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Senior Librarian Salary in Washington, DC

How much does a Senior Librarian make in Washington, DC?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Librarian in Washington, DC is $95,371 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $106,241
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $91,562 to $101,061
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $88,094
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View as table View as graph 25% $91,562 10% $88,094 90% $106,241 75% $101,061 $95,371 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Senior Librarian Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $101,061 $8,422 $1,943 $49
Average $95,371 $7,948 $1,834 $46
25th Percentile $91,562 $7,630 $1,761 $44
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Key Factors That Influence Senior Librarian Salaries

A Senior 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.

How Experience Level Affects Senior Librarian Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Senior 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:

  • Librarian (2-4 years): $76,024
  • Senior Librarian (4-7 years): $95,371
  • Library Services Supervisor (7+ years): $98,082
  • Library Services Manager (7+ years): $113,729
  • Chief Librarian (7+ years): $129,715
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Librarian2-4 years$76,024
Senior Librarian4-7 years$95,371
Library Services Supervisor7+ years$98,082
Library Services Manager7+ years$113,729
Chief Librarian7+ years$129,715
$76,024 Librarian...
$95,371 Senior Li...
$98,082 Library S...
$113,729 Library S...
$129,715 Chief Lib...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Senior Librarians

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: $108,645
  • San Francisco: $107,576
  • Oakland: $105,191

Senior Librarian Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Senior 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 January 01, 2026

Senior Librarian Salary Growth & Career Path

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

Senior Librarian Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Library Services Supervisor $98,082 3%
Medical Library Services Manager $104,606 10%
Technical Librarian IV $128,382 35%

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Cost of Living In Washington, DC

Cost of Living in Washington, DC is
43.2% Higher
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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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