Creative & Education North Carolina (NC) Rank #29 of 50

Librarian Salary in North Carolina

The median librarian salary in North Carolina is $56,295 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $61,190.

Median Salary
$56,295
vs National
$-4,895
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Librarian Salary Overview in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina ranks #29 out of 50 states for librarian compensation. Librarian salaries in North Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $56,295 per year, librarians in North Carolina earn $4,895 less than the national median of $61,190.

A key advantage of working in North Carolina is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $56,295 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $61,190 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Carolina is significant: librarians at the 10th percentile earn $36,064, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,872 — a $52,808 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Carolina for this role is Charlotte, where the median reaches $59,966.

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 North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level librarian earns around $38,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,040
$-4,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-7,040 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $36,064
25th Percentile $45,080
Median (50th) $56,295
75th Percentile $71,024
90th Percentile $88,872

Librarian Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for librarians in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Librarian in North Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Information ScienceResearchCatalogingCommunity ProgrammingDigital LiteracyDatabase Management

Job Outlook in North Carolina

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Librarian Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Librarian make in North Carolina? ▼
The median librarian salary in North Carolina is $56,295 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $61,190. Salaries range from $36,064 (10th percentile) to $88,872 (90th percentile).
How much does a Librarian make per hour in North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,295, a librarian in North Carolina earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for librarians? ▼
North Carolina ranks #29 out of 50 states for librarian pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level librarians earn $38,640, while senior professionals earn $80,960.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for librarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for librarians is Hawaii at $104,023. North Carolina's median of $56,295 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($56,907) and New Mexico ($56,907).
What is the entry-level librarian salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level librarian in North Carolina earns approximately $38,640 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $80,960.
What city in North Carolina pays librarians the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for librarians, with a median salary of $59,966. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.