Librarian Salary in Illinois
Based on 5K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$62,700
$30.14/hr
vs National Average
$67,495
-7.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $104K
5K employed in Illinois
The median librarian salary in Illinois is $62,700 per year, according to current labor data. This figure represents the earnings of approximately 5,390 librarians working throughout the state. While Illinois offers competitive opportunities in the library field, the state's median salary falls about 7 percent below the national average, with individual salaries ranging from $38,650 to $103,540 annually.
Several factors influence librarian salary in Illinois, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the type of institution employing the librarian. Public libraries, academic institutions, and special libraries often offer different compensation packages. Geographic location within the state, from rural areas to major cities like Chicago, can also affect earning potential. Additional factors such as specialized expertise, advanced degrees, and administrative responsibilities typically correlate with higher salaries.
Salary Distribution — Librarian in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,650 |
| 25th percentile | $49,720 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $62,700 |
| 75th percentile | $80,690 |
| 90th percentile | $103,540 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,860 |
| 2023 | $61,300 |
| 2024 | $62,360 |
| 2025 | $62,700 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,042 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,860 | $60,472 |
| 2023 | $61,300 | $64,094 |
| 2024 | $62,360 | $64,573 |
| 2025 | $62,700 | $67,495 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,042 | $67,863 |
Librarian Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,720 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $62,700 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $80,690 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $103,540 |
Librarian Salary in Other States
Related Librarian Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Librarian ($62,700 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Librarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher in IL | $79,990 | +27.6% | $38.46/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in IL | $76,110 | +21.4% | $36.59/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in IL | $76,050 | +21.3% | $36.56/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in IL | $75,320 | +20.1% | $36.21/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in IL | $64,020 | +2.1% | $30.78/hr |
| School Counselor in IL | $62,420 | -0.4% | $30.01/hr |
| Tutor in IL | $44,230 | -29.5% | $21.26/hr |
| Graphic Designer in IL | $62,560 | -0.2% | $30.08/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in IL | $62,540 | -0.3% | $30.07/hr |
| Paralegal in IL | $63,670 | +1.5% | $30.61/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in IL | $64,280 | +2.5% | $30.90/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in IL | $60,740 | -3.1% | $29.20/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do librarians make in Illinois?
- The median salary for librarians in Illinois is $62,700 per year, or approximately $30 per hour. This is about 7.1% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for librarians in Illinois?
- Librarian salaries in Illinois range from a low of $38,650 to a high of $103,540 per year, depending on experience, education, and employer type.
How many librarians work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 5,390 librarians currently employed in Illinois, making it a significant job market for library professionals in the state.
Is the librarian salary in Illinois competitive compared to the national average?
- Illinois librarian salaries are slightly below the national average, with the state's median of $62,700 representing a 7.1% decrease compared to the national median for the profession.