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Job outlook for music librarians in the United States
Are music librarian jobs in demand?
Music librarian job and salary trends over time
Music librarian jobs over time
Music librarian job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,109 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,229 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,239 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,075 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,092 | 0.00% |
Average music librarian salary over time
Music librarian salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $54,159 | $26.04 | +3.7% |
| 2024 | $52,210 | $25.10 | +2.1% |
| 2023 | $51,135 | $24.58 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $50,676 | $24.36 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | $49,948 | $24.01 | +1.4% |
Music librarian jobs by state
Most common states for music librarians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 15 | 2% |
| 2 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 32 | 1% |
| 3 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 15 | 1% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 7 | 1% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 4 | 1% |
| 6 | California | 39,536,653 | 108 | 0% |
| 7 | New York | 19,849,399 | 70 | 0% |
| 8 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 38 | 0% |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 30 | 0% |
| 10 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 29 | 0% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 28 | 0% |
| 12 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 24 | 0% |
| 13 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 23 | 0% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 22 | 0% |
| 15 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 12 | 0% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 10 | 0% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 6 | 0% |
| 18 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 6 | 0% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 1 | 0% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 0 | 0% |
Most common cities for music librarians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $59,104 |
Music Librarian job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of music librarian experts
Appalachian Music Festival
Angelo State University
Eureka College
University of California San Diego (UCSD)
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Music Librarian job market given the pandemic?
Yi-Yang Chen: Use of technology - from teaching tools, lesson techniques to conducting a final round of "full-day campus interview" on Zoom.
What technical skills for a Music Librarian stand out to employers?
Yi-Yang Chen: - Quick adapting to the changes. - Lesson communication skills on the internet world.
What will help Music Librarians increase their earning potential?
Janelle Ott: In some ways, the financial challenges in this field have intensified rather than changed. Flexibility, networking skills, and willingness to learn to work with new platforms are vital to a musician's success. Musicians have often relied upon diversified income streams to maintain stability; this is even more true in today's environment. Knowing how to cultivate and market an online presence will likely become more beneficial as we become more comfortable with online learning and performance models.
Proficiency with online learning and communication tools will likely become a marketable trait. For all its shortcomings, the convenience of online learning will likely ensure its continued presence in educational practices.
Dr. Sarah Riskind
Director of Choral Activities, Assistant Professor of MusicEureka College
Music Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Music Librarian job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Sarah Riskind: Arts organizations have suffered enormous financial losses during the pandemic, and the effects are likely to extend considerably into the future. Those interested in academic careers should be aware that the job market will be even more competitive than before the pandemic, which is unlikely to be a surprise.
What Music Librarian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Sarah Riskind: Graduates intending to pursue a career in music should be prepared to create their own opportunities. They should become adept at skills such as fundraising and online marketing if concentrating on the artistic or administrative side, and teaching experience is always helpful whether at public schools or private studio lessons. Many of these skills can be developed through experience, but there are plenty of online courses, YouTube videos, books, and podcasts that can help.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Music Librarian job market given the pandemic?
King Britt: Well, what we are seeing now is a major increase in online interaction and community. With the electronic music scene jumping into it, first through Twitch, IGTV, Mixcloud, many performers and producers quickly adapted to this avenue as a way of maintaining an audience and monetizing their work.
Now many platforms are adopting this approach. Bandcamp is doing a beta at the moment for musicians to be able to stream directly on their page, sell tickets to the performance directly to their community within Bandcamp, and set up a merch table. They are at the forefront of making transition lucrative for the artist.
Many live music performers, non electronic and acoustic, have started to adapt for online performance, though it is a bit harder considering the various spaces involved.
Lastly, many venues who may have been on the brink of closing, have adapted their spaces (safely) into TV production studios. Here at UCSD, we have a venue called The Loft. When restrictions went into place, they created a 'TV' recording space where some students could at least create content. I started a TV show showcasing a few undergrads and their talents for IGTV community. More and more venues and studios are doing this.
What general advice would you give to a Music Librarian?
King Britt: We are presented with an unprecedented situation. I think we will see some 'normalcy' by fall 2021 across the globe. Until then, really need to focus on what makes you the most unique out of other musicians and truly shine a light on that aspect. You should also make yourself available for sessions or things that are out of your comfort zone in terms of audience. For example, if you are a classical harpist, your skills are definitely needed by certain composers who may not be creating classical music, but may need that sound for a project.
Think outside of the box when it comes to considering how you can include yourself in the music world.