Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Library assistants, clerical support the daily operations of libraries and serve as a first point of contact for patrons. Nationally, there are about 84,000 people employed in this occupation, with a national median annual salary of $36,010. The role is accessible to many job seekers because the typical education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. Success in this field draws on interpersonal and customer service skills, as well as speaking and listening abilities, since the work involves frequent interaction with others. It also relies on computers and information technology skills, writing and reading, and attention to detail supported by fine motor skills and physical strength and stamina. Creativity, innovation, adaptability, and basic project management skills can further support performance and advancement. For people interested in library settings and public service who meet the education requirement and want to use a broad mix of people-oriented and practical skills, this occupation can be a viable option to consider.
Library assistants, clerical earn a national median annual salary of $36,010. Pay levels vary significantly by state and metro area. Among the top states by CareerGPS opportunity score, median salaries range from $35,990 in New York to $47,860 in California and $47,540 in Washington. Massachusetts sits in the middle at $42,520, while Colorado is close to the national median at $36,130. At the metro level, several areas stand out with notably higher median salaries: San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA reports $63,000, and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA reports $62,780. Other metros such as Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($46,820), Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH ($45,890), and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ ($37,860) offer a range of pay levels. These differences show that geographic choice can significantly influence earning potential within this occupation.
Library assistants, clerical have national employment of about 84,000, with projected employment growth of -6.7%. This indicates a decline in overall employment levels over the projection period. Despite the negative growth rate, there are still an estimated 13,000 annual openings. These openings can reflect the need to replace workers who leave the occupation or move to other roles, even as total employment is projected to fall. The consistent growth figure of -6.7% appears across the highlighted states and metro areas, suggesting a broad national trend rather than a localized pattern. For someone considering this career, the combination of negative projected growth and ongoing annual openings means that opportunities may continue to exist, but competition or availability could differ from occupations that are expanding. Understanding local conditions and being prepared with the listed key skills may help job seekers navigate this environment more effectively.
Location choices play a major role in the labor market experience for library assistants, clerical. Among states, California ranks highest by CareerGPS opportunity score (67.38), with a median salary of $47,860 and 11,170 employed. Massachusetts and New York follow with opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78, respectively; Massachusetts offers a median salary of $42,520 with 2,840 employed, while New York has 8,010 employed and a median salary of $35,990. Washington and Colorado also appear among the top states, with opportunity scores of 56.29 and 56.97 and median salaries of $47,540 and $36,130. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ stand out with the highest opportunity scores (77.42 and 77.27). Several metros report relatively high median salaries, including San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($63,000) and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($62,780). These variations show that both opportunity score and pay can differ substantially across regions.
Library assistants, clerical typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, making this role accessible to a wide range of candidates, including recent graduates and career changers. While the formal education requirement is modest, the skill profile is broad. Interpersonal and customer service skills are central, reflecting frequent interaction with patrons and colleagues. Speaking and listening, along with writing and reading skills, support everyday communication and handling of information. Computers and information technology skills are also important, indicating that comfort with digital tools and systems is valuable. Physical strength and stamina and fine motor skills are part of the profile, suggesting that some tasks may be hands-on or physically active. Project management, creativity and innovation, and adaptability round out the key skills, supporting organization, problem-solving, and flexibility on the job. Building strength in these areas can help candidates meet employer expectations and perform effectively in this occupation.
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