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Library Technicians

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$44,580

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$29k – $63k

Job outlook

No separate BLS projection for this specific role

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $85,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Library Technicians

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$8,100–$22,700

Time to qualify

2.3 yr

Renewal

$20/yr

  1. 1

    Associate degree (community college)

    Degree

    Two years at in-district rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $4,050/yr, plus ~$1,200/yr books & supplies.

    $8,000–$22,000 · 2 years source

  2. 2

    State teaching certification

    License

    Approved educator-prep program, pedagogy & subject exams, background check, and a state application.

    $100–$700 · 3 months · varies by state · renews every 5 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Library Technicians" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Library Technicians

    Entry / Junior

    $29,300

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Library Technicians

    Established

    $44,580

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Library Technicians

    Senior

    $53,830

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
  • •Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
  • •Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
  • •Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
  • •Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Education

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.