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. Excludes “Library Technicians” (25-4031).
National median · BLS
$36,910
▲ +2.5%YoY
H-1B sponsor median
—
Too few H-1B filings
Average salary · BLS
$39,370
Mean annual wage
U.S. employment
85,520
Jobs (BLS)
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Enter your pay and a location to see where you stand against BLS and H-1B pay, your estimated take-home pay, and your purchasing power.
Pay range for Library Assistants, Clerical
Annual base pay at each percentile. BLS covers all U.S. workers in this occupation.
Percentile
All U.S. workers (BLS)
10th — entry pay
$27,730
25th
$31,820
Median (50th)
$36,910
75th
$45,620
90th — top pay
$55,310
Hourly ⇄ annual pay
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Monthly—
Every 2 weeks—
Weekly—
Daily—
Based on
hrs/week ×
weeks/year
= 2,080 hrs
Projections 2025–2035
Job outlook for Library Assistants, Clerical
BLS projects employment of library assistants, clerical to decline 6.4% from 2025 to 2035, while employment across all occupations grows 3.5%.
About 12,300 openings are projected each year, on average, from new jobs and from replacing workers who retire or move to other occupations.
Jobs 2025 → 2035
89,500 → 83,800
-5,700 jobs
Projected change
-6.4%
All occupations: +3.5%
Openings per year
12,300
Average, 2025–2035
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
No related experience required
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
Preparation needed (O*NET Job Zone 2)
Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
BLS state medians, plus the same figure adjusted for local prices (BEA Regional Price Parities). Tap a state for its full range and H-1B pay.
State
Median
Jobs
Cost-adjusted
Profile
Library Assistants, Clerical salaries by metro area
Search by city, ZIP code or metro name. Tap a metro for its full range.
Metro area
Median
Jobs
Cost-adjusted
Profile
Skills & tools
Skills needed for Library Assistants, Clerical
How important each skill and knowledge area is for this job, rated by O*NET on a 1–5 scale from surveys of workers and occupational analysts.
Top skills
Service Orientation3.4
Active Listening3.3
Reading Comprehension3.3
Coordination3.0
Critical Thinking3.0
Speaking3.0
Writing3.0
Complex Problem Solving2.9
Monitoring2.9
Social Perceptiveness2.9
Top knowledge areas
Customer and Personal Service3.7
Administrative3.7
English Language3.6
Education and Training3.0
Psychology3.0
Computers and Electronics3.0
Public Safety and Security2.9
History and Archeology2.4
Software and technology used
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareAdobe AcrobatAdobe PhotoshopC++Microsoft AccessMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordAutomated circulation systemsCataloging softwareDatabase softwareMicrosoft PublisherOnline Computer Library Center (OCLC) databasesRecordkeeping softwareResourceMate PlusVideo retrieval systems
Highlighted = in demand: frequently listed in employer job postings for this occupation (O*NET).
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
About the job
What library assistants, clerical do
Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
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.
Source: O*NET 31.0 (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0). These are general job titles, not H-1B filings; for titles employers actually filed, see “Job titles” above.
Similar jobs and how they pay
Occupations O*NET lists as closely related to Library Assistants, Clerical, with BLS national medians compared with this occupation's $36,910.
