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Library Assistant I Salary in the United States

How much does a Library Assistant I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Library Assistant I in the United States is $38,091 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $44,355
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $34,663 to $41,370
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $31,542
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Library Assistant I Salaries

A Library Assistant 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 Library Assistant I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Library Assistant 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:

  • Library Assistant I (0-1 years): $38,091
  • Library Assistant II (1-3 years): $42,520
  • Library Assistant III (3-5 years): $54,855
  • Library Assistant IV (5-7 years): $61,218
  • Library Services Supervisor (7+ years): $88,580
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Library Assistant I0-1 years$38,091
Library Assistant II1-3 years$42,520
Library Assistant III3-5 years$54,855
Library Assistant IV5-7 years$61,218
Library Services Supervisor7+ years$88,580
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How Do Library Assistant Is 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 Library Assistant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $42,174.
  • California: $42,014.
  • Massachusetts: $41,454.

Top Paying Cities for Library Assistant I

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: $48,044
  • San Francisco: $47,518
  • Oakland: $46,517

Library Assistant I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Library Assistant I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $42,641. While startup companies pay approximate $36,073.

Library Assistant I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $36,073
Growth Stage 51~500 $38,151
Established 501~5000 $41,177
Enterprise 5000+ $42,641

Library Assistant I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Library Assistant I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Insurance and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Library Assistant positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Library Assistant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Library Assistant I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Insurance$45,709$22.020%
Pharmaceuticals$45,709$22.020%
Software & Networking$45,709$22.020%
Biotechnology$43,805$21.015%
Energy & Utilities$43,805$21.015%

Library Assistant I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Library Assistant 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 August 01, 2026
$34,663
Average $38,091/year
$41,370
$2,889
Average $3,174/month
$3,448
$667
Average $733/week
$796
$17
Average $18/hour
$20
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $41,370 $3,448 $796 $20
Average $38,091 $3,174 $733 $18
25th Percentile $34,663 $2,889 $667 $17

Library Assistant I Salary Growth & Career Path

Library Assistant I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Library Assistant 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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Library Assistant II $42,520 12%
Medical Library Services Manager $94,494 148%
Library Technical Services Manager $129,824 241%

Most common benefits for Library Assistant I

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

Common company salaries for Library Assistant I

Here are companies hiring for Library Assistant I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Library Assistant I

1. Where can a Library Assistant I earn the most?

A Library Assistant 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 Library Assistant I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Library Assistant I is $48,044.

2. What is the highest pay for Library Assistant I?

The highest pay for Library Assistant I is $44,355.

3. What is the lowest pay for Library Assistant I?

The lowest pay for Library Assistant I is $31,542.

4. What are the responsibilities of Library Assistant I?

Supports library circulation and processing operations and assists library users in locating materials and using library systems and tools. Reshelves returned books and materials and updates the library information system. Maintains user account and access data and processes special requests for materials. Performs routine cataloging processes. Assists with maintenance and update processes for library databases, software, and systems. May perform clerical tasks related to book purchasing and payments. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Library Assistant I?

The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for Library Assistant I roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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