As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Chief Librarian in the United States is $117,150 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Chief Librarian's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Chief 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chief 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 Chief Librarian | $113,647 |
| Intermediate Level Chief Librarian | $114,066 |
| Senior Level Chief Librarian | $115,043 |
| Specialist Level Chief Librarian | $116,160 |
| Expert Level Chief Librarian | $117,581 |
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 Chief Librarians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Chief 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 November 01, 2025Salaries for a Chief Librarian can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $126,837 in 2023 to around $125,286 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chief Librarian salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $126,837 |
| 2024 | $126,666 |
| 2025 | $125,286 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $117,150 | 55.8% |
| Bonus | $36,079 | 17.2% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $11,722 | 5.6% |
| 401K/403B | $6,436 | 3.1% |
| Disability | $3,065 | 1.5% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 4.0% |
| Pension | $8,274 | 3.9% |
| Time Off | $18,859 | 9.0% |
| Total Compensation | $209,937 | 100% |
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A Chief Librarian's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Chief Librarian earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Chief Librarian is $147,761.
The highest pay for Chief Librarian is $145,058.
The lowest pay for Chief Librarian is $99,060.
Directs the strategic planning, staff, and operations for the acquisition, classification, maintenance, licensing, and distribution of print and digital materials to meet the information needs of library users. Oversees processes to research, review, identify, and procure new materials to develop the library's collection within the available budget. Implements cataloging processes and standards to create bibliographies and metadata to classify the library's collection of books, serial publications, documents, audiovisual, and other materials. Develops support, service, and technology resources to ensure that groups and individuals can access requested materials. Requires a master's degree in library science. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
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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