Average Salary for a Librarian in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience Levels, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for a Librarian will play a big role in career choices for many people. Librarians help people find information and do research. They work in schools, public libraries, and special libraries. These jobs need special skills and training.
Many people want to know how much librarians make. The pay can change based on where you work and how much experience you have. Some states pay more than others. Your education level also affects your pay. This blog will help you learn about librarian salaries in 2025.
We will answer important questions about librarian pay. How much do new librarians make? Which states pay the most? How can you earn more money as a librarian? We will look at real data from trusted sources. This information will help you make smart career choices.
Knowing your worth as a librarian is very important in 2025. The job market is changing fast. New technology affects how libraries work. Good pay information helps you ask for fair wages. It also helps you plan your career path.
This article uses the latest salary data from 2025. We will show you real numbers from many sources. You will learn about pay differences across the country. We will also give you tips to boost your earnings. Whether you are new to the field or have years of experience, this guide will help you.
Average Salary for a Librarian in the USA?
$65,500 per year (Average)
Based on data from several global salary surveys and government statistics, the average librarian salary in the USA is $65,500 per year. This number comes from combining information from multiple trusted sources. Glassdoor reports $72,117 per year, while Salary.com shows $68,661 per year, and Indeed lists $63,310 per year.
The average librarian's salary has grown by $6,149 over the last ten years, showing an 8% increase from 2014 to today. This growth is slower than many other jobs, but it still shows steady progress.
Salary for a Librarian Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $65,500 per year, according to multiple USA salary data sources. This represents the middle point of what most librarians earn across the country.
Salary range: The pay ranges from $45,000 to $85,000 per year for most positions. Entry-level positions start around $45,161 per year, while experienced librarians can earn much more.
Salary by experience: According to several global salary surveys, junior librarians with less than one year earn around $45,000 per year. Early career librarians with 1-4 years of experience earn an average of $51,692. Senior librarians with 10+ years can earn $75,000 or more.
75th percentile: Top-earning librarians make $78,000+ per year based on government statistics and industry reports. This means 25% of all librarians earn more than this amount.
Salary for a Librarian: Regional Comparison
Location makes a big difference in librarian pay. Big cities usually pay more than small towns. States with higher costs of living also tend to pay more. But higher pay often comes with higher living costs too. Here's how salaries compare across major regions.
Based on multiple USA data sources and surveys, Washington and New York offer the best pay for librarians. However, these states also have high living costs. When you factor in housing and other expenses, some smaller states might offer better value.
7 Tips to Grow Your Librarian Salary
1. Get a Master's Degree in Library Science: Most good library jobs need a Master's in Library Science (MLS). Government stats show that librarians with master's degrees earn 15% to 20% more than those with just bachelor's degrees. This degree opens doors to better positions.
2. Learn Digital Skills and Technology: Modern libraries use many computer systems. Learning database management, digital archives, and online research tools can boost your pay by 10-15%. Many USA salary surveys show tech-skilled librarians earn more.
3. Get Special Certifications: Extra certifications in school library media or archive management boost earning potential. Based on industry reports, certified librarians earn up to 12% more than non-certified ones.
4. Move to Higher-Paying States: Washington, New York, and DC pay 13-21% above the national average. If you can handle higher living costs, moving to these states can significantly boost your income.
5. Work in Academic or Special Libraries: University libraries and corporate libraries often pay more than public libraries. Global salary surveys show that academic librarians earn 10-18% more than public library workers.
6. Take on Leadership Roles: Becoming a department head or library director greatly increases pay. Management positions can add $15,000-$30,000 to your annual salary based on USA data sources.
7. Develop Subject Expertise: Specializing in areas like law, medicine, or business makes you more valuable. Industry surveys show that special subject librarians tend to earn 8-15% more than general librarians.
FAQs About a Librarian's Salary
Is the average salary for a Librarian before or after tax?
All salary numbers in this article are gross annual salaries before taxes. You will need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes from these amounts to get your take-home pay.
Does the salary for a Librarian include bonuses and benefits?
No, the base salary numbers don't include bonuses, overtime pay, or benefits like health insurance. Many libraries offer good benefit packages that add real value to your total compensation.
How much do entry-level Librarians make in the USA?
Entry-level librarians with less than one year of experience earn around $45,161 per year, according to salary data platforms. This can vary by location and type of library.
What is the highest salary for a Librarian in 2025?
Top librarians in management roles or specialized positions can earn $85,000-$120,000 per year. In high-paying states like New York, senior positions can reach $79,571 or more.
Do school Librarians make the same salary as public Librarians?
School librarians often earn similar amounts to teachers in their district. Public librarians may have different pay scales. The difference depends on local government budgets and union agreements.
How often do Librarians get salary raises?
Most librarians get annual raises of 2-4% based on performance and budget availability. Government and union positions often have set raise schedules outlined in contracts.
Is the salary for a Librarian competitive compared to other jobs?
The median annual wage for librarians was $64,320 in May 2024. This is close to the national average for all jobs, making it moderately competitive for positions requiring a master's degree.
What benefits do Librarians typically receive?
Most full-time librarians get health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Many also get tuition assistance and professional development funds. Government library jobs often have excellent benefit packages.
Can Librarians work part-time or freelance?
Yes, many libraries hire part-time librarians. Some librarians also do freelance research or consulting work. However, part-time positions usually don't include benefits and may pay less per hour.
How does the Librarian's salary growth look for the future?
Employment of librarians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033. This is about average growth, which should help maintain steady salary increases over time.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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