Position
Salary

How much does a Library Assistant make?

The average salary for a Library Assistant is $38,539 per year in the US.

Becoming a Library Assistant can be a fulfilling choice for those interested in books and community service. This role often involves helping patrons find materials, organizing books, and managing library events. The salary for Library Assistants varies based on experience and location, offering a good balance for those new to the workforce.


The average yearly salary for Library Assistants is around $38,539. This range includes new entrants earning as low as $22,000 up to experienced professionals earning more than $65,000. To give a clearer picture, here are some salary brackets:

  • Less than 1 year: $22,000
  • 1 to 3 years: $25,909
  • 4 to 6 years: $29,818
  • 7 to 9 years: $33,727
  • 10 to 12 years: $37,636
  • 13 to 15 years: $41,545
  • 16 to 18 years: $45,455
  • 19 to 21 years: $49,364
  • 22 to 24 years: $53,273
  • 25 to 27 years: $57,182
  • 28 to 30 years: $61,091
  • 30+ years: $65,000

View Library Assistant jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Library Assistant?

Library Assistant jobs offer good pay in several cities. San Francisco, CA leads with an average salary of $67,170. Nearby Los Angeles, CA follows with an average salary of $50,907. Other top cities include Seattle, WA, at $61,588, and Washington, DC, at $54,299. These cities provide a range of opportunities for job seekers looking for better pay.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Library Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $67,170 and Santa Maria, CA with the lowest at $47,563.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $67,170
    In San Francisco, library assistants contribute to the city's tech-savvy environment. They help patrons navigate resources at major institutions like the San Francisco Public Library. Opportunities for career growth are abundant in this vibrant city.
    Find Library Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $61,588
    Seattle offers a dynamic library scene. Assistants here support community engagement at libraries such as the Seattle Public Library. Working in this city means helping diverse communities thrive through accessible information.
    Find Library Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $54,299
    As a library assistant in Washington, DC, you will engage with a rich tapestry of history and culture. Institutions like the Library of Congress provide exciting opportunities. You will assist visitors in navigating extensive collections and resources.
    Find Library Assistant jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $50,907
    Los Angeles provides a bustling environment for library assistants. They work at major libraries like the Los Angeles Public Library. This role offers a chance to support a wide range of patrons and programs, from literacy initiatives to digital literacy.
    Find Library Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Des Moines, IA
    Average Salary: $50,645
    Des Moines offers a community-focused library environment. Assistants here play a key role at libraries like the Des Moines Public Library. This city values their contributions to education and community resources.
    Find Library Assistant jobs in Des Moines, IA


  6. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $50,023
    Philadelphia's rich history enhances the work of library assistants. They support patrons at libraries such as the Free Library of Philadelphia. This role allows for meaningful interactions with the city's diverse population.
    Find Library Assistant jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $48,974
    San Diego's vibrant community makes for a fulfilling role as a library assistant. They assist patrons at libraries like the San Diego Public Library. This city offers a coastal charm that complements the supportive library environment.
    Find Library Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Rochester, NY
    Average Salary: $48,161
    Rochester provides a supportive environment for library assistants. They work at libraries such as the Rochester Public Library. This role allows them to engage with a variety of programs and resources aimed at community development.
    Find Library Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY


  9. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $47,984
    In Sacramento, library assistants contribute to a thriving community. They support patrons at libraries like the Sacramento Public Library. This city offers a blend of urban and natural environments, enhancing the library experience.
    Find Library Assistant jobs in Sacramento, CA


  10. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $47,563
    Santa Maria offers a close-knit community for library assistants. They work at local libraries, providing essential support to patrons. This city values their role in fostering a love for reading and learning.
    Find Library Assistant jobs in Santa Maria, CA

What are the best companies a Library Assistant can work for?

