As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Health Science Librarian in the United States is $68,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Health Science Librarian's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Health Science Librarian's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Health Science Librarian's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Health Science Librarian | $66,106 |
| Intermediate Level Health Science Librarian | $66,342 |
| Senior Level Health Science Librarian | $69,230 |
| Specialist Level Health Science Librarian | $72,197 |
| Expert Level Health Science Librarian | $72,409 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Health Science Librarians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 4.67% |
| Clinical Support | 1.33% |
| Patient Care | 1.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Listening
|
$82,440 |
20%
|
|
Content Management
|
$78,318 |
14%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$73,509 |
7%
|
|
Integrity
|
$72,822 |
6%
|
|
Library Science
|
$72,135 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$72,135 |
5%
|
Health Science Librarian salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $77,304. While startup companies pay approximate $65,659.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $65,659 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $69,368 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $74,717 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $77,304 |
For Health Science Librarian roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Health Science Librarian positions in Biotechnology or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Health Science Librarian as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $82,440 | $40.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $75,570 | $36.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Health Science Librarians enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Health Science Librarian with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $68,307 and $72,764).
Health Science Librarian Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.3% |
| High School | 2.3% |
| Associates | 84.1% |
| Bachelors | 6.8% |
| Masters | 84.1% |
| Doctorate | 6.8% |
Understanding how a Health Science Librarian's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Health Science Librarian, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Librarian II | $86,200 | 25% |
| Health Science Library Manager | $94,500 | 38% |
| Legal Reference Librarian III | $86,200 | 25% |
| Senior Technical Librarian | $95,200 | 39% |
Salaries for a Health Science Librarian can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $61,960 in 2023 to around $61,185 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Health Science Librarian salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $61,960 |
| 2024 | $61,643 |
| 2025 | $61,185 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Health Science Librarian roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
To pursue a master's in library science, you typically need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, often with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Health Science Librarians can expect salaries ranging from $65,200 to $82,000, with a median salary around $73,000, reflecting the value of advanced education in this field.
The highest-paid librarian typically holds titles such as federal government librarian, university librarian, special librarian, or curator. In the field of health science librarianship, salaries range from a minimum of $65,200 to a mid-point of $73,000, with top earners making up to $82,000 annually.
The highest paying cities for librarians vary significantly. For instance, Salinas, CA offers $135,455 per year, while New York, NY pays around $83,939. In contrast, Washington, DC provides $82,369, and Dallas, TX offers $83,711. For Health Science Librarians, salaries range from $65,200 to $82,000, with a midpoint of $73,000, reflecting the diverse pay scales across different regions.
In the USA, Health Science Librarians earn between $65,200 and $82,000 annually, with a median salary of $73,000. While some librarians may earn less, the majority fall within this range, reflecting the specialized nature of their work in health sciences.
To become a medical librarian, you typically need a master's degree in library and information sciences from an ALA-accredited institution, which usually takes 1–2 years to complete. In terms of salary, health science librarians can expect to earn between $65,200 and $82,000, with a median salary around $73,000.
A master's degree in library science (MLS), ideally from an ALA-accredited program, is essential for most librarian roles in public, academic, and special libraries. While school librarians may not require an MLS, they must fulfill state teaching criteria. Salaries for Health Science Librarians typically range from $65,200 to $82,000, with a median of $73,000.
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