Creative & Education Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Librarian Salary in Rhode Island

The median librarian salary in Rhode Island is $64,250 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $61,190.

Median Salary
$64,250
vs National
+$3,060
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Librarian Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for librarian compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for librarian pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $64,250 per year, librarians in Rhode Island earn $3,060 more than the national median of $61,190.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning librarian salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: librarians at the 10th percentile earn $41,160, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $101,430 — a $60,270 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $66,085.

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 Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level librarian earns around $44,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,100
+$2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,100
+$3,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
+$4,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $41,160
25th Percentile $51,450
Median (50th) $64,250
75th Percentile $81,060
90th Percentile $101,430

Librarian Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for librarians in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Librarian in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Information ScienceResearchCatalogingCommunity ProgrammingDigital LiteracyDatabase Management

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Librarian Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Librarian make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median librarian salary in Rhode Island is $64,250 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $61,190. Salaries range from $41,160 (10th percentile) to $101,430 (90th percentile).
How much does a Librarian make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,250, a librarian in Rhode Island earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for librarians? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for librarian pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level librarians earn $44,100, while senior professionals earn $92,400.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for librarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for librarians is Hawaii at $104,023. Rhode Island's median of $64,250 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($64,250) and New Hampshire ($64,250).
What is the entry-level librarian salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level librarian in Rhode Island earns approximately $44,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $65,100. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,400.
What city in Rhode Island pays librarians the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for librarians, with a median salary of $66,085. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.