Creative & Education Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Librarian Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median librarian salary in Memphis, TN is $52,623 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$52,623
vs State Avg
$-1,836
vs National
$-8,567
Cost of Living
86%

Librarian Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median librarian salary of $52,623, which is $1,836 below the Tennessee state average of $54,459. Compared to the national median of $61,190, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $52,623 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $61,190 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for librarians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for librarians in Memphis spans from $33,712 at the 10th percentile to $83,076 at the 90th percentile — a $49,364 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior librarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Librarian Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level librarian earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,120
$-5,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,320
$-8,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $33,712
25th Percentile $42,140
Median (50th) $52,623
75th Percentile $66,392
90th Percentile $83,076

Librarian Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$61,190
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$56,295
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$53,847
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$53,847
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Librarian in Memphis

Education

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

Find Librarian Jobs in Memphis

Browse open librarian positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Librarian Salary in Memphis

How much does a Librarian make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median librarian salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $52,623 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $61,190. Salaries range from $33,712 (10th percentile) to $83,076 (90th percentile).
How much does a Librarian make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,623, a librarian in Memphis earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for librarian pay? ▼
Memphis's median librarian salary of $52,623 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $54,459. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a librarian salary of $52,623 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a librarian in Memphis? ▼
Most librarian positions in Memphis 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.