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Job outlook for library managers in the United States
Library manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected library manager job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 8,500 new jobs for library managers are projected over the next decade.
Library manager salaries have increased 8% for library managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 6,981 library managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 1,739 active library manager job openings in the US.
The average library manager salary is $58,586.
Are library manager jobs in demand?
Library manager job and salary trends over time
Library manager jobs over time
Library manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6,981 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 7,379 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 7,413 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 6,870 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 6,927 | 0.00% |
Average library manager salary over time
Library manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,586 | $28.17 | +3.7% |
| 2024 | $56,478 | $27.15 | +2.1% |
| 2023 | $55,315 | $26.59 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $54,818 | $26.35 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | $54,032 | $25.98 | +1.4% |
Library manager jobs by state
Most common states for library managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 25 | 4% |
| 2 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 97 | 2% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 127 | 1% |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 75 | 1% |
| 5 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 72 | 1% |
| 6 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 37 | 1% |
| 7 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 32 | 1% |
| 8 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 32 | 1% |
| 9 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 28 | 1% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 7 | 1% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 7 | 1% |
| 12 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 3 | 1% |
| 13 | California | 39,536,653 | 111 | 0% |
| 14 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 36 | 0% |
| 15 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 30 | 0% |
| 16 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 24 | 0% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 11 | 0% |
| 18 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 10 | 0% |
| 19 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 8 | 0% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 2 | 0% |
Most common cities for library managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rockwall | 1 | 2% | $56,348 |
| 2 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $64,795 |
Library Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of library manager experts
University of Central Missouri
Texas Woman's University
What general advice would you give to a Library Manager?
Dr. Jenna Kammer Ph.D., MLS, MA: We recommend that our graduate students get a job in a library prior to graduating if possible, or get to know the librarians in the area in which you want to work by volunteering, doing service projects, or internships. That will help with the transition into a library career and build a local network. As graduates begin a career as a librarian, take some time to learn how things work in the library by getting to know your collection, your patrons and the needs of the community. You may have a lot of ideas as you get started, but not enough time to do them all. Write these ideas down, as well as some action steps and resources for accomplishing them. Revisit these ideas as you can.
What will help Library Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jenna Kammer Ph.D., MLS, MA: The MLS degree is the number one best way to maximize your salary potential when starting a new library career. As library jobs can be competitive, build a resume of evidence which shows your skills and passion for library work, as well as curating a list of excellent references who can help you to land that job.
Kerol Harrod
Lecturer, School of Library and Information Studies, Texas Woman’s UniversityTexas Woman's University
Computer And Information Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Library Manager?
Kerol Harrod: Much of what I would advise involves just sticking to the basics. Show up to work on time. Have a good attitude and a growth mindset. Don't complain about menial tasks, and always be looking to learn the skills of the next position above you. I started out as the transit driver in my library system, loading and unloading boxes of books that circulated among the different library branches. I worked my way up, and now I am teaching graduate students how to become librarians. Put in the time and do the work. Networking is a huge part of success, so it's important to maintain good connections with co-workers, former professors, and fellow librarians. Finally, consider establishing a mentorship with a successful, trusted colleague who has experience in the position you want to attain. Personal connections go a long way.
What will help Library Managers increase their earning potential?
Kerol Harrod: Master the skills of the entry-level job you are given in the beginning to get the job you want in the end. Offer to assist with projects that will help you learn the skills you need for success, and always be on the lookout for continuing education opportunities like in-house trainings, conferences, and webinars. If you show an interest in going above and beyond, then you will improve your knowledge and skills, which in turn improves your chances for advancement in the field.