Average Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area earn an average annual salary of $60,910. This figure is slightly below the national average of $65,750, suggesting that local market dynamics and specific institutional needs may influence compensation within this region. While the nominal salary is lower than the national benchmark, understanding the local economic context is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.8% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,630.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a local workforce of 480 Librarians and Media Collections Specialists. With a Location Quotient of 1.43, this indicates a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and established presence of this occupation within the region's economy. The density of jobs per 1,000 workers at 1.225 further underscores the steady demand for these specialized roles.
Salary Overview
The average Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-7.4%below the national average.
$29.3
$1,171
$5,076
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston-North Charleston's librarian salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation for such roles has seen incremental growth, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. Professional development and increasing specialization within library science often contribute to salary increases over time, even in markets that may not experience explosive growth.
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Career progression for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists typically involves a significant salary scale increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between these percentiles signifies the value placed on expertise, leadership, and specialized knowledge within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $36,600 | $17.6 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $45,683 | $22 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $59,810 | $28.8 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $76,138 | $36.6 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $96,630 | $46.5 |
Detailed Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $60,910 in Charleston-North Charleston 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 this area is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
1.225
Per 1K Jobs
1.43
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.43, Charleston-North Charleston, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Librarians and Media Collections Specialists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.43 for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Charleston-North Charleston signifies a notable concentration of this profession relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market here is more specialized and potentially offers more opportunities or a more competitive environment for these roles compared to other regions. Employers may be actively seeking candidates with specific skill sets prevalent in this area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $60,910. This typically ranges from $36,600 for entry-level positions to $96,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 7.4% lower than the national median of $65,750.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?
Moderately. The average salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average.While the average salary of $60,910 is below the national benchmark, the cost of living being exactly at the national average (100) means the purchasing power is equivalent. The higher concentration of these roles (LQ 1.43) suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high-paying, market.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($65,540) and Sumter, SC.
How does the local librarian salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $60,910, which is approximately $4,840 less than the national average of $65,750.
What is the concentration of librarians in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.43, indicating that this occupation is 43% more concentrated in Charleston-North Charleston than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Charleston-North Charleston affect librarian salaries?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Charleston-North Charleston is at the national average. This means the $60,910 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What does the job market look like for librarians in this area?
The job market appears stable with a solid presence of 480 professionals and a higher-than-average concentration (LQ 1.43), suggesting consistent demand and a specialized local industry for librarians and media collections specialists.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 1.225 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 Charleston-North Charleston, SC