Librarian Salary in California
Based on 10K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$89,790
$43.168/hr
vs National Average
$67,495
+33.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $133K
10K employed in California
Librarian salary in California averages $89,790 annually, positioning the state as a significantly competitive market for information professionals. With approximately 10,180 librarians employed across California, this median is notably 33% above the national average, reflecting the state's robust demand for library services and higher cost of living in many regions.
Compensation for librarians in California varies considerably based on several factors, including geographic location within the state, years of experience, employer type, and specialized credentials. Salaries typically range from $50,750 to $132,870 annually, with academic institutions, large public library systems, and specialized research libraries often offering higher compensation packages than smaller municipalities or rural communities.
Salary Distribution — Librarian in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,750 |
| 25th percentile | $66,540 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $89,790 |
| 75th percentile | $108,800 |
| 90th percentile | $132,870 |
Historical Salary Trend — Librarian in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $78,820 |
| 2023 | $84,800 |
| 2024 | $86,590 |
| 2025 | $89,790 |
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $78,820 | $60,472 |
| 2023 | $84,800 | $64,094 |
| 2024 | $86,590 | $64,573 |
| 2025 | $89,790 | $67,495 |
Librarian Salary by Experience Level in California
Librarian Salary in Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do librarians make in California?
- The median salary for librarians in California is $89,790 per year, or approximately $43 per hour. This is 33% higher than the national average, making California one of the most lucrative states for librarian positions.
What is the salary range for librarians in California?
- Librarian salaries in California range from $50,750 at the lower end to $132,870 at the upper end, providing significant earning potential depending on experience, location, and specialized skills.
How many librarians are employed in California?
- There are approximately 10,180 librarians currently employed in California, representing a substantial job market in the state for library professionals.
Is librarian salary in California higher than the national average?
- Yes, California librarians earn significantly more than the national average, with the median salary being 33% higher at $89,790 per year compared to the national median.