Creative & Education Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Librarian Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median librarian salary in Denver, CO is $68,533 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$68,533
vs State Avg
+$4,283
vs National
+$7,343
Cost of Living
112%

Librarian Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median librarian salary of $68,533, which is $4,283 above the Colorado state average of $64,250. Compared to the national median of $61,190, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $68,533 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,190. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for librarians in Denver spans from $43,904 at the 10th percentile to $108,192 at the 90th percentile — a $64,288 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,040, while senior librarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,560. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Librarian Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level librarian earns around $47,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,040
+$5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,440
+$7,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,560
+$10,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $43,904
25th Percentile $54,880
Median (50th) $68,533
75th Percentile $86,464
90th Percentile $108,192

Librarian Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$78,323
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$64,861
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$64,250
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$61,190
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Librarian in Denver

Education

Most librarian positions require a master's degree. Denver and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Information ScienceResearchCatalogingCommunity ProgrammingDigital LiteracyDatabase Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, librarian employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Librarian Jobs in Denver

Browse open librarian positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Librarian Salary in Denver

How much does a Librarian make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median librarian salary in Denver, Colorado is $68,533 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $61,190. Salaries range from $43,904 (10th percentile) to $108,192 (90th percentile).
How much does a Librarian make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,533, a librarian in Denver earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for librarian pay? ▼
Denver's median librarian salary of $68,533 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $64,250. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a librarian salary of $68,533 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a librarian in Denver? ▼
Most librarian positions in Denver require a master's degree. Key skills include Information Science, Research, Cataloging, Community Programming. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.