Librarian

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Librarian

O*NET-SOC: 25-4022.00

Education

Administers library services and programs, helps patrons find information, manages collections, catalogs resources, and develops community programming and digital literacy initiatives.

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$64K

Median Salary

+4%

Stable

Master's Degree

Min. Education

Good Balance

Work-Life Balance

About This Role

Librarians organize, manage, and provide access to information in public libraries, academic institutions, schools, and corporate settings. They spend their days helping patrons find what they need, whether that means guiding a student through an academic database, recommending a novel to a casual reader, or showing an older adult how to download e-books. Behind the scenes, they catalog new acquisitions, assign classification codes, and maintain the library's collection by deciding what to add, keep, or remove based on community needs and budget.

A Day in the Life

8:30 AM

Open library and check systems

Unlock the building, start up circulation computers, process overnight book drops, and review staff messages for any issues.

9:30 AM

Catalog new materials

Enter new books and media into the library's catalog system, assign subject headings and classification codes, and decide where each item belongs in the collection.

11:00 AM

Staff the reference desk

Help patrons with research questions, show them how to search databases, locate specific resources, and troubleshoot technology issues like printing or Wi-Fi.

12:30 PM

Lunch break

Step away for lunch, check professional development emails, and review upcoming program plans.

1:30 PM

Lead a children's program

Run a storytime session for young children, read aloud from picture books, and lead a related craft activity.

3:00 PM

Manage digital collection

Review and select e-books and digital media for the library's online lending platform, and respond to patron purchase requests.

4:30 PM

Collection maintenance

Reshelve returned items, update displays for upcoming events, and review materials for weeding based on condition and circulation data.

5:30 PM

Close up for the day

Run end-of-day circulation reports, confirm room bookings for the next day, and lock the building.

Tools & Technologies

• Web Development
• CSS
• HTML
• JavaScript
• PHP
• Springshare LibGuides
• Graphics & Design
• Adobe Creative Cloud software
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop
• Flickr
• Office Suites
• Microsoft Office
• Google Workspace software
• Databases & Data Tools
• Microsoft Access
• SQL
• askSam Systems SurfSaver
• CatchTheWeb
• Ex Libris Group Aleph
• Document Management
• Adobe Acrobat
• Microsoft SharePoint
• Spreadsheets
• Microsoft Excel

Salary Details

Salary Distribution

Salary distribution for Librarian: 10th percentile $39K, 25th $51K, median $64K, 75th $81K, 90th $101K Median $39K $51K $64K $81K $101K

Most professionals earn between $51K and $81K

Librarian salary percentile distribution Percentile Salary 10th $39K 25th $51K 50th (Median) $64K 75th $81K 90th $101K

Salary by State

Librarian salary by state map

Librarian salary by state State Median Salary Salary Range Washington $94K $60K - $124K District of Columbia $94K $62K - $122K California $87K $48K - $131K Maryland $82K $52K - $123K Nevada $80K $46K - $100K New Jersey $79K $57K - $105K Delaware $78K $53K - $101K Alaska $78K $54K - $95K New York $77K $50K - $129K Connecticut $76K $49K - $106K Massachusetts $76K $48K - $103K Oregon $75K $42K - $101K Minnesota $75K $49K - $96K Virginia $74K $47K - $101K Georgia $74K $41K - $100K Rhode Island $73K $48K - $98K Colorado $65K $48K - $97K Texas $65K $46K - $79K Wisconsin $64K $44K - $84K Kentucky $63K $40K - $82K Hawaii $63K $49K - $91K Illinois $62K $36K - $100K Alabama $62K $31K - $76K Montana $62K $38K - $79K Nebraska $62K $30K - $77K North Dakota $62K $45K - $84K New Hampshire $61K $39K - $91K New Mexico $61K $37K - $103K Vermont $60K $37K - $83K Pennsylvania $60K $31K - $97K South Carolina $60K $37K - $82K Florida $60K $46K - $85K North Carolina $60K $43K - $80K Tennessee $60K $37K - $77K Kansas $60K $17K - $77K Michigan $60K $30K - $90K Louisiana $59K $47K - $79K Arizona $59K $35K - $96K Ohio $57K $36K - $93K Arkansas $57K $31K - $73K Maine $57K $32K - $82K Missouri $54K $34K - $80K Oklahoma $53K $27K - $81K Iowa $53K $28K - $82K Mississippi $50K $24K - $66K Utah $50K $31K - $90K South Dakota $49K $35K - $75K Indiana $49K $32K - $77K West Virginia $49K $28K - $70K Wyoming $48K $27K - $77K Idaho $47K $31K - $86K

