Librarian Salary in Kentucky
Based on 2K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$65,200
$31.35/hr
vs National Average
$67,495
-3.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $85K
2K employed in Kentucky
Librarian salary in Kentucky averages $65,200 per year, according to recent employment data covering 1,980 workers in the state. This represents a 3% decrease compared to the national average, though Kentucky's cost of living may offset this difference. Salaries in this field typically range from $45,950 to $85,190 annually, reflecting significant variation based on experience and position type.
Several factors influence librarian compensation throughout Kentucky, including years of professional experience, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Librarians working in larger urban centers or specialized research institutions tend to earn more than those in smaller public libraries or rural areas. Educational credentials, additional certifications, and leadership responsibilities also play important roles in determining where an individual falls within the state's salary range.
Salary Distribution — Librarian in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,950 |
| 25th percentile | $54,020 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $65,200 |
| 75th percentile | $76,840 |
| 90th percentile | $85,190 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,970 |
| 2023 | $64,050 |
| 2024 | $63,460 |
| 2025 | $65,200 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,988 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,970 | $60,472 |
| 2023 | $64,050 | $64,094 |
| 2024 | $63,460 | $64,573 |
| 2025 | $65,200 | $67,495 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,988 | $69,346 |
Librarian Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $54,020 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $65,200 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $76,840 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $85,190 |
Librarian Salary in Other States
Related Librarian Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Librarian ($65,200 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Librarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Counselor in KY | $64,350 | -1.3% | $30.94/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in KY | $63,640 | -2.4% | $30.60/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in KY | $61,560 | -5.6% | $29.60/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in KY | $61,120 | -6.3% | $29.38/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in KY | $60,610 | -7.0% | $29.14/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in KY | $60,280 | -7.5% | $28.98/hr |
| Tutor in KY | $39,990 | -38.7% | $19.23/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in KY | $65,240 | +0.1% | $31.37/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in KY | $65,000 | -0.3% | $31.25/hr |
| Tax Examiner in KY | $65,690 | +0.8% | $31.58/hr |
| Plumber in KY | $64,160 | -1.6% | $30.85/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in KY | $67,150 | +3.0% | $32.28/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do librarians make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for librarians in Kentucky is $65,200 per year, or $31 per hour. This is 3.4% below the national average for librarians, making it a relatively affordable market for employers while offering competitive compensation for professionals in the state.
What is the salary range for librarians in Kentucky?
- Librarian salaries in Kentucky range from $45,950 at the lower end to $85,190 at the higher end of the pay scale. This $39,240 range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type across the state's library systems.
How many librarians work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 1,980 librarians currently employed in Kentucky. This represents a stable professional workforce across the state's public, academic, and special libraries.
Is Kentucky's librarian salary above or below the national average?
- Kentucky's median librarian salary of $65,200 per year is 3.4% below the national average. While slightly lower than the nation as a whole, Kentucky remains competitive for librarian positions with reasonable earning potential.