Librarians and library media specialists Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Librarians and library media specialists in the United States is $68,270 per year — about $33 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $56,310 and $84,480 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Librarians and library media specialists
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $105,240 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $106,550 |
| Merced, CA | $98,630 |
| Yakima, WA | $96,250 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $81,470 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $100,240 |
| Laredo, TX | $82,130 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $103,240 |
| Odessa, TX | $84,260 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $77,930 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Librarians and library media specialists make in the US?
The median salary is $68,270 per year (about $33 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $56,310 and $84,480 a year.
How much do Librarians and library media specialists make per hour?
About $33 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $68,270 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Librarians and library media specialists?
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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