25 Best States For Librarians

Hey, bookworms–wouldn’t it be interesting to read about the best states for librarians?

Librarians are probably some of the coolest people you will ever meet. They get to wear cardigans whenever they want AND they know a lot about books. Also, given the amount of queer librarians I know, it’s a great gay career for gays seeking a cardigan-wearing career of knowing about books. I recently went to my local public library in the East Village to get a library card. I brought a concerning amount of mail with me because I had always been told or perhaps dreamt up that you need to show proof of residence for a library card. It turns out you can just give them your driver’s license, so you know thanks anyway, paper ConEd and Time Warner Cable bills I cannot afford to pay.

What struck me the most about my visit to the library was… the smell. Libraries are these amazing centers of resource for their communities and they are FREE. That is a very, very good thing. A bad thing is that because of socio-economic disparities and other class injustices a lot of homeless people take refuge or just hang out and read in the library–in and of itself this is not a bad thing.  The bad thing is that because of this the library, which is carpeted, smells like you would imagine a carpet smells after daily use by homeless people who are unable to access regular showers due to financial or mental limitations. It smells bad, like a dumpster. Yet, the librarian who registered me was cheery as all get out. He was informative and kind despite going to work every day in a building that smells like the inside of an old sweat sock. This is just one of a million reasons why librarians are pretty great.

In this so-called Digital or Computer Age, it is intriguing to know if people still frequent the library, spoiler alert–they do. Books are now available in digital formats, more popularly known today as ‘e-books’. Most avid readers have actually started using e-books more than traditional books since they are cheaper and also more convenient to bring. These facts make libraries a topic of such a question. Are libraries still relevant to the youth of today? If not, where does that leave librarians?

According to the New Mexico State University Library, “there are more public libraries than McDonald’s stores in the USA”, which answers the question if people still go to libraries. That is a yes, public libraries are still operating in the country.

Pew Research Center also said that in this era when books in digital formats get more exposure as years go by, printed books still dominate readership. Though not directly stated, we could perhaps interpret that as a way of saying that people still trust printed, traditional, tangible books as compared to e-books.

These facts all prove that indeed, librarians still have careers to grow in this modern age.

We usually associate librarians with the signage asking for “silence” or “quiet please” inside libraries. In its truest sense, they are of course the people in charge of libraries. Back in school when we were often reprimanded by librarians for being noisy, we thought they were there to make sure the books were properly set on the shelves and were returned on time.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a librarian’s tasks include helping people find information and also conducting research. Since libraries are of different types, a librarian’s responsibilities also vary. It usually depends on the type of library one works at. Libraries could either be public, medical, or school libraries.

They sometimes work for the government, a university, companies, and so much more. Most librarians work full-time, although part-time opportunities might also be arising because of the changes in traditional book readership. The projected job growth for librarians is at a slow 2%, which is apparently slower than the national average as compared to other jobs.

BLS also mentioned that being a librarian would require you to have a degree in Library Science, most especially if you will work in a city and public library. For libraries in schools, librarians might be required to have Teaching Certificate, too. The demands of the job are more on mental work, as one should have a keen attention to detail, analytical skills, and loads of patience as well.

As for their annual median salary, librarians earn $56,880 on the average–that’s about $27.35 per hour.

As of now, the state with the most number of libraries is Vermont, according to State Master. Would that mean Vermont bags the top spot in this list?

In looking for the best states for librarians, it would be easy to think that the states to make it to the list are those with the most number of libraries still operating. In that case, that would be looking at employment rates for librarians, which can be found in BLS. The same site also has the data we need to determine how much each state pays their librarians. To complete the equation, we also looked for each state’s cost of living rates, provided by Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.

The methodology involved ranking each state according to their employment rates, annual median salaries, and cost of living index. This explains why the state that pays the highest wages do not always top the best states to look for a job. High wages do not guarantee a good life–as there are many factors that should also be considered. Earning well in a state where living expenses tend to take too much of your wage simply make no sense at all. For a state to rank high on this list, it has to perfectly balance its income and expenses. Plus, the employment rates for librarians must be great, too.

Since you are interested in education careers also be sure to check out our list of the 25 Best States for Special Education Teachers. 

Read on to know more about the best states for librarians, and find out.

25. Connecticut

Annual median salary: $65,480

Cost of living: 130.7

Employment: 2,370

Connecticut is home to many colleges and universities, as well as public libraries. This makes the state one of the best states a librarian must go to when she needs a job. The best thing about libraries in Connecticut is how they improved to keep up with the changes of times. You will not only find books and encyclopedias, they also have e-books and e-magazines. Their wages are higher than most states. Then again, their cost of living rates might slash too much from what they earn.

24. Louisiana

Annual median salary: $52,660

Cost of living: 94.4

Employment: 1,840

We are continuing our list of best states for librarians with Louisiana that has always been known for being an affordable state to live in–thanks to its sustainable cost of living rates. Even if their salary for librarians is a little below the national average, their cheap living expenses can make it work. Louisiana has nearly 70 public libraries. If you add their colleges, universities, and other schools, you get so many libraries in need of librarians. The demand does not look like it is coming short anytime soon.

