Average Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary in Birmingham, AL
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Birmingham, AL earn an average annual salary of $59,440. This figure is notably below the national average of $65,750, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. Understanding these local factors is crucial for professionals in this field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,610.
- Outlook: Birmingham's library sector shows a moderate concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.53, indicating a presence about 53% higher than the national average. The total local workforce of 680 professionals, coupled with 1.309 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists.
Salary Overview
The average Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Birmingham, AL earns-9.6%below the national average.
$28.6
$1,143
$4,953
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Birmingham is not provided, the library profession nationally has seen steady growth over the past four years, driven by evolving information access needs and the expansion of digital resources. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Birmingham have also experienced incremental growth, mirroring national trends and adapting to the increasing value placed on information management.
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Career progression for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, requiring specialized skills and extensive experience, command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $28,990 | $13.9 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $44,580 | $21.4 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $62,030 | $29.8 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $74,300 | $35.7 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $80,610 | $38.8 |
Detailed Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $59,440 in Birmingham, AL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Librarian's salary in Birmingham is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
680
Total Jobs
1.309
Per 1K Jobs
1.53
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 1.5x the national concentration of Librarians and Media Collections Specialists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.53, Birmingham demonstrates a higher concentration of Librarians and Media Collections Specialists than the national average. This suggests a relatively robust market for these professionals, potentially indicating a good number of opportunities but also a competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
Hiring Librarians and Media Collections Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Birmingham, AL is $59,440. This typically ranges from $28,990 for entry-level positions to $80,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 9.6% lower than the national median of $65,750.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $59,440 is below the national average of $65,750. The higher concentration of professionals suggests a competitive market.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($61,970) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Birmingham's librarian salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Birmingham, AL is $59,440, which is lower than the national average of $65,750.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.53 mean for librarians in Birmingham?
A Location Quotient of 1.53 indicates that Birmingham has a higher concentration of Librarians and Media Collections Specialists (53% more) compared to the national average, suggesting a more established presence of this profession locally.
Is the cost of living in Birmingham a factor in librarian salaries?
The cost of living in Birmingham is at the national average (100), meaning the $59,440 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
How many librarians are there in Birmingham, AL?
There are approximately 680 Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in the local workforce in Birmingham, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 1.309 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Birmingham, AL