Salary of a Librarian
Average Salary of a Librarian in 2025
Are you considering a career as a librarian? Or do you wonder if your salary is competitive? This blog will show you exactly what librarians earn in 2025.
We will answer questions like: What is the average salary of a librarian? How much do entry-level librarians make? Which states pay librarians the most? How can you increase your librarian's salary?
Knowing your career value in 2025 helps you make smart money choices and plan.
What's the Average Salary of a Librarian in the USA?
$66,500 per year (Average)
We found the average librarian salary by checking data from several trusted sources. Glassdoor reports librarians earn $72,156 per year, while Indeed shows $63,176 per year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the median wage was $64,320 in May 2024. Salary.com lists $68,661 per year.
Compared to last year, the average salary of a librarian has grown by about 3-4%. This small increase reflects overall job market growth. It shows that libraries still value skilled workers, despite budget concerns.
Librarian Salary Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: Most job platforms show librarians earn between $63,000 and $72,000 per year on average. The middle point of $66,500 gives us a good picture of what most librarians make.
Salary range: The minimum salary starts around $45,000 for new librarians in small towns. The maximum can reach $85,000+ for senior librarians in big cities or special libraries. Entry-level librarians with under 1 year of experience earn around $45,161, according to PayScale data.
Salary by experience:
Entry-level (0-1 years): $45,161, according to PayScale
Early career (1-4 years): $51,692 based on PayScale data
Mid-level (5-9 years): $58,000 - $65,000
Senior level (10+ years): $68,000 - $80,000+
75th percentile: Top-earning librarians make $75,000 or more per year.
These are often librarians who have special skills or advanced degrees. They may also work in high-paying areas.
Librarian Salary Regional Comparison
Where you work as a librarian makes a big difference in your pay. Big cities usually pay more, but they also cost more to live in. Some states have more libraries and better funding, which means higher salaries.
Here's how salaries compare across major U.S. locations:
New York offers the best salary numbers, but remember that living costs are much higher there. For great value, look at mid-sized cities. They often have strong library systems, so your money stretches further.
6 Tips to Grow Your Salary as a Librarian
1. Earn a Master's Degree in Library Science: Many high-paying librarian positions require an MLS degree. Libraries pay 15-25% more for librarians with this advanced degree. State universities and community colleges especially look for this qualification.
2. Learn Digital Skills and Technology: Libraries are becoming more digital. Learn about databases, digital archives, and computer systems. Tech-savvy librarians earn 10-20% more than their peers without these skills, says a survey by the Library Association.
3. Specialize in a Subject Area: Law librarians, medical librarians, and corporate librarians make more money than general librarians. Pick a field you like and become an expert. Special librarians can earn $75,000-$100,000+ per year.
4. Work in Academic or Corporate Libraries: University and company libraries usually offer higher pay than public libraries. Academic librarians earn about 15% more on average. Corporate librarians can earn 25% to 40% more than public librarians.
5. Move to Higher-Paying States: Think about jobs in California, New York, or Massachusetts. These states fund libraries better and pay higher salaries. Even accounting for living costs, you often come out ahead.
6. Take on Leadership Roles: Become a department head, assistant director, or library director. Management positions offer much higher salaries. Directors can earn $80,000-$120,000+, depending on the library's size and location.
FAQs About Librarian Salaries
Is the average salary of a librarian before or after taxes? All salary numbers in this article are gross annual salaries before taxes. You'll take home less after the government removes federal, state, and local taxes.
Do librarian salary figures include bonuses and benefits? No, these numbers show base salary only. Many libraries offer health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Some libraries give small performance bonuses, but this isn't common.
What affects a librarian's salary the most? Location, experience, and education level have the biggest impact. Working in a big city, having 5+ years of experience, and holding an MLS degree will get you the highest pay.
How much do entry-level librarians make per year? New librarians usually earn an annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $50,000. PayScale shows entry-level librarians earn around $45,161 on average.
Which type of library pays librarians the most? Corporate and law libraries usually pay the most, followed by academic libraries. Public libraries often pay less but offer better benefits and job security.
Can librarians work part-time and still earn good money? Many libraries hire part-time librarians. Part-time pay ranges from $20 to $35 per hour. Full-time positions offer better benefits and higher total earnings.
Do librarians get raises every year? Most libraries give small annual raises of 2-4%. Bigger raises come from promotions, getting advanced degrees, or switching to better-paying libraries.
Is the average salary of a librarian growing or shrinking? Librarian salaries have grown by about 8% over the last decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 3% growth from 2023 to 2033. This rate is in line with average job growth.
Note: All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from different global salary surveys and government stats, 2025.
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