Creative & Education Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Librarian Salary in Virginia

The median librarian salary in Virginia is $63,638 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $61,190.

Median Salary
$63,638
vs National
+$2,448
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Librarian Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for librarian compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for librarian pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $63,638 per year, librarians in Virginia earn $2,448 more than the national median of $61,190.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning librarian salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: librarians at the 10th percentile earn $40,768, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $100,464 — a $59,696 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $80,771.

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 Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level librarian earns around $43,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,520 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,680
+$1,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,480
+$2,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,520
+$3,520 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $40,768
25th Percentile $50,960
Median (50th) $63,638
75th Percentile $80,288
90th Percentile $100,464

Librarian Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for librarians in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Librarian in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Information ScienceResearchCatalogingCommunity ProgrammingDigital LiteracyDatabase Management

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Librarian Salary in Virginia

How much does a Librarian make in Virginia? ▼
The median librarian salary in Virginia is $63,638 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $61,190. Salaries range from $40,768 (10th percentile) to $100,464 (90th percentile).
How much does a Librarian make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,638, a librarian in Virginia earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for librarians? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for librarian pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level librarians earn $43,680, while senior professionals earn $91,520.
How does Virginia compare to other states for librarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for librarians is Hawaii at $104,023. Virginia's median of $63,638 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($64,250) and Rhode Island ($64,250).
What is the entry-level librarian salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level librarian in Virginia earns approximately $43,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $64,480. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $91,520.
What city in Virginia pays librarians the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for librarians, with a median salary of $80,771. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.