SalaryData

Librarian Salary in Kentucky

Based on 2K+ workers in Kentucky

Data year: 2025 · Last updated: June 2026

Median Annual Salary (KY)

$65,200

$31.346/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

Librarian (KY) salary percentiles
PercentileAnnual Salary
10th percentile$45,950
25th percentile$54,020
Median (50th percentile)$65,200
75th percentile$76,840
90th percentile$85,190

Historical Salary Trend — Librarian in Kentucky vs National

Historical Librarian (Kentucky vs National) salary trend
YearMedian Salary (United States)
2022$61,970
2023$64,050
2024$63,460
2025$65,200
Historical salary trend for Librarian in Kentucky
YearKentucky MedianNational Median
2022$61,970$60,472
2023$64,050$64,094
2024$63,460$64,573
2025$65,200$67,495

Librarian Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky

Librarian Salary in Other States

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.

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