Librarian Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 960+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$96,550
$46.42/hr
vs National Average
$67,495
+43.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $127K
960 employed in District of Columbia
Librarian salary in District of Columbia averages $96,550 annually, positioning the nation's capital among the highest-paying regions for this profession. The median salary stands 43% above the national average, reflecting the area's cost of living and demand for information professionals. Approximately 960 librarians work throughout the district, contributing to a competitive job market.
Several factors influence librarian compensation in this region. Education level, specialized certifications, and years of experience significantly impact earning potential, with salaries ranging from $63,540 to $126,660. Employment settings—whether academic institutions, federal libraries, or public systems—also play a role in determining pay scales. The concentration of government agencies and research organizations in Washington, D.C. creates opportunities for higher-paying positions.
Salary Distribution — Librarian in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,540 |
| 25th percentile | $76,960 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $96,550 |
| 75th percentile | $108,780 |
| 90th percentile | $126,660 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,730 |
| 2023 | $91,010 |
| 2024 | $93,740 |
| 2025 | $96,550 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,444 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,730 | $60,472 |
| 2023 | $91,010 | $64,094 |
| 2024 | $93,740 | $64,573 |
| 2025 | $96,550 | $67,495 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,444 | $69,518 |
Librarian Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $76,960 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $96,550 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $108,780 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $126,660 |
Librarian Salary in Other States
Related Librarian Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Librarian ($96,550 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Librarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in DC | $105,990 | +9.8% | $50.96/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in DC | $96,580 | +0.0% | $46.43/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in DC | $82,750 | -14.3% | $39.78/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in DC | $81,500 | -15.6% | $39.18/hr |
| School Counselor in DC | $80,470 | -16.7% | $38.69/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in DC | $79,900 | -17.2% | $38.41/hr |
| Tutor in DC | $66,430 | -31.2% | $31.94/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in DC | $96,030 | -0.5% | $46.17/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in DC | $98,090 | +1.6% | $47.16/hr |
| Interior Designer in DC | $98,450 | +2.0% | $47.33/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in DC | $94,080 | -2.6% | $45.23/hr |
| Loan Officer in DC | $92,890 | -3.8% | $44.66/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do librarians make in Washington DC?
- The median salary for librarians in District of Columbia is $96,550 per year, or approximately $46 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting a 43.0% premium for the DC market.
What is the salary range for librarians in DC?
- Librarian salaries in District of Columbia range from $63,540 at the lower end to $126,660 at the upper end, providing a substantial range based on experience and specialization.
How many librarians work in District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 960 librarians currently employed in District of Columbia, representing a stable workforce in the region.
Is DC a good market for librarian salaries?
- Yes, District of Columbia offers librarian salaries that are 43.0% above the national average, with a median of $96,550 annually, making it one of the most competitive markets for this profession.