Librarian Salary in Iowa
Based on 2K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$58,440
$28.10/hr
vs National Average
$67,495
-13.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$32K – $87K
2K employed in Iowa
Librarian salary in Iowa averages $58,440 annually, with approximately 1,770 professionals employed across the state. This median falls 13 percent below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations. Salaries for librarians in Iowa range from $31,620 to $86,600, indicating significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence librarian salary in Iowa, including experience level, educational credentials, and employer type. Public libraries, academic institutions, and special collections often offer different compensation packages. Geographic location within the state, library size, and funding availability also play important roles in determining individual earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
Salary Distribution — Librarian in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,620 |
| 25th percentile | $39,550 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,440 |
| 75th percentile | $76,040 |
| 90th percentile | $86,600 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,820 |
| 2023 | $54,080 |
| 2024 | $52,780 |
| 2025 | $58,440 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,946 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,820 | $60,472 |
| 2023 | $54,080 | $64,094 |
| 2024 | $52,780 | $64,573 |
| 2025 | $58,440 | $67,495 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,946 | $71,545 |
Librarian Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $39,550 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,440 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $76,040 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $86,600 |
Librarian Salary in Other States
Related Librarian Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Librarian ($58,440 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Librarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in IA | $74,970 | +28.3% | $36.04/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in IA | $61,200 | +4.7% | $29.42/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in IA | $60,580 | +3.7% | $29.13/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in IA | $60,450 | +3.4% | $29.06/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in IA | $58,420 | -0.0% | $28.09/hr |
| School Counselor in IA | $56,540 | -3.3% | $27.18/hr |
| Tutor in IA | $35,670 | -39.0% | $17.15/hr |
| Producer and Director in IA | $58,550 | +0.2% | $28.15/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in IA | $58,810 | +0.6% | $28.27/hr |
| Truck Driver in IA | $58,070 | -0.6% | $27.92/hr |
| Interior Designer in IA | $58,040 | -0.7% | $27.90/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in IA | $57,980 | -0.8% | $27.88/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do librarians make in Iowa?
- Librarians in Iowa earn a median salary of $58,440 per year, or approximately $28 per hour. This is about 13.4% below the national average for librarians.
What is the salary range for librarians working in Iowa?
- Librarian salaries in Iowa range from $31,620 at the lower end to $86,600 at the upper end, reflecting differences in experience, education, and job location within the state.
Is librarian salary in Iowa lower than the national average?
- Yes, Iowa librarians earn 13.4% less than the national average, with a median of $58,440 compared to higher rates nationwide.
How many librarians are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 1,770 librarians currently employed in Iowa, representing the job market size for this profession in the state.