As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Librarian in the United States is $68,664 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Librarian's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Librarian's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Librarian's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Librarian | 2-4 years | $68,664 |
| Senior Librarian | 4-7 years | $86,141 |
| Library Services Supervisor | 7+ years | $88,585 |
| Library Services Manager | 7+ years | $102,740 |
| Chief Librarian | 7+ years | $117,166 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Librarians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 10.31% |
| Information Sciences | 4.27% |
| Collection Management | 1.35% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Time Management
|
$73,470 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$71,411 |
4%
|
|
Project Management
|
$71,411 |
4%
|
|
Presentation
|
$70,724 |
3%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$70,724 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$70,724 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Librarians enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Librarian with a Bachelor's Degree is between $68,285 and $73,903).
Librarian Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 3.6% |
| Associates | 2.4% |
| Bachelors | 15.6% |
| Masters | 74.5% |
| Doctorate | 2.8% |
Understanding how a Librarian's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on March 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Librarian, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Librarian | $86,141 | 25% |
| Medical Library Services Manager | $94,483 | 38% |
| Law Librarian III | $86,141 | 25% |
| Technical Librarian III | $95,136 | 39% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Librarian and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Librarian job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Librarian's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Librarian earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Librarian is $86,606.
The highest pay for Librarian is $82,308.
The lowest pay for Librarian is $53,491.
Develops and maintains a collection of books and other materials and provides research and reference support to library users. Researches publications and suggests new sources and offerings for acquisition to enhance the collection. Performs cataloging and creates bibliographies and metadata to classify the library's collection of books, serial publications, documents, audiovisual, and other materials. Designs and delivers research support processes and services to ensure that groups and individuals can access requested materials. Distributes up-to-date information on new acquisitions, library activities, and services. Oversees the selection and maintenance of technology infrastructure and tools used in the library. Requires a master's degree in library science. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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