23. Wisconsin

Annual median salary: $52,270

Cost of living: 96.9

Employment: 2,480

Wisconsin, next on the list of best states for librarians has 384 public libraries, and the state also recorded increased library visits for the past years, which explains the employment rate they have. Wisconsin does not really pay their librarians very highly, but the employment rates have outdone most American states. They also have cost of living rates that stay lower than the national average, making it a consistent state in every list about the best states to live.

22. Colorado

Annual median salary: $61,510

Cost of living: 102.1

Employment: 2,210

According to Colorado’s library website, librarians there are tasked to teach students to use digital resources found in their libraries. This shows how well they managed to keep up with the changing demands, which include the use of e-books and e-magazines. This fact also explains the employment rates they have. What makes them great for librarians is not only because of how well-employed these professionals are in Colorado, but also their wages that are even higher than the national average.

21. Maryland

Annual median salary: $65,430

Cost of living: 125

Employment: 3,080

Maryland is the classic case of a state that might have topped the list because of their great employment rates and higher than the national average median wages, if not for their ridiculously high cost of living rates. A high wage would not go as far if you will have to worry about your living expenses. Maryland has a total of 24 public library systems, with 18.4 million library items in all, according to Maryland Libraries’ website. That statistic is proven well enough by the looks of their employment rates.

20. Arkansas

Annual median salary: $50,560

Cost of living: 88.5

Employment: 1,390

Arkansas is among the states with the most libraries in America. They have an employment rate for librarians that is higher than other states, simply because the demand is consistent when you take all their public libraries and colleges into consideration. The annual median wage they pay their librarians is a little lower than the average, but is balanced well with their affordable cost of living prices.

19. Indiana

Annual median salary: $46,600

Cost of living: 87.9

Employment: 2,380

Indiana holds the record for being the second most affordable state in America. This fact lends the sense as to why Indiana’s annual median wages for various jobs almost never reach past the national average. They have very low cost of living rates, that no matter how low they get paid, there would still be no problems about the budget. What’s more is that the high number of colleges and universities in Indiana equates to many job opportunities for librarians, making this state a worthy addition to the best states for librarians.

18. New York

Annual median salary: $63,490

Cost of living: 135.2

Employment: 11,400

Next in line on our list of best states for librarians is New York that is undoubtedly the state with the most libraries–we can all see that in the impressively high employment rates. The state also has annual median salary rates scoring even higher than the national average. Then again, the high cost of living that New York has always been popular for is here again. Because you can expect that a major chunk of your salary will go to your living expenses, living in New York and working as a librarian might mean some sacrifices.

17. Pennsylvania

Annual median salary: $54,330

Cost of living: 102.8

Employment: 5,450

Pennsylvania’s wages for librarians are just a few dollars away from the national average, but is great compensation for their cost of living rates. Even when their cost of living hovers a little above the average, it still makes more sense than earning too much but spending too much on living expenses elsewhere. Pennsylvania is also popular for its universities and colleges, so we know they have quite a lot of libraries there.

16. Massachusetts

Annual median salary: $66,390

Cost of living: 134.7

Employment: 4,770

According to Massachusetts Libraries Board of Library Commissioners, Massachusetts has over 350 libraries. Those numbers only refer to the public libraries. If you add the universities, colleges, and other schools in the state, you already know why Massachusetts deserve to be on this list. Add to that their annual wage that is many notches higher than the national average. Unfortunately, Massachusetts’ cost of living is much higher than most American states, which could be blamed why it ranked lower despite its good wages.

15. Ohio

Annual median salary: $50,260

Cost of living: 93

Employment: 4,430

Ohio’s claim to the list of the best states for librarians is its affordable cost of living rates. Living expenses in Ohio are so cheap, you can enjoy your wages more without having to worry if you’ll have some of it left for savings. This is probably why even when Ohio pays their librarians less than the average salary, many librarians still choose to get a job here. This state also has libraries that keep improving, as proven by the State Library of Ohio on their feature about the New Books for January 2017.

14. North Carolina

Annual median salary: $50,340

Cost of living: 94.2

Employment: 4,720

North Carolina, like Ohio, made it to this list of best states for librarians because of their affordable living expenses on record. Basic goods and utility services are known to be cheaper in North Carolina than in most American states. According to the State Library of North Carolina, this state has 80 public library systems. They have more libraries than most states in America, resulting in its great employment rates for librarians in the country.

13. Alabama

Annual median salary: $53,800

Cost of living: 91.2

Employment: 2,030

Alabama Public Library Service has a list of the many public libraries in Alabama. This state also has colleges and schools with their respective libraries, creating so many jobs for librarians. Their wages do not reach the average, but librarians still choose Alabama over other states because of how affordable it is to live there as compared to other states in America. Of course, the state with the lowest living expenses would be more practical to live in.

12. New Jersey

Annual median salary: $64,590

Cost of living: 121

Employment: 4,800

According to NJ Spotlight, “In the state, there are 234 municipal libraries, 45 association libraries, 14 county libraries, and five joint libraries.” These libraries create tons of employment opportunities for librarians, as shown in the statistics. Another great thing about New Jersey is its high wages for librarians. Their living expenses are in the expensive range, though. Even so, their good employment rates still attract quite a lot of librarians.

