Library Assistants, Clerical
Library technicians and assistants help librarians with all aspects of running a library.
Is library assistants, clerical a good career?
It scores 8/100 and ranks #788 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($36,910 vs $61,390)
- Employment is projected to decline (-6.7% through 2034)
What library assistants, clerical earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. library assistants, clerical earn between $31,820 and $45,620 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live library assistants, clerical jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
Library technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate in library technology, which may include coursework in acquisitions, cataloguing, circulation, reference, and automated library systems.
Most library assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent.
Training
Library assistants usually receive short-term on-the-job training to learn about libraries and library resources.
Advancement
Library technicians and assistants may advance to become supervisors and oversee daily library operations. To become a librarian, technicians and assistants need to earn a master’s degree in library science.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Library technicians and assistants must be able to answer patrons’ questions clearly and explain use of library resources.
Detail oriented. Library technicians and assistants must pay close attention to ensure that library materials and information are organized correctly and according to the library’s organizational system.
Interpersonal skills. Library technicians and assistants need to work with library patrons, librarians, teachers, or researchers.
Listening skills. Library technicians and assistants need to listen to patrons to help them with research topics or with finding materials.
Related occupations
How much do library assistants, clerical make?
The national median wage is $36,910 a year, with the middle half earning between $31,820 and $45,620 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is library assistants, clerical a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 8 of 100 and ranks #788 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -6.7% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a library assistants, clerical?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do library assistants, clerical earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($59,390). Local pay for every state and metro is below.