📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Librarian Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$92,769
per year
Median
$89,148
per year
Hourly
$44.6
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$61,445
25th Percentile — Junior$77,525
50th Percentile — Median$89,148
75th Percentile — Senior$113,705
90th Percentile — Top Earners$126,799
💡 Top-earning Librarians in California make up to $126,799 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$84.0k
2021
$85.7k
2022
$87.4k
2023
$89.2k
2024
$91.0k
2025
$92.8k
2026
📈 Librarian salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.0% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Librarian Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $143,792 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $137,298 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $159,563 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $171,623 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $100,191 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $113,178 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $134,515 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $100,191 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $131,732 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $129,877 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $118,744 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $109,467 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $143,792 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $109,467 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $103,901 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $113,178 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $106,684 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $137,298 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $148,430 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Librarian Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Librarians. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $92,769 per year, California's Librarian salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $61,445–$77,525, while experienced Librarians can command $113,705–$126,799.

Looking ahead, the Librarian profession in California is projected to grow at 2.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Librarian salary in California is $92,769 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $65,330.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Librarians the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Librarian employment.
  • At $92,769/year, California Librarian salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $65,330/year.