Library Assistants, Clerical Career, Salary and Skills
Library Assistants, Clerical have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $36,910 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 85,520. Wage data is published for 317 locations.
Occupation description
Compile records, and sort, shelve, issue, and receive library materials such as books, electronic media, pictures, cards, slides and microfilm. Locate library materials for loan and replace material in shelving area, stacks, or files according to identification number and title. Register patrons to permit them to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials.
O*NET code
43-4121.00
Job zone
2
Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
None
National salary and employment
Median annual
$36,910
Hourly median
$17.74
Employment
85,520
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Service Orientation | 3.38 | 3.00 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.25 | 3.25 |
| Active Listening | 3.25 | 3.00 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.00 | 2.88 |
| Speaking | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Writing | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Coordination | 3.00 | 2.88 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.88 | 2.75 |
| Monitoring | 2.88 | 2.75 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.88 | 2.12 |
Typical tasks
- Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.
- Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
- Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
- Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
- Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.
- Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.
- Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
- Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
Technology
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Photoshop
- Automated circulation systems
- C++
- Cataloging software
- Database software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Publisher
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Library Assistants, Clerical salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in CAMedian $47,860 · Employment 11,170
- Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in NYMedian $35,990 · Employment 8,010
- Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in New York, NYMedian $37,860 · Employment 7,080
- Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in ILMedian $34,680 · Employment 6,620
- Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in OHMedian $33,480 · Employment 5,240
- Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in Chicago, ILMedian $35,160 · Employment 4,420
- Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in PAMedian $30,690 · Employment 3,930
- Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in Los Angeles, CAMedian $47,770 · Employment 3,840
- Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in FLMedian $37,880 · Employment 3,630
- Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in MIMedian $34,510 · Employment 3,470
- Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in NJMedian $39,780 · Employment 3,120
- Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in MAMedian $42,520 · Employment 2,840
Related careers
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special EducationNational median $63,970
- EditorsNational median $77,920
- Instructional CoordinatorsNational median $77,440
- Proofreaders and Copy MarkersNational median $51,120
- Social Science Research AssistantsNational median $61,990
- Management AnalystsNational median $101,860
- CuratorsNational median $63,420
- ArchivistsNational median $64,550
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.