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Legal Reference Librarian I Salary in the United States

How much does a Legal Reference Librarian I make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Legal Reference Librarian I in the United States is $55,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, a Legal Reference Librarian I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $66,863
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,400 to $61,400
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,027

Key Factors That Influence Legal Reference Librarian I Salaries

A Legal Reference Librarian I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Legal Reference Librarian I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Legal Reference Librarian Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $61,400.
  • California: $61,200.
  • Massachusetts: $60,300.

Top Paying Cities for Legal Reference Librarian Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $69,900
  • San Francisco: $69,200
  • Oakland: $67,700

Legal Reference Librarian I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Legal Reference Librarian I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $61,848. While startup companies pay approximate $52,370.

Legal Reference Librarian I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $52,370
Growth Stage 51~500 $55,374
Established 501~5000 $59,719
Enterprise 5000+ $61,848

Legal Reference Librarian I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Legal Reference Librarian I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Legal Reference Librarian positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Legal Reference Librarian I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Legal Reference Librarian I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$72,020$35.030%

Legal Reference Librarian I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Legal Reference Librarian I'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 October 01, 2026
$48,400
Average $55,400/year
$61,400
$4,033
Average $4,617/month
$5,117
$931
Average $1,065/week
$1,181
$23
Average $27/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $61,400 $5,117 $1,181 $30
Average $55,400 $4,617 $1,065 $27
25th Percentile $48,400 $4,033 $931 $23

Most common benefits for Legal Reference Librarian I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Legal Reference Librarian I

Here are companies hiring for Legal Reference Librarian I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Legal Reference Librarian I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Legal Reference Librarian I?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Legal Reference Librarian I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. Can you call yourself a librarian without a degree?

While exceptional research skills and customer service are essential, most public libraries require a degree and certification to officially call oneself a librarian. Legal Reference Librarians, for instance, can expect salaries ranging from $47,400 to $62,800, with a median salary of $55,400, reflecting the importance of formal education in this field.

3. Do you need a PHD to be a librarian?

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 requirements. Salaries for Legal Reference Librarians range from $47,400 to $62,800, with a median of $55,400.

4. Are law librarians in demand?

Yes, law librarians are in demand. Recent data from the Thomson Reuters Institute highlights significant shifts in law firm staffing trends, indicating a growing need for legal reference librarians. Salaries for these positions range from $47,400 to $62,800, with a midpoint of $55,400, reflecting their increasing value in the legal sector.

5. Which state pays librarians the most?

The salary data for Legal Reference Librarians indicates a range from $47,400 to $62,800, with a midpoint of $55,400. While some cities like Salinas, CA, report significantly higher salaries for librarians, the average for Legal Reference Librarians remains lower than those top-paying locations.

6. What is the day to day life of a librarian?

A Legal Reference Librarian's day-to-day life involves assisting with legal research, managing legal databases, and providing support to attorneys and clients. They may also handle inquiries, organize resources, and stay updated on legal publications. Salaries typically range from $47,400 to $62,800, with a midpoint of $55,400, reflecting the expertise required in this specialized field.

7. How do I become a legal Librarian?

To become a legal librarian, you typically need a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree, as a Juris Doctor (JD) alone may not suffice. Many academic law library positions require both degrees for leadership roles. Salaries for legal reference librarians range from $47,400 to $62,800, with a median salary of $55,400.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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