Classifier vs cataloger

The differences between classifiers and catalogers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a classifier and a cataloger. Additionally, a cataloger has an average salary of $34,943, which is higher than the $34,561 average annual salary of a classifier.

The top three skills for a classifier include technical knowledge, CPC and USPTO. The most important skills for a cataloger are library catalog, RDA, and cataloging.

Classifier vs cataloger overview

	Classifier	Cataloger
Yearly salary	$34,561	$34,943
Hourly rate	$16.62	$16.80
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	365	93
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	2	2

Classifier vs cataloger salary

Classifiers and catalogers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Classifier	Cataloger
Average salary	$34,561	$34,943
Salary range	Between $21,000 And $54,000	Between $23,000 And $52,000
Highest paying City	-	New Haven, CT
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Harvard University
Best paying industry	-	Education

Differences between classifier and cataloger education

There are a few differences between a classifier and a cataloger in terms of educational background:

	Classifier	Cataloger
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common major	Business	History
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Maryland - College Park

Classifier vs cataloger demographics

Here are the differences between classifiers' and catalogers' demographics:

	Classifier	Cataloger
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 67.3% Female, 32.7%	Male, 37.9% Female, 62.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between classifier and cataloger duties and responsibilities

Classifier example responsibilities.

Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
Review and prepare agency comments on draft classification standards issue by OPM.
Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.

Cataloger example responsibilities.

Manage category of materials: including books, CDs, films and other documents.
Assign subject headings using LCSH.
Cataloge books and serials for all the school district libraries.
Master the use of cataloguing resources such as WorldCat and HomeBase.
Assist librarians in other EPA libraries with the conversion of their serials list.
Assign LCSH and LCC, as well as a local classification system for legal treatises.

Classifier vs cataloger skills

Common classifier skills

Technical Knowledge, 37%
CPC, 34%
USPTO, 23%
Tariff Schedule, 2%
Classification Process, 2%
Patent Applications, 1%

Common cataloger skills

Library Catalog, 13%
RDA, 11%
Cataloging, 11%
OCLC, 8%
Online Database, 8%
Lcsh, 6%

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Classifier vs Cataloger

Updated January 8, 2025

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