11. Missouri

Annual median salary: $51,280

Cost of living: 90.8

Employment: 2,700

The number 11 on our list of best states for librarians is Missouri that has 381 libraries in total, and also has among the best cost of living rates in the country, making it almost always part of every best states list. Missouri’s annual median wages for librarians do not even reach the national average, but can surely have more value since the state has cheap rent, mortgage, and other living expenses prices.

10. Washington

Annual median salary: $67,390

Cost of living: 107.1

Employment: 3,120

Washington’s annual median wages for librarians are among the highest recorded salaries in America. The state is consistent in paying more than the national average wages, even in other jobs. They also have several jobs available for librarians, as the state reportedly has so many public and government libraries, as well as colleges and universities. Their cost of living is not that bad, too.

9. Virginia

Annual median salary: $60,200

Cost of living: 100.2

Employment: 4,280

Virginia Public Library Directory has a long list of all the public libraries in Virginia. This state has several employment opportunities for librarians, and also has wages higher than the national average. Virginia is also known for its sustainable cost of living rates, which is just hanging on the average. While living expenses are not necessarily cheap in Virginia, they are not very expensive either.

8. Tennessee

Annual median salary: $50,910

Cost of living: 89.8

Employment: 2,600

According to Tennessee’s Secretary of State, this state has a total of 211 public libraries in various sizes. The said number excludes libraries found in universities, colleges, and even elementary and high schools. These facts prove how good the state is for librarians. Tennessee’s annual median salary for librarians do not reach the national average, but when you factor in their cost of living rates, librarians in this state have a higher purchasing power than those living in expensive states.

7. California

Annual median salary: $70,960

Cost of living: 134.8

Employment: 9,540

California, the next in line on the list of best states for librarians almost always belongs to the top 5 lists of American states that pay most. The Golden State is also popular for having among the most number of available jobs, probably because of their growing population and a booming economy. According to a file from the California Public Library Organization, “there are: 117 city libraries, 46 county libraries (22 county general fund libraries, 24 county dedicated tax libraries), 12 independent special district libraries, and 6 JPA libraries”. Not to mention the libraries in their many colleges and universities. You can just imagine the high demand they have for librarians.

6. Illinois

Annual median salary: $52,870

Cost of living: 95.5

Employment: 5,740

We are continuing our list of best states for librarians with Illinois that is home to many prestigious universities and colleges, so you know the demand is real in this state for librarians. They also have several city and public libraries available around the state, as listed in Cyber Drive Illinois. The annual median salary they have for librarians does not reach the average, but is very well compensated by their cost of living rates.

5. Michigan

Annual median salary: $50,180

Cost of living: 88.2

Employment: 2,980

Michigan’s annual median salary is also lower than the national average. However, what made this state part of this list is its many job opportunities for librarians. Michigan has a high number of city and public libraries, and also has several colleges and universities with libraries as well. This state has always been so popular for their cheap living expenses, too, which makes it not just one of the best states for librarians, but for other professionals, too.

4. Florida

Annual median salary: $55,380

Cost of living: 99

Employment: 5,840

This state’s annual wage for librarians is just some steps away from the average. With their cost of living rates also nearing the average, you can conclude that Florida will give you a smooth life as a librarian. The best thing about being a librarian in Florida is the high number of libraries. Florida’s Department of State website has a long list of city and public libraries. These all explain the impressive employment rates they have for librarians.Let’s see what’s next on our list of best states for librarians.

3. Kentucky

Annual median salary: $55,490

Cost of living: 90.8

Employment: 2,270

By this time, you might have already discovered that the states making it to the top spots are those with the affordable cost of living expenses. Kentucky is one of the most affordable states in America to live in. Thankfully, they pay their librarians almost at the average, which is worth even more because their wages do not have to be spent all on rent and basic goods. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives has a list of their many city libraries, which provides great jobs for librarians.

2. Georgia

Annual median salary: $59,200

Cost of living: 91.4

Employment: 3,490

Georgia, next on the list of best states for librarians is among the states in America that seem to be the most livable ones–thanks to higher than the average wages and lower than the average cost of living rates. Librarians in this state can enjoy their wages without worrying much about their basic needs, since those things tend to be cheaper here. According to the Georgia Public Library Directory, the state has a total of 63 library systems.

1. Texas

Annual median salary: $56,530

Cost of living: 90.7

Employment: 10,420

The number one on our list of best states for librarians is Texas that ranks second in the states having the best employment rates for librarians in America. It has 561 public libraries, according to the Texas Library Association. That number explains the job opportunities they have for librarians. Their wages stay on the average, but stretches a longer way than in other states because of their ideally low cost of living rates. Texas’ cities are also booming right now, which could also justify why they always rank so high on lists like these.

America has always held among the top spots in the world’s leading countries when it comes to knowledge and information. This is also why the government makes an effort to find ways to market their libraries, so they won’t get lost in the process of development. If you’re a librarian who’s still looking for a job, make sure you check these best states for librarians first.