How much does a library clerk make?
Answer: A typical library clerk in the United States makes $36,910 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 86,000 people work in this job. Below the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Library clerk pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a library clerk do?
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).
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like keeping things organized and helping and teaching.
Did you know?
Even in quiet libraries, about 8 in 10 U.S. library assistants have to speak with people every few minutes.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Office and Administrative Support jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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