As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Reference Librarian in the US is $71,635, equivalent to $34 per hour, $1,378 weekly, or $5,970 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Reference Librarian in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for Reference Librarian in the US vary widely, spanning from $55,781 to $85,836. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($63,336) and 75th percentile ($79,068), while top earners (90th percentile) make $85,836 per year. This $15,732 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Customer Service or Information Sciences, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Reference Librarian often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 78 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