Librarian salary by state State Median Salary Salary Range Washington $94K $60K - $124K District of Columbia $94K $62K - $122K California $87K $48K - $131K Maryland $82K $52K - $123K Nevada $80K $46K - $100K New Jersey $79K $57K - $105K Delaware $78K $53K - $101K Alaska $78K $54K - $95K New York $77K $50K - $129K Connecticut $76K $49K - $106K Massachusetts $76K $48K - $103K Oregon $75K $42K - $101K Minnesota $75K $49K - $96K Virginia $74K $47K - $101K Georgia $74K $41K - $100K Rhode Island $73K $48K - $98K Colorado $65K $48K - $97K Texas $65K $46K - $79K Wisconsin $64K $44K - $84K Kentucky $63K $40K - $82K Hawaii $63K $49K - $91K Illinois $62K $36K - $100K Alabama $62K $31K - $76K Montana $62K $38K - $79K Nebraska $62K $30K - $77K North Dakota $62K $45K - $84K New Hampshire $61K $39K - $91K New Mexico $61K $37K - $103K Vermont $60K $37K - $83K Pennsylvania $60K $31K - $97K South Carolina $60K $37K - $82K Florida $60K $46K - $85K North Carolina $60K $43K - $80K Tennessee $60K $37K - $77K Kansas $60K $17K - $77K Michigan $60K $30K - $90K Louisiana $59K $47K - $79K Arizona $59K $35K - $96K Ohio $57K $36K - $93K Arkansas $57K $31K - $73K Maine $57K $32K - $82K Missouri $54K $34K - $80K Oklahoma $53K $27K - $81K Iowa $53K $28K - $82K Mississippi $50K $24K - $66K Utah $50K $31K - $90K South Dakota $49K $35K - $75K Indiana $49K $32K - $77K West Virginia $49K $28K - $70K Wyoming $48K $27K - $77K Idaho $47K $31K - $86K

Lower ($47K-$70K)Middle (~$70K)Higher ($70K-$94K)

Highest Paying States

• 1.Washington$94K
• 2.District of Columbia$94K
• 3.California$87K
• 4.Maryland$82K
• 5.Nevada$80K

Lowest Paying States

• 1.Idaho$47K
• 2.Wyoming$48K
• 3.West Virginia$49K
• 4.Indiana$49K
• 5.South Dakota$49K

Certifications, Training & Memberships

Essential

Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)

ALA-accredited universities

Certification

Advanced degree covering library management, information organization, and user services.

Recommended

Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC)

American Library Association

Certification

Entry-level credential for paraprofessionals focusing on core library operations and customer service.

Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA)

American Library Association

Certification

Leadership credential emphasizing management, budgeting, and advocacy skills for public librarians.

Helpful

Digital Archiving and Preservation Certificate

Society of American Archivists

Course

Training in managing electronic records and digital collections for modern libraries.

Professional Memberships

Membership in American Library Association (ALA)

American Library Association

Membership

Professional network offering resources, conferences, and advocacy for library careers.

Work Environment

Remote Work Hybrid (Remote + Office)

Work Setting Traditional office / indoor

Physical Activity Moderate physical activity

Social Interaction Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction

Schedule Extended hours common

Your Skills & Attributes

Skills & Competencies Matches (49)

• Writing

Good Match

• Critical Thinking

Good Match

• Monitoring

Moderate Match

• Service Orientation

Moderate Match

• Active Learning

Moderate Match

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Librarian a good career?

Librarian can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $64K and job outlook is stable (4% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.

What degree do you need to become a Librarian?

The typical education requirement for a Librarian is a Master's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.

How long does it take to become a Librarian?

Becoming a Librarian typically requires about 6 years of higher education (including a bachelor's degree). Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.

What is the work-life balance like for a Librarian?

The work-life balance for a Librarian is generally considered good, with reasonable hours and manageable workloads. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.

What is the job outlook for Librarian?

The job outlook for Librarian is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 4% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.

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