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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Library Technicians

Median Salary
39,310
Job Outlook
-6%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

State and local government

65%

Private for profit

16%

Private not for profit

15%

Federal Government

4%

Self-employed

0%

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of library technicians and assistants is projected to decline 6 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 26,700 openings for library technicians and assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$26,120

10%

$39,310

Median

$59,730

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    29%

  • Associate's degree

    27%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    17%

  • High school

    15%

  • Some college

    8%

  • Master's degree

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Library and Archives Assisting

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Administrative
  • Computers and Electronics
  • English Language
  • Education and Training

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.