Library Assistants, Clerical earn a median of $36,910 per year ($17.74/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 6.4% through 2035, with about 12,300 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 43-4121
- Office and Administrative Support
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Library Assistant, Clerical in four numbers
- Median pay
- $36,910a year, or $17.74/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $28KTop 10% $55K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -6.4%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−6.4%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −6.4% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 12,30089,500 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202589.5K
- Projected 203583.8K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 89.5K Projected 2035 83.8K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school8.6%
- High school49.8%
- Certificate10.7%
- Some college14.1%
- Associate's12.1%
- Bachelor's4.6%
Highest education held by library assistants, clerical Segment Value Less than high school 8.6% High school 49.8% Certificate 10.7% Some college 14.1% Associate's 12.1% Bachelor's 4.6%
Also advertised as: Acquisitions Assistant, Cataloging Assistant, Library Aide, Library Assistant, Library Associate, Library Circulation Assistant.
Pay
How much do Library Assistants, Clerical make?
Every library assistant, clerical in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$36,910
Middle half earn $31,820 to $45,620
- 10th
- $27,730
- 25th
- $31,820
- 75th
- $45,620
- 90th
- $55,310
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $27,730 |
| 25th | $31,820 |
| Median | $36,910 |
| 75th | $45,620 |
| 90th | $55,310 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $36,910
- Median hourly wage
- $17.74/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $39,370
- People employed
- 85,520
Versus all US occupations
At $36,910, Library Assistants, Clerical earn 28% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $14,070 a year.
Versus office and administrative support occupations
Inside the Office and Administrative Support group, where the middle occupation pays $49,230, this is 25% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $55,310 or more while the bottom 10% earn $27,730, a gap of 2.0×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 4% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
District of Columbia pays the most at $59,390, and still leads at $54,040 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Library Assistants, Clerical the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1District of Columbia | $59,390 | $54,040 | 100 |
| 2California | $47,860 | $43,226 | 11,170 |
| 3Washington | $47,540 | $44,425 | 2,810 |
| 4Nevada | $46,620 | $46,630 | 660 |
| 5Maryland | $45,910 | $43,741 | 730 |
| 6Alaska | $44,800 | $43,768 | 180 |
| 7Massachusetts | $42,520 | $40,205 | 2,840 |
| 8Oregon | $42,270 | $40,896 | 1,090 |
| 9Minnesota | $39,970 | $40,529 | 1,770 |
| 10New Jersey | $39,780 | $36,561 | 3,120 |
Job outlook
Is Library Assistant, Clerical a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -6.4% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Library Assistants, Clerical | −6.4% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Library Assistants, Clerical to change -6.4% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 5,700 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 12,300 openings are projected each year, 13.7% of the 89,500 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of library technicians and assistants is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Library use has decreased despite community efforts to rebrand libraries for a variety of services and activities. This decrease in use reduces the need for library workers to help patrons find information and to operate libraries. Additionally, budget constraints may limit the number of library technicians and assistants in local government and education services.
Getting in
How to become a Library Assistant, Clerical
Library technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate. Library assistants typically need a high school diploma or its equivalent, combined with short-term on-the-job training.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as library assistants, clerical.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)49.8%
- Some College Courses14.1%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree12.1%
- Post-Secondary Certificate10.7%
- Less than a High School Diploma8.6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 49.8% |
| Some College Courses | 14.1% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 12.1% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 10.7% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 8.6% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Library Assistant, Clerical 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.
Library technicians and assistants help librarians with all aspects of running a library. They assist patrons, organize library materials and information, and do clerical and administrative tasks.
Day-to-day tasks
- Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
- Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
- Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.
- Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.
- Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
- Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.
- Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.
- Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Many library technicians and assistants work part time. Library technicians and assistants in school libraries work during school hours. Those in public or college libraries may work weekends, evenings, and some holidays. In special libraries, technicians and assistants typically work during normal business hours but may have to work evenings and weekends.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantConstant contact with other people.
Face-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely seriousMistakes are not usually serious.
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where library assistants, clerical work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals63%
- Educational services; state, local, and private26%
- Web search portals, libraries, archives, and other information services9%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 63% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 26% |
| Web search portals, libraries, archives, and other information services | 9% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension3.3
- Active Listening3.3
- Writing3.0
- Speaking3.0
- Critical Thinking3.0
- Monitoring2.9
- Learning Strategies2.5
- Active Learning2.3
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.3 |
| Active Listening | 3.3 |
| Writing | 3.0 |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 |
| Monitoring | 2.9 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.5 |
| Active Learning | 2.3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Service Orientation3.4
- Coordination3.0
- Social Perceptiveness2.9
- Complex Problem Solving2.9
- Time Management2.9
- Instructing2.8
- Judgment and Decision Making2.8
- Management of Personnel Resources2.3
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Service Orientation | 3.4 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.9 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.9 |
| Time Management | 2.9 |
| Instructing | 2.8 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.8 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | 2.3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Object or component oriented development software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Desktop publishing software
- Information retrieval or search software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Library Assistant, Clerical?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Library Assistant, Clerical |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 3 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 4 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 7 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around organising, following procedures and working precisely with data, combined with teaching, helping and working directly with other people.
- Conventional6.9
- Social3.8
- Realistic2.9
- Enterprising2.2
- Investigative2.0
- Artistic1.3
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Library Assistant, Clerical
O*NET related occupations
- Educational Instruction and Library
- Office and Administrative Support
- Office and Administrative Support
- Office and Administrative Support
Secretary and Administrative Assistant, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
$47,540median a year
Most earn $33K to $66K
−6.0%High school - Computer and Mathematical
- Transportation and Material Moving
More office and administrative support careers
Median annual pay, with library assistants, clerical highlighted
- Executive Secretary and Executive Administrative Assistant$76,590
- Legal Secretary and Administrative Assistant$55,570
- Public Safety Telecommunicator$53,040
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk$50,670
- Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$50,610
- Secretary and Administrative Assistant, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$47,540
- Teller$43,030
- Receptionist and Information Clerk$38,010
- Library Assistant, Clerical$36,910
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Executive Secretary and Executive Administrative Assistant | $76,590 |
| Legal Secretary and Administrative Assistant | $55,570 |
| Public Safety Telecommunicator | $53,040 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk | $50,670 |
| Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping | $50,610 |
| Secretary and Administrative Assistant, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | $47,540 |
| Teller | $43,030 |
| Receptionist and Information Clerk | $38,010 |
| Library Assistant, Clerical | $36,910 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Library Assistant, Clerical appears on
Questions
Library Assistant, Clerical: frequently asked questions
How much do Library Assistants, Clerical make?
Library Assistants, Clerical earn a median of $36,910 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 28% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $17.74/hr. The middle half earn between $31,820 and $45,620. The top 10% earn $55,310 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Library Assistant, Clerical?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Library Assistants, Clerical. BLS also lists short-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 49.8% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Library Assistant, Clerical a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 6.4% over 2025–2035, a loss of 5,700 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 12,300 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Library Assistant, Clerical do?
Library technicians and assistants help librarians with all aspects of running a library. A core O*NET task: locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures. Employers most often ask for Data base user interface and query software, Document management software, Electronic mail software.
Which states pay Library Assistants, Clerical the most?
The highest state medians for Library Assistants, Clerical are District of Columbia ($59,390), California ($47,860), Washington ($47,540) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Library Assistant, Clerical?
O*NET scores Library Assistants, Clerical highest on the Conventional and Social interest areas, so the work mixes organising, following procedures and working precisely with data with teaching, helping and working directly with other people. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISFJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.