Librarians in the United States make an average salary ranging roughly from $56,000 to $64,000 per year, with variations depending on factors such as location, experience, education, and type of library.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for librarians and library media specialists was about $64,320 in May 2024
- Indeed.com reports a national average salary around $62,655 to $63,187 per year as of early 2025
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics also notes an average closer to $56,360, highlighting variability due to geographic and institutional differences
Salaries vary significantly by state and type of employer. For example:
- California and the District of Columbia offer some of the highest average salaries, around $78,000 to $86,000 per year
- States like Wyoming and Utah tend to have lower average salaries, in the $38,000 to $44,000 range
- Academic librarians tend to earn more, with averages around $73,000, while public librarians average about $65,000
- Senior positions such as library directors or managers can earn upwards of $89,000, with some community library managers making as much as $125,000 annually in places like New Zealand, which has somewhat comparable ranges
Hourly wages for entry-level or circulation roles can be around $20 per hour, equating to about $44,000 annually for full-time work
. Overall, librarian salaries reflect a balance between the educational requirements (typically a master's degree in library science) and the diverse roles librarians fulfill in various settings. Summary:
- Median salary in the U.S.: ~$64,000/year
- Range: Approximately $44,000 to $90,000+, depending on location and seniority
- Higher salaries in large metropolitan areas and academic institutions
- Senior roles and specialized librarianship command higher pay
This data provides a broad picture of librarian earnings as of 2024-2025.
