Librarian Salary in the United States
Based on 134K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$67,495
$32.45/hr
▲ 4.5% vs 2024Salary Range
$43K – $95K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
134K
workers nationwide
The median Librarian salary in the United States is $67,495 per year, or approximately $32 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with most librarians falling between $43,005 and $95,382 annually. This data provides a benchmark for understanding compensation in this vital profession.
Several factors can influence a librarian's earning potential. These include the specific type of library (public, academic, special), the level of responsibility (entry-level vs. director), years of experience, advanced degrees, and geographic location. For instance, the top-paying state for librarians is Washington, with an average salary of $100,030.
Salary Distribution — Librarian
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,005 |
| 25th percentile | $53,954 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $67,495 |
| 75th percentile | $81,609 |
| 90th percentile | $95,382 |
Librarian Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Librarian
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $100,030 | +48.2% | 3K |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $96,550 | +43.0% | 960 |
| 3 | California | $89,790 | +33.0% | 10K |
| 4 | Maryland | $88,570 | +31.2% | 3K |
| 5 | Nevada | $84,540 | +25.3% | 610 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $79,210 | +17.4% | 3K |
| 7 | Alaska | $78,810 | +16.8% | 350 |
| 8 | New York | $78,590 | +16.4% | 12K |
| 9 | Massachusetts | $78,540 | +16.4% | 5K |
| 10 | New Jersey | $78,380 | +16.1% | 4K |
Librarian Salary by Industry
How much Librarians earn across industries nationwide — Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services pays the most ($83,760 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $83,760 | +24.1% | 1K |
| 2 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $78,730 | +16.6% | 130 |
| 3 | Manufacturing | $76,830 | +13.8% | 40 |
| 4 | Educational Services | $74,120 | +9.8% | 73K |
| 5 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $72,020 | +6.7% | 1K |
| 6 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $64,860 | -3.9% | 430 |
| 7 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $63,360 | -6.1% | 48K |
| 8 | Information | $60,790 | -9.9% | 7K |
| 9 | Wholesale Trade | $58,610 | -13.2% | 130 |
| 10 | Retail Trade | $57,990 | -14.1% | 30 |
| 11 | Finance and Insurance | $57,710 | -14.5% | 30 |
| 12 | Administrative and Support Services | $53,930 | -20.1% | 500 |
| 13 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $53,570 | -20.6% | 1K |
| 14 | Transportation and Warehousing | $43,560 | -35.5% | 290 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Librarian
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,472 |
| 2023 | $64,094 |
| 2024 | $64,573 |
| 2025 | $67,495 |
| 2026 (projected) | $70,549 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Librarian Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $53,954 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $67,495 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $81,609 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $95,382 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a librarian in the US?
- The median Librarian salary in the United States is $67,495 annually, equating to about $32 per hour. This means half of librarians earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for librarians?
- The salary range for librarians in the US generally falls between $43,005 on the lower end and $95,382 on the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and employer.
Which state pays librarians the most?
- Washington is the top-paying state for librarians, with an average annual salary of $100,030. This is significantly higher than the national median of $67,495.
How many librarians are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 133,830 librarians employed across the United States. This indicates a substantial workforce in the profession.