Librarian Salary in Arkansas
Based on 1K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$56,800
$27.31/hr
vs National Average
$67,495
-15.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$32K – $73K
1K employed in Arkansas
Librarian salary in Arkansas has a median of $56,800 per year, with approximately 1,490 professionals currently employed in the state. While this represents a stable career path, it falls about 16% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries in the field range from $31,640 to $73,210 depending on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence librarian compensation in Arkansas, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the type of institution offering employment. Public libraries, academic institutions, and special collections often have different pay scales. Geographic location within the state and an individual's specialized expertise in areas like digital resources or administration can also impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Librarian in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,640 |
| 25th percentile | $42,920 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,800 |
| 75th percentile | $63,160 |
| 90th percentile | $73,210 |
Top-Paying Industries for Librarian (U.S.)
Which industries pay Librarians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Librarians in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $83,760 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $78,730 | 130 |
| Manufacturing | $76,830 | 40 |
| Educational Services | $74,120 | 73K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $72,020 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Librarian in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $52,620 |
| 2023 | $56,870 |
| 2024 | $56,770 |
| 2025 | $56,800 |
| 2026 (projected) | $56,830 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $52,620 | $60,472 |
| 2023 | $56,870 | $64,094 |
| 2024 | $56,770 | $64,573 |
| 2025 | $56,800 | $67,495 |
| 2026 (projected) | $56,830 | $67,531 |
Librarian Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $42,920 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $56,800 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $63,160 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $73,210 |
Librarian Salary in Other States
Related Librarian Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Librarian ($56,800 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Librarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in AR | $67,100 | +18.1% | $32.26/hr |
| School Counselor in AR | $59,770 | +5.2% | $28.74/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in AR | $59,660 | +5.0% | $28.68/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in AR | $59,570 | +4.9% | $28.64/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in AR | $52,700 | -7.2% | $25.34/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in AR | $52,060 | -8.3% | $25.03/hr |
| Tutor in AR | $30,810 | -45.8% | $14.81/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in AR | $56,720 | -0.1% | $27.27/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in AR | $56,620 | -0.3% | $27.22/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in AR | $57,220 | +0.7% | $27.51/hr |
| Financial Examiner in AR | $57,590 | +1.4% | $27.69/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in AR | $55,010 | -3.2% | $26.45/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do librarians make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for librarians in Arkansas is $56,800 per year, or $27 per hour. This is approximately 15.8% below the national average for librarians.
What is the salary range for librarians in Arkansas?
- Librarian salaries in Arkansas range from $31,640 at the lower end to $73,210 at the upper end, depending on experience, education, and specific role.
How many librarians are employed in Arkansas?
- There are currently 1,490 librarians employed in Arkansas, making it a reasonable job market for library professionals in the state.
Is the librarian salary in Arkansas lower than the national average?
- Yes, Arkansas librarians earn 15.8% less than the national average, with a median of $56,800 compared to higher averages in other states.