Librarian Salary in 2026
Librarians manage library collections, help patrons find information, and develop programs for communities. They curate digital and physical resources and promote literacy and learning.
Median Salary
$65,000
$5,417/mo
Entry Level
$42,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$76,000
experienced
Job Growth
-3%
10-yr outlook
Librarian Overview
Librarians manage library collections, help patrons find information, and develop programs for communities. They curate digital and physical resources and promote literacy and learning.
Education
Master's Degree (MLIS)
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Education
Total Jobs (US)
135K
5-Year Growth
+8%
Category
Education
Hourly Rate
$31.25/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,417
Librarian Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Librarian salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Librarian Salary
$64,000
$5,333/month · $2,462/biweekly · $30.77/hr
Librarian Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Librarian field.
Entry-level Librarians earn around $42,000, while the top 10% earn $86,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Librarians
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $77,000 | +$12,000 |
| New York | $75,000 | +$10,000 |
| Massachusetts | $73,000 | +$8,000 |
| Illinois | $68,000 | +$3,000 |
| Texas | $64,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Librarians
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $77,000 | +$12,000 |
| Los Angeles | $73,000 | +$8,000 |
| Boston | $73,000 | +$8,000 |
| Chicago | $68,000 | +$3,000 |
| Houston | $64,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Librarian Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Librarian from entry level to expert.
$42,000
0-2 years
$59,000
3-7 years
$76,000
8-14 years
$96,000
15+ years
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Librarian Salary FAQ
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