Creative & Education New York (NY) Rank #5 of 50

Librarian Salary in New York

The median librarian salary in New York is $74,652 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $61,190.

Median Salary
$74,652
vs National
+$13,462
State Rank
#5 of 50
Cost of Living
122%

Librarian Salary Overview in New York (2026)

New York ranks #5 out of 50 states for librarian compensation. This places New York in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for librarians seeking high pay. At $74,652 per year, librarians in New York earn $13,462 more than the national median of $61,190.

It's worth noting that New York's cost of living is 122% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $74,652 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $61,190.

The salary spread in New York is significant: librarians at the 10th percentile earn $47,824, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $117,852 — a $70,028 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New York for this role is New York City, where the median reaches $114,425.

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 New York by Experience

In New York, an entry-level librarian earns around $51,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,360 per year. The cost of living index in New York is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,240
+$9,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,640
+$13,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$107,360
+$19,360 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New York

Percentile NY Salary
10th Percentile $47,824
25th Percentile $59,780
Median (50th) $74,652
75th Percentile $94,184
90th Percentile $117,852

Librarian Salary by City in New York

The largest employment areas for librarians in New York include New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Yonkers. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Librarian in New York

Education

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

Key Skills

Information ScienceResearchCatalogingCommunity ProgrammingDigital LiteracyDatabase Management

Job Outlook in New York

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Librarian Salary in New York

How much does a Librarian make in New York? ▼
The median librarian salary in New York is $74,652 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $61,190. Salaries range from $47,824 (10th percentile) to $117,852 (90th percentile).
How much does a Librarian make per hour in New York? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,652, a librarian in New York earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New York a good state for librarians? ▼
New York ranks #5 out of 50 states for librarian pay. The cost of living index is 122% of the national average. Entry-level librarians earn $51,240, while senior professionals earn $107,360.
How does New York compare to other states for librarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for librarians is Hawaii at $104,023. New York's median of $74,652 ranks #5 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Massachusetts ($82,607) and Alaska ($75,876).
What is the entry-level librarian salary in New York? ▼
An entry-level librarian in New York earns approximately $51,240 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $75,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $107,360.
What city in New York pays librarians the most? ▼
New York City is the highest paying city in New York for librarians, with a median salary of $114,425. Other cities include Buffalo and Rochester.