Average Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary in District of Columbia
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in the District of Columbia command an impressive average annual salary of $94,300, substantially exceeding the national average of $65,750. This significant pay differential is largely attributed to the unique economic landscape and high demand for specialized information professionals within the nation's capital.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $94,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $122,410.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 940 professionals and a Location Quotient of 1.54, the District of Columbia demonstrates a robust and concentrated market for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists. This indicates a demand that is 54% higher than the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market for these roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in District of Columbia earns+43.4%above the national average.
$45.3
$1,813
$7,858
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in the District of Columbia have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing compensation for skilled professionals in specialized fields, particularly in high-cost urban centers.
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Salary progression for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in the District of Columbia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects the career advancement opportunities and increased responsibilities associated with more experienced roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $62,460 | $30 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $70,725 | $34 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $93,740 | $45.1 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $117,875 | $56.7 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $122,410 | $58.9 |
Detailed Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$94,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,416
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
The nominal average salary of $94,300 in the District of Columbia must be considered within the context of its high Cost of Living Index of 148.7. While the salary is considerably higher than the national average, the increased cost of goods and services, particularly housing, means