Librarian Salary in California
Based on 10K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$89,790
$43.17/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 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $78,820 |
| 2023 | $84,800 |
| 2024 | $86,590 |
| 2025 | $89,790 |
| 2026 (projected) | $93,108 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| 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 |
| 2026 (projected) | $93,108 | $69,989 |
Librarian Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $66,540 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $89,790 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $108,800 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $132,870 |
Librarian Salary in Other States
Related Librarian Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Librarian ($89,790 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Librarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher in CA | $101,370 | +12.9% | $48.74/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in CA | $99,650 | +11.0% | $47.91/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in CA | $98,950 | +10.2% | $47.57/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in CA | $97,010 | +8.0% | $46.64/hr |
| School Counselor in CA | $86,500 | -3.7% | $41.59/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in CA | $82,550 | -8.1% | $39.69/hr |
| Tutor in CA | $49,570 | -44.8% | $23.83/hr |
| Logistician in CA | $92,890 | +3.5% | $44.66/hr |
| Writer and Author in CA | $86,480 | -3.7% | $41.58/hr |
| Firefighter in CA | $85,120 | -5.2% | $40.92/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in CA | $85,030 | -5.3% | $40.88/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in CA | $94,700 | +5.5% | $45.53/hr |
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.