Library Technicians earn a median of $44,580 per year ($21.43/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 6.4% through 2035, with about 10,800 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award.
- SOC 25-4031
- Educational Instruction and Library
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Library Technician in four numbers
- Median pay
- $44,580a year, or $21.43/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $29KTop 10% $63K
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
- 10,80072,800 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202572.8K
- Projected 203568.1K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 72.8K Projected 2035 68.1K - Typical education
- Certificateneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school15%
- Certificate17.1%
- Some college8.9%
- Associate's27.7%
- Bachelor's29.6%
- Master's1.8%
Highest education held by library technicians Segment Value High school 15% Certificate 17.1% Some college 8.9% Associate's 27.7% Bachelor's 29.6% Master's 1.8%
Also advertised as: Circulation Clerk, Library Aide, Library Assistant, Library Associate, Library Clerk, Library Media Technician.
Pay
How much do Library Technicians make?
Every library technician in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$44,580
Middle half earn $35,740 to $52,430
- 10th
- $29,300
- 25th
- $35,740
- 75th
- $52,430
- 90th
- $63,080
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $29,300 |
| 25th | $35,740 |
| Median | $44,580 |
| 75th | $52,430 |
| 90th | $63,080 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $44,580
- Median hourly wage
- $21.43/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $45,500
- People employed
- 68,690
Versus all US occupations
At $44,580, Library Technicians earn 13% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $6,400 a year.
Versus educational instruction and library occupations
Inside the Educational Instruction and Library group, where the middle occupation pays $68,270, this is 35% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $63,080 or more while the bottom 10% earn $29,300, a gap of 2.2×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 11% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Washington pays the most at $62,570, and still leads at $58,470 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Library Technicians 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Washington | $62,570 | $58,470 | 1,850 |
| 2District of Columbia | $61,040 | $55,541 | 390 |
| 3Connecticut | $57,060 | $55,072 | 930 |
| 4California | $53,260 | $48,103 | 7,190 |
| 5Minnesota | $51,110 | $51,825 | 1,180 |
| 6Hawaii | $50,870 | $46,266 | 110 |
| 7Massachusetts | $50,430 | $47,685 | 1,910 |
| 8Vermont | $50,090 | $51,134 | 150 |
| 9New York | $50,060 | $46,386 | 3,390 |
| 10Oregon | $49,970 | $48,345 | 1,810 |
Job outlook
Is Library Technician 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 Technicians | −6.4% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Library Technicians to change -6.4% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 4,600 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 10,800 openings are projected each year, 14.8% of the 72,800 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 Technician
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
Postsecondary nondegree award
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some 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 technicians.
- Bachelor's Degree29.6%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree27.7%
- Post-Secondary Certificate17.1%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)15%
- Some College Courses8.9%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 29.6% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 27.7% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 17.1% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 15% |
| Some College Courses | 8.9% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Library Technician do?
Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.
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
- Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
- Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
- Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
- Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
- Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
- Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.
- Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
- Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
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 dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors 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
NoneConstantFace-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 serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
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 technicians 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 Comprehension3.4
- Active Listening3.3
- Speaking3.3
- Critical Thinking3.0
- Learning Strategies3.0
- Writing2.9
- Active Learning2.9
- Monitoring2.9
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.4 |
| Active Listening | 3.3 |
| Speaking | 3.3 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 |
| Learning Strategies | 3.0 |
| Writing | 2.9 |
| Active Learning | 2.9 |
| Monitoring | 2.9 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Service Orientation3.1
- Social Perceptiveness3.0
- Coordination3.0
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9
- Time Management2.8
- Management of Personnel Resources2.8
- Instructing2.6
- Complex Problem Solving2.5
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Service Orientation | 3.1 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.0 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.9 |
| Time Management | 2.8 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | 2.8 |
| Instructing | 2.6 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Desktop publishing software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging 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
- Electronic mail software
- Internet browser software
- Library 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 Technician?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Library Technician |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 3 |
| Investigative | 3 |
| Artistic | 2 |
| 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.
- Conventional6.5
- Social4.1
- Realistic3.1
- Investigative2.7
- Enterprising1.9
- Artistic1.6
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 Technician
O*NET related occupations
- Office and Administrative Support
- Office and Administrative Support
- Office and Administrative Support
- Computer and Mathematical
- 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 - Transportation and Material Moving
More educational instruction and library careers
Median annual pay, with library technicians highlighted
- Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary$80,250
- Instructional Coordinator$77,440
- Special Education Teacher, Secondary School$74,260
- Librarian$68,270
- Career/Technical Education Teacher, Secondary School$66,270
- Kindergarten Teacher$62,680
- Library Technician$44,580
- Tutor$43,350
- Preschool Teacher, Except Special Education$38,140
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $80,250 |
| Instructional Coordinator | $77,440 |
| Special Education Teacher, Secondary School | $74,260 |
| Librarian | $68,270 |
| Career/Technical Education Teacher, Secondary School | $66,270 |
| Kindergarten Teacher | $62,680 |
| Library Technician | $44,580 |
| Tutor | $43,350 |
| Preschool Teacher, Except Special Education | $38,140 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Library Technician appears on
Questions
Library Technician: frequently asked questions
How much do Library Technicians make?
Library Technicians earn a median of $44,580 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 13% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $21.43/hr. The middle half earn between $35,740 and $52,430. The top 10% earn $63,080 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Library Technician?
Not a degree, but you do need credentialed training: BLS lists a postsecondary non-degree award (a certificate or license program) as the typical entry route for Library Technicians. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 29.6% hold bachelor's degree.
Is Library Technician a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 6.4% over 2025–2035, a loss of 4,600 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 10,800 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Library Technician do?
Library technicians and assistants help librarians with all aspects of running a library. A core O*NET task: help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed. Employers most often ask for Data base user interface and query software, Desktop publishing software, Document management software.
Which states pay Library Technicians the most?
The highest state medians for Library Technicians are Washington ($62,570), District of Columbia ($61,040), Connecticut ($57,060) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Library Technician?
O*NET scores Library Technicians highest on the Conventional, Social and Realistic 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.