Job seekers looking for top-paying Library Assistant positions may consider applying to the City of Seattle, where average salaries reach $72,692. Prince William County Government and Loudoun County, VA, offer competitive salaries, with averages around $62,911 and $59,975, respectively. These top companies provide not only attractive compensation but also valuable opportunities for professional growth in library services.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Library Assistant jobs, highlighting City of Seattle with the highest at $72,692 and City of Newton with the lowest at $45,513.
  1. City of Seattle
    Average Salary: $72,692
    The City of Seattle offers dynamic Library Assistant jobs. These roles are vital for library services in Seattle and the surrounding areas. Assistants here engage with the community, manage collections, and assist patrons. They work in various libraries across the city, ensuring access to resources and support for all residents.


  2. Prince William County Government
    Average Salary: $62,911
    Prince William County Government provides rewarding Library Assistant positions. Assistants here work in libraries that serve the county's diverse population. They help with organizing books, providing reference services, and supporting library programs. Their work is crucial in making information accessible to everyone in the county.


  3. Loudoun County, VA
    Average Salary: $59,975
    Loudoun County, VA offers promising Library Assistant roles. Assistants in Loudoun contribute to the efficient operation of local libraries. They assist patrons with finding materials, manage library programs, and ensure a welcoming environment. The positions are located in various library branches across the county.


  4. State of Colorado
    Average Salary: $57,673
    The State of Colorado provides many Library Assistant positions. Assistants here help maintain and expand library collections, provide public services, and support educational programs. They work in libraries across the state, ensuring access to information and resources for all Coloradans.


  5. Timberland Regional Library
    Average Salary: $56,239
    Timberland Regional Library offers engaging Library Assistant jobs. Assistants at Timberland work in a collaborative environment, helping patrons with their information needs. They manage library resources, assist with programs, and support library operations. They serve communities in northern Virginia.


  6. City of Dubuque, IA
    Average Salary: $53,787
    The City of Dubuque, IA offers Library Assistant roles that are essential to community services. Assistants here manage library collections, assist patrons, and support library programs. They work in various branches across the city, providing valuable resources and support to residents.


  7. State of Michigan
    Average Salary: $53,733
    The State of Michigan offers numerous Library Assistant positions. Assistants in Michigan help with library operations, support patrons, and manage collections. They work in libraries across the state, ensuring access to information and resources for all Michigan residents.


  8. City and County of Denver
    Average Salary: $48,814
    The City and County of Denver provide Library Assistant jobs that are integral to community services. Assistants here manage library collections, assist patrons, and support various programs. They work in many library branches throughout Denver, making information accessible to all residents.


  9. Manatee County Government
    Average Salary: $47,308
    Manatee County Government offers Library Assistant roles that support library services in the area. Assistants here assist patrons, manage library resources, and support various programs. They work in libraries across Manatee County, ensuring the community has access to essential information and resources.


  10. City of Newton
    Average Salary: $45,513
    The City of Newton provides Library Assistant positions that are essential for local library services. Assistants here manage collections, assist patrons, and support library programs. They work in various branches throughout the city, ensuring residents have access to information and resources.

How to earn more as a Library Assistant?

A Library Assistant can find several ways to increase their earnings. Understanding these factors can help in career advancement. One important factor is gaining additional certifications. These can include cataloging, computer skills, or specialized library services. Certifications show a commitment to the field and can lead to higher pay.

Another key factor is taking on more responsibilities at work. This might include managing a department, overseeing interns, or leading special projects. Taking initiative and demonstrating leadership skills often results in a raise. Networking with professionals in the library field also helps. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can open doors to better-paying jobs. Building a strong professional network can lead to job opportunities that offer higher salaries.

Experience matters significantly in this field. Working in a library for several years provides valuable experience. This experience can lead to promotions or higher-paying positions. Continuing education is also crucial. Taking courses in related fields like information management or archives can make a candidate more attractive to employers. Here are some factors that can help increase earnings:

  1. Gaining additional certifications
  2. Taking on more responsibilities at work
  3. Networking with professionals
  4. Building experience over time
  5. Continuing education in related fields

Currently 483 Library Assistant job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Library Assistant in the US?

Learn what a Library Assistant does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Library Assistant today.
Position
Overview
Library Assistant
483 Job Openings