upper level job

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Law Librarian I in the United States is $55,397 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $66,711
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,335 to $61,319
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,905

Key Factors That Influence Law Librarian I Salaries

A Law Librarian I'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.

How Experience Level Affects Law Librarian I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Law Librarian I'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:

  • Law Librarian I (0-2 years): $55,397
  • Law Librarian II (2-4 years): $68,666
  • Law Librarian III (4-7 years): $86,153
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Law Librarian I0-2 years$55,397
Law Librarian II2-4 years$68,666
Law Librarian III4-7 years$86,153

Top Paying Cities for Law 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: $69,872
  • San Francisco: $69,107
  • Oakland: $67,651

Law Librarian I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Law Librarian I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $61,908. While startup companies pay approximate $52,368.

Law Librarian I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $52,368
Growth Stage 51~500 $55,385
Established 501~5000 $59,781
Enterprise 5000+ $61,908

Law Librarian I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Law 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, Law Librarian positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Law Librarian I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Law Librarian I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$72,016$35.030%

Law Librarian I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Law 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 September 01, 2026
$48,335
Average $55,397/year
$61,319
$4,028
Average $4,616/month
$5,110
$930
Average $1,065/week
$1,179
$23
Average $27/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $61,319 $5,110 $1,179 $29
Average $55,397 $4,616 $1,065 $27
25th Percentile $48,335 $4,028 $930 $23

Law Librarian I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Law Librarian I, 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.

Law Librarian I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Librarian $68,666 24%
Medical Librarian $68,666 24%
Law Librarian II $68,666 24%
Technical Librarian II $76,603 38%

Most common benefits for Law Librarian I

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

Common company salaries for Law Librarian I

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

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FAQ about Law Librarian I

1. Where can a Law Librarian I earn the most?

A Law Librarian I'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 Law Librarian I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Law Librarian I is $69,872.

2. What is the highest pay for Law Librarian I?

The highest pay for Law Librarian I is $66,711.

3. What is the lowest pay for Law Librarian I?

The lowest pay for Law Librarian I is $41,905.

4. What are the responsibilities of Law Librarian I?

Performs legal and non-legal research and maintains and develops a library of print and digital resources for legal staff. Researches publications and suggests new sources and offerings for acquisition or subscriptions that will meet ongoing information needs. Establishes standard procedures for information gathering and trains staff on information request processes. Monitors budget and expenses, processes invoices, and maintains subscriptions to information services. Coordinates with technical resources to select and maintain the technology infrastructure and tools used in the library. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Law Librarian I?

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

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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