As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Librarian II in the United States is $86,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Librarian II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Librarian II'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Librarian II'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Librarian | 2-4 years | $68,666 |
| Librarian II | 4-7 years | $86,151 |
| Library Services Operations Supervisor | 7+ years | $88,580 |
| Library Services Operations Manager | 7+ years | $102,792 |
| Head Librarian | 7+ years | $117,187 |
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 Librarian IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Librarian II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $96,496. While startup companies pay approximate $81,633.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $81,633 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $86,337 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $93,184 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $96,496 |
For Librarian II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 63% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Librarian positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Librarian II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $107,750 | $52.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $103,440 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $103,440 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Telecom | $101,716 | $49.0 | 18% |
| Insurance | $99,130 | $48.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Librarian II'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 Librarian II, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Library Services Operations Supervisor | $88,600 | 3% |
| Health Science Library Manager | $94,500 | 10% |
| Specialist Technical Librarian | $116,000 | 35% |
Salaries for a Librarian II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $79,897 in 2023 to around $77,462 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Librarian II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $79,897 |
| 2024 | $78,541 |
| 2025 | $77,462 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Librarian II roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Being a librarian can be a good job for introverts, as it offers a balance of human interaction and solitary time with books. With a salary range from $73,900 to $100,900, it provides a stable income while allowing for a quieter work environment. This role can be fulfilling for those who enjoy research and organization.
In short, yes. A master's degree in library science (MLIS) is required for many professional librarian positions, including those in academic, public, and special libraries. Salaries for librarians typically range from $73,900 to $100,900, with a median salary of $87,300, reflecting the importance of advanced education in this field.
The salary for a Librarian typically ranges from a minimum of $73,900 to a maximum of $100,900, with a mid-salary of $87,300. While various master's degrees can lead to high-paying careers, Librarianship offers a competitive salary within the education and information sectors, making it a viable option for those seeking a rewarding profession.
Librarian ranks include Librarian I, with a minimum salary of $73,900, requiring a two-year appointment and promotion application to Librarian II. Librarian II has a three-year appointment and a mid-salary of $87,300, needing promotion to Librarian III. Librarian III offers an indefinite appointment, with a maximum salary of $100,900, allowing promotion to Librarian IV after three years.
The lowest salary for a librarian is $73,900. While some sources may report varying figures, the current data indicates that librarian salaries typically range from $73,900 to $100,900, with a mid-salary of $87,300. This reflects a more accurate representation of the salary landscape for librarians.
In the USA, Librarians earn between $73,900 and $100,900 annually, with a median salary of $87,300. This translates to a monthly pay range of approximately $6,158 to $8,408, with the average salary being around $7,275. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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