Librarian Salary in Colorado
Based on 2K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$76,480
$36.77/hr
vs National Average
$67,495
+13.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $101K
2K employed in Colorado
Librarians in Colorado earn a median salary of $76,480 per year, which is 13% above the national average. With approximately 1,990 librarians employed throughout the state, Colorado offers competitive compensation for information professionals. Salaries in this field range from $51,200 to $101,280 annually, reflecting differences in experience and specialization.
Several factors influence librarian salary in Colorado, including years of experience, educational credentials, and employer type. Public libraries, academic institutions, and specialized collections often offer different compensation levels. Geographic location within the state, facility size, and additional responsibilities such as management or digital services can also impact earning potential for library professionals.
Salary Distribution — Librarian in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,200 |
| 25th percentile | $62,110 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,480 |
| 75th percentile | $84,260 |
| 90th percentile | $101,280 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,360 |
| 2023 | $64,670 |
| 2024 | $64,980 |
| 2025 | $76,480 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,069 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,360 | $60,472 |
| 2023 | $64,670 | $64,094 |
| 2024 | $64,980 | $64,573 |
| 2025 | $76,480 | $67,495 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,069 | $71,545 |
Librarian Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,110 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,480 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $84,260 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $101,280 |
Librarian Salary in Other States
Related Librarian Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Librarian ($76,480 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Librarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in CO | $82,160 | +7.4% | $39.50/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in CO | $72,900 | -4.7% | $35.05/hr |
| School Counselor in CO | $64,780 | -15.3% | $31.14/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in CO | $63,760 | -16.6% | $30.65/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in CO | $63,410 | -17.1% | $30.49/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in CO | $62,870 | -17.8% | $30.23/hr |
| Tutor in CO | $44,710 | -41.5% | $21.50/hr |
| Writer and Author in CO | $76,830 | +0.5% | $36.94/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in CO | $75,790 | -0.9% | $36.44/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in CO | $75,510 | -1.3% | $36.30/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in CO | $77,500 | +1.3% | $37.26/hr |
| Title Examiner in CO | $77,600 | +1.5% | $37.31/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do librarians make in Colorado?
- The median salary for librarians in Colorado is $76,480 per year, or $37 per hour. This is 13.3% higher than the national average for librarians.
What is the salary range for librarians in Colorado?
- Librarian salaries in Colorado range from $51,200 at the lower end to $101,280 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience and employer.
Is librarian pay in Colorado better than the national average?
- Yes, Colorado librarians earn 13.3% more than the national average, with a median salary of $76,480 compared to lower averages in other states.
How many librarians are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 1,990 librarians currently employed in Colorado, representing a substantial job market for library professionals in the state.