Librarian Salary in Washington
Based on 3K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$100,030
$48.09/hr
vs National Average
$67,495
+48.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $130K
3K employed in Washington
Discover the compensation landscape for librarians in the Evergreen State with our in-depth look at Librarian salary in Washington. The median annual salary stands at an impressive $100,030, significantly exceeding the national average by 48%. This data reflects a robust employment sector, with approximately 2,750 library professionals currently working across Washington.
Several factors can influence a Librarian salary in Washington, with the salary range extending from $64,440 to $129,690. Experience level, specific job responsibilities within a library, and the type of institution (e.g., public, academic, special) all play a crucial role in determining an individual's earning potential within this rewarding field.
Salary Distribution — Librarian in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,440 |
| 25th percentile | $80,690 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,030 |
| 75th percentile | $118,540 |
| 90th percentile | $129,690 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $94,930 |
| 2023 | $97,100 |
| 2024 | $94,400 |
| 2025 | $100,030 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,996 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $94,930 | $60,472 |
| 2023 | $97,100 | $64,094 |
| 2024 | $94,400 | $64,573 |
| 2025 | $100,030 | $67,495 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,996 | $71,520 |
Librarian Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,690 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,030 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $118,540 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $129,690 |
Librarian Salary in Other States
Related Librarian Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Librarian ($100,030 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Librarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher in WA | $102,670 | +2.6% | $49.36/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in WA | $102,350 | +2.3% | $49.21/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in WA | $102,140 | +2.1% | $49.11/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in WA | $99,960 | -0.1% | $48.06/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in WA | $97,250 | -2.8% | $46.75/hr |
| School Counselor in WA | $82,670 | -17.4% | $39.75/hr |
| Tutor in WA | $48,020 | -52.0% | $23.09/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in WA | $100,990 | +1.0% | $48.55/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in WA | $101,130 | +1.1% | $48.62/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in WA | $98,840 | -1.2% | $47.52/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in WA | $101,750 | +1.7% | $48.92/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in WA | $98,300 | -1.7% | $47.26/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do librarians make in Washington?
- The median salary for librarians in Washington is $100,030 per year, which is equivalent to $48 per hour. This median figure is significantly higher than the national average, coming in at 48.2% more.
What is the typical salary range for a librarian in Washington state?
- Librarian salaries in Washington typically fall between $64,440 and $129,690 annually. The median salary of $100,030 indicates that a significant portion of librarians in the state earn within this range.
Is Washington a good state for librarian salaries compared to the national average?
- Yes, Washington offers a strong salary for librarians, with the median annual salary of $100,030 being 48.2% higher than the national average. This makes it a very attractive state for the profession.
How many librarian jobs are there in Washington?
- There are approximately 2,750 librarians employed in Washington state. This indicates a stable job market with a median annual salary of $100,030.