What's Here? - Table of Contents
Similar to many states, D.C., around 2012 was faced with the issue of reduction in librarians from school or pay cuts that were affecting the financial stability of the librarians. However, soon after, the issue of pay cuts and librarians being laid off were brought to the district’s attention. The fight to recover from these drastic cuts by the librarians was successful.
Around 83 of the system’s 118 schools now have full-time librarians, and schools with fewer than 300 students are encouraged to have part-time librarians. This was a win for all the librarian associations, with their hard work finally paying off.
How much do Librarians in D.C. Earn?
The median annual salary for a librarian is $93,640 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023) in Washington DC. When comparing nearby states and cities like Chicago, Austin, etc., librarians in D.C. top this list.
The salary, however, varies widely depending on many important factors like education, certifications, and number of years experience.
The District of Columbia Library Association (DCLA) is a part of the American Library Association (ALA) that works to ensure there are ample opportunities for librarians in D.C. They have created a community that helps with both personal and professional development for people with similar interests while advocating for local libraries or any issues regarding them.
Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in urban areas of District of Columbia
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 3,740 | $89,740 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
Who are Archivists in Library Settings?
In general, an archivist’s primary role is to preserve important documents and records. You’re likely to find archivists in libraries, museums, and universities. Their work environment can vary according to the kind of organization that needs record keeping.
In libraries, archivists are found cataloging documents, determining the value of manuscripts and vintage books, which is possible only because of their meticulous attention to detail.
What Wages to Archivists Earn in D.C.?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary of an archivist is $92,880 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023), and it is believed to be increasing in the coming years.
Additionally, benefits for an Archivists on top of salary are health insurance, flexible working schedules, 401(k), paid leave, and career development opportunities.
Who are Library Science Teachers?
Library science teachers prepare course materials, deliver lectures to undergrads or graduates interested in teaching library science.
Library science teachers median annual salary in D.C. is . However, this is not a set number for everyone. Experience, education, and certification really matter.
Library Technicians and Assistants
More often than not, library technicians and assistants form the backbone of a well-run library. Their contribution to the tasks of librarians is at least 40%, meaning they know quite well about anything and everything that happens in the library they work for.
A library technician working in the District of Columbia earns a median salary of $57,640 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023).
If you, as someone who is interesting in working in a library setting, are considering moving, D.C. ought to be on the list of places you look at. Not only will you find competitive pay, but the general attitude towards librarians is a plus point too.