How much does a library clerk make?
a year · about $18 an hour
A typical library clerk in the United States makes $36,910 a year, about $18 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
At the desk, a library clerk checks books in and out, issues cards, answers routine questions, and helps people use scanners or computers. Between visitors, they sort and reshelve books and handle calls or records.
Did you know? Even in quiet libraries, about 8 in 10 U.S. library assistants have to speak with people every few minutes.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $27,730 and $55,310How do you become one?
In the United States, finish high school or earn a GED, then apply for a library assistant job. Most library assistants learn library systems and routines through short on-the-job training.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like keeping things organized and helping and teaching
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience, the kind of library or employer, and location. Part-time versus full-time hours and evening or weekend schedules can also change a worker’s total earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($47,860), lowest in Alabama ($27,530).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $27,730 | $36,910 | $55,310 | about 86,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $47,860 | about 11,000 |
| Washington | $47,540 | about 3,000 |
| Nevada | $46,620 | about 660 |
| Maryland | $45,910 | about 730 |
| Massachusetts | $42,520 | about 3,000 |
Official definition: Compile records, and sort, shelve, issue, and receive library materials such as books, electronic media, pictures, cards, slides and microfilm. Locate library materials for loan and replace material in shelving area, stacks, or files according to identification number and title. Register patrons to permit them to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials. Excludes “Library Technicians” (25-4031).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/library-technicians-and-assistant
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-4121.00
- www.bls.gov/ors/factsheet/library-assistants-clerical.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY