Library Assistants, Clerical: $36,910 Median Salary, -6.7% Growth (BLS 2025)
The median annual wage for library assistants, clerical is $36,910, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 OEWS estimates). That works out to roughly $18 an hour. The typical worker earns between $27,730 (10th percentile) and $55,310 (90th percentile). But pay varies widely by location and employer, and the occupation is expected to shrink by 6.7% over the next decade.
How much Library Assistants, Clerical earn
The national median salary is $36,910, with a mean of $39,370. The bottom 10% earn $27,730 or less, while the top 10% bring home over $55,310. Most workers are paid hourly, and many positions are part-time.
Pay depends heavily on the setting. Public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries may offer different compensation, though BLS data doesn't break down by industry for this occupation. Government roles typically pay more than private ones.
- National median: $36,910
- Typical range: $27,730–$55,310
- Mean hourly wage: about $18.92
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. The highest-paying state is the District of Columbia, with an annual mean wage of $59,390. California ranks second at $47,860, followed by Washington ($47,540), Nevada ($46,620), and Maryland ($45,910).
On the low end, Mississippi averages $28,110, Nebraska $28,080, and Alabama $27,530. That's a gap of more than $30,000 between D.C. and Alabama. Cost of living partially explains the difference, but clearly location is a huge factor.
How to become Library Assistants, Clerical
Most library assistant jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent. No formal postsecondary education is mandatory, though some employers prefer candidates with some college coursework or an associate degree in library science or a related field.
On-the-job training is common. New hires learn shelving systems, circulation procedures, and customer service skills from experienced staff. Some states or library systems may require a certification, such as the Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC), but this is not universal. Computer literacy and basic math are essential.
- 1. Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- 2. Gain relevant experience through volunteering or part-time work in a library.
- 3. Consider an associate degree or certificate in library science for advancement.
- 4. Apply for entry-level positions; many libraries provide on-the-job training.
Job outlook
Employment of library assistants, clerical is projected to decline 6.7% from 2024 to 2034. That's a loss of about 5,700 jobs over the decade, though roughly 12,800 openings per year will still arise from workers leaving the occupation or retiring.
The decline is driven by budget cuts in public libraries and increased automation of routine tasks like checkouts and shelving. However, libraries still need staff for customer service and programming, so opportunities will exist, especially in schools and academic libraries. Competition for full-time jobs will be strong.
Frequently asked questions
Is library assistant a good career?
It depends on your goals. The median wage of $36,910 is modest, and job growth is negative. However, it can be a stable, low-stress job with decent benefits in government settings, and it offers a path to library technician or librarian roles with further education.
What education do I need to be a library assistant?
A high school diploma is the minimum. Many employers prefer some college or an associate degree, but it's not mandatory. On-the-job training is typical.
Which states pay library assistants the most?
The highest average wages are in the District of Columbia ($59,390), California ($47,860), Washington ($47,540), Nevada ($46,620), and Maryland ($45,910).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Library Assistants, Clerical data.