Creative & Education Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Librarian Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median librarian salary in Boston, MA is $93,009 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$93,009
vs State Avg
+$10,402
vs National
+$31,819
Cost of Living
152%

Librarian Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median librarian salary of $93,009, which is $10,402 above the Massachusetts state average of $82,607. Compared to the national median of $61,190, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $93,009 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,190. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for librarians in Boston spans from $59,584 at the 10th percentile to $146,832 at the 90th percentile — a $87,248 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,840, while senior librarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $133,760. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Librarian Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level librarian earns around $63,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,840
+$21,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,240
+$32,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,760
+$45,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $59,584
25th Percentile $74,480
Median (50th) $93,009
75th Percentile $117,344
90th Percentile $146,832

Librarian Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$97,904
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$67,309
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$64,250
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$59,966
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Librarian in Boston

Education

Most librarian positions require a master's degree. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts 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 Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Librarian Jobs in Boston

Browse open librarian positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Librarian Salary in Boston

How much does a Librarian make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median librarian salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $93,009 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $61,190. Salaries range from $59,584 (10th percentile) to $146,832 (90th percentile).
How much does a Librarian make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,009, a librarian in Boston earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for librarian pay? ▼
Boston's median librarian salary of $93,009 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $82,607. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a librarian salary of $93,009 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a librarian in Boston? ▼
Most librarian positions in Boston 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.