Position
Salary

How much does a Librarian make?

The average salary for a Librarian is $64,077 per year in the US.

Librarians play a key role in managing information and providing resources to the public. They can earn a respectable salary. The average yearly salary for librarians is around $64,077. This figure can vary based on several factors, including location, experience, and the type of institution.

Librarians working in certain areas may see higher pay. For example, those in government settings or larger libraries often earn more. Some common salary points are as follows:

  1. 10% earn about $38,800
  2. 25% earn around $47,420
  3. 50% earn approximately $56,040
  4. 75% earn close to $64,660
  5. 90% earn about $73,280

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What are the highest paying cities for a Librarian?

Librarians in Honolulu, HI, enjoy the highest average salary among the listed cities. The high salary reflects the demand for skilled professionals in this city. Los Angeles, CA, and College Station, TX, also offer competitive salaries for those seeking library careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Librarian jobs, highlighting Honolulu, HI with the highest at $187,594 and Salt Lake City, UT with the lowest at $80,065.
  1. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $187,594
    Honolulu offers a unique blend of culture and education. Librarians in Honolulu manage libraries in schools and public spaces. Key employers include the University of Hawaii and the Honolulu Public Library System.
    Find Librarian jobs in Honolulu, HI


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $110,590
    In Los Angeles, librarians have diverse opportunities. They work in large public libraries and academic institutions. Notable employers include the Los Angeles Public Library and the University of Southern California.
    Find Librarian jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. College Station, TX
    Average Salary: $101,777
    College Station has a vibrant academic environment. Librarians support research and education. Major employers are Texas A&M University and the Brazos Valley Public Library.
    Find Librarian jobs in College Station, TX


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $98,983
    Washington, DC, provides many library roles. Librarians work in government and private institutions. Key employers include the Library of Congress and George Washington University.
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  5. New Haven, CT
    Average Salary: $92,573
    New Haven offers rich library opportunities. Librarians manage libraries at universities and public spaces. Notable employers include Yale University and the New Haven Public Library.
    Find Librarian jobs in New Haven, CT


  6. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $90,958
    San Francisco has a thriving library scene. Librarians work in diverse settings, from tech companies to public libraries. Key employers include the San Francisco Public Library and tech firms like Salesforce.
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  7. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $89,505
    Seattle provides dynamic library roles. Librarians support public libraries and universities. Major employers include the Seattle Public Library and the University of Washington.
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  8. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $80,508
    Portland offers a vibrant library culture. Librarians work in public libraries and academic institutions. Key employers include the Multnomah County Library and Portland State University.
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  9. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $80,211
    Stockton provides a supportive environment for librarians. They work in public libraries and schools. Major employers include the Stockton Public Library and San Joaquin Delta College.
    Find Librarian jobs in Stockton, CA


  10. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $80,065
    Salt Lake City has a growing library sector. Librarians work in public libraries and universities. Key employers include the Salt Lake City Public Library and the University of Utah.
    Find Librarian jobs in Salt Lake City, UT

What are the best companies a Librarian can work for?

Librarians often find rewarding positions with top-paying companies like the Library of Congress and Yale University. These employers offer some of the highest salaries in the field, with average earnings above $100,000. Additional high-paying opportunities exist at Jefferson County Public Schools and Leidos, where skilled professionals can expect competitive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Librarian jobs, highlighting Library of Congress with the highest at $112,265 and State of Missouri with the lowest at $65,628.
  1. Library of Congress
    Average Salary: $112,265
    The Library of Congress offers rewarding Librarian jobs in Washington, D.C. It provides a rich environment for research and learning. Librarians at the Library of Congress often work with unique collections and advanced technology, making their roles both exciting and fulfilling.


  2. Yale University
    Average Salary: $106,625
    Yale University has prestigious Librarian positions in New Haven, Connecticut. The university's rich history and resources offer librarians the chance to work with top-tier collections. Librarians here contribute to academic excellence and research initiatives.


  3. Jefferson County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $80,283
    Jefferson County Public Schools employs librarians in Louisville, Kentucky. These positions provide a dynamic setting for those who enjoy working with students. Librarians here play a key role in educational support and resource management.


  4. Leidos
    Average Salary: $80,000
    Leidos offers Librarian jobs in various locations across the United States. This company focuses on technology and innovation. Librarians at Leidos engage in exciting projects and work with cutting-edge resources.


  5. Fort Vancouver Regional Library District
    Average Salary: $76,537
    Fort Vancouver Regional Library District hires librarians in Vancouver, Washington. This district values community service and educational support. Librarians here enjoy a friendly environment and contribute to local knowledge and learning.


  6. The New York Public Library
    Average Salary: $71,814
    The New York Public Library offers Librarian jobs in New York City. It provides access to vast collections and resources. Librarians here engage with a diverse community and help people discover new information.


  7. Fulton County Government
    Average Salary: $70,221
    Fulton County Government employs librarians in Atlanta, Georgia. These positions focus on public service and education. Librarians here support the community by providing access to information and resources.


  8. High Plains Library District
    Average Salary: $67,310
    High Plains Library District hires librarians in multiple locations in Colorado. This district is known for its community-focused approach. Librarians here enjoy a supportive environment and contribute to local learning initiatives.


  9. City of Houston
    Average Salary: $66,968
    The City of Houston offers Librarian jobs in Houston, Texas. It provides a range of opportunities for those interested in public service. Librarians here support the community by offering valuable resources and programs.


  10. State of Missouri
    Average Salary: $65,628
    The State of Missouri employs librarians in various locations. These positions focus on providing public access to information. Librarians here contribute to education and community development throughout the state.

How to earn more as a Librarian?

Earning more as a librarian involves a blend of gaining experience, honing skills, and embracing new opportunities. Each step takes time and dedication, but the payoff can be significant. Consider these key strategies to enhance your earning potential in the library profession.

First, gaining additional certifications can increase your value. Specializing in areas like digital archives, youth services, or rare book management can make you more attractive to employers. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and expertise in specific areas of librarianship. Second, seeking leadership roles within your library can also lead to higher pay. Positions such as library manager or department head often come with salary increases. Leadership roles involve managing staff, budgets, and programs, which are critical skills that many employers value.

Additionally, pursuing a master's degree in library science (MLS) can lead to higher-paying positions. An MLS is often required for top-tier librarian roles and can open doors to more advanced career opportunities. This advanced degree can also provide deeper knowledge and skills that employers are willing to pay a premium for. Furthermore, taking on freelance or consulting work can supplement your income. Librarians with specialized skills can offer services such as cataloging, research assistance, or workshop facilitation to schools, businesses, and individuals.

Lastly, consider advancing your career into related fields such as information management or data curation. These roles often offer higher salaries and can leverage the skills you've developed as a librarian. Transitioning to these roles requires a willingness to adapt and expand your expertise beyond traditional library settings.

Currently 414 Librarian job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Librarian in the US?

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Librarian
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