Creative & Education Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Librarian Salary in Missouri

The median librarian salary in Missouri is $53,847 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $61,190.

Median Salary
$53,847
vs National
$-7,343
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Librarian Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for librarian compensation. Librarian salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $53,847 per year, librarians in Missouri earn $7,343 less than the national median of $61,190.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $53,847 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $61,190 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: librarians at the 10th percentile earn $34,496, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $85,008 — a $50,512 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $56,295.

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 Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level librarian earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,560
$-7,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $34,496
25th Percentile $43,120
Median (50th) $53,847
75th Percentile $67,936
90th Percentile $85,008

Librarian Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for librarians in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Librarian in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

Information ScienceResearchCatalogingCommunity ProgrammingDigital LiteracyDatabase Management

Job Outlook in Missouri

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Librarian Salary in Missouri

How much does a Librarian make in Missouri? ▼
The median librarian salary in Missouri is $53,847 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $61,190. Salaries range from $34,496 (10th percentile) to $85,008 (90th percentile).
How much does a Librarian make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,847, a librarian in Missouri earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for librarians? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for librarian pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level librarians earn $36,960, while senior professionals earn $77,440.
How does Missouri compare to other states for librarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for librarians is Hawaii at $104,023. Missouri's median of $53,847 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($54,459) and Tennessee ($54,459).
What is the entry-level librarian salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level librarian in Missouri earns approximately $36,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,560. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $77,440.
What city in Missouri pays librarians the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for librarians, with a median salary of $56,295. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.