Library Technicians
SOC code 25-4031 · O*NET-SOC 25-4031.00 · Medium preparation needed · Education and library
Library Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$44,580
a year
Hourly
$21.43
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$45,500
$21.88 per hour
Middle 50%
$35,740 – $52,430
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$29,300 – $63,080
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
68,690
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $29,300
- $14.09/hr
- 25th percentile
- $35,740
- $17.18/hr
- Median percentile
- $44,580
- $21.43/hr
- 75th percentile
- $52,430
- $25.21/hr
- 90th percentile
- $63,080
- $30.33/hr
What does a library technician do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to 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.
- Catalogue and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
- Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
- Issue identification cards to borrowers.
How to become a library technician
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 30% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree30%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree28%
- Post-Secondary Certificate17%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)15%
Common questions
How much does a library technician earn?
The national median is $44,580 a year. The full range runs from $29,300 at the 10th percentile to $63,080 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a library technician without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.4/5
- Active Listening3.3/5
- Speaking3.3/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Learning Strategies3.0/5
- Writing2.9/5
- Active Learning2.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Administrative3.4/5
- Computers and Electronics3.3/5
- Education and Training3.2/5
- Communications and Media2.8/5
- Psychology2.6/5
- Mathematics2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination.