,450
Median (50th) $64,250
75th Percentile $81,060
90th Percentile $101,430

Librarian Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for librarians in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Librarian in Colorado

Education

Most librarian positions require a master's degree. Colorado has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Information ScienceResearchCatalogingCommunity ProgrammingDigital LiteracyDatabase Management

Job Outlook in Colorado

Nationally, librarian employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Colorado's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Librarian Salary in Colorado

How much does a Librarian make in Colorado? ▼
The median librarian salary in Colorado is $64,250 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $61,190. Salaries range from $41,160 (10th percentile) to $101,430 (90th percentile).
How much does a Librarian make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,250, a librarian in Colorado earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for librarians? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for librarian pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level librarians earn $44,100, while senior professionals earn $92,400.
How does Colorado compare to other states for librarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for librarians is Hawaii at $104,023. Colorado's median of $64,250 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maryland ($67,309) and Oregon ($67,309).
What is the entry-level librarian salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level librarian in Colorado earns approximately $44,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $65,100. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,400.
What city in Colorado pays librarians the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for librarians, with a median salary of $78,323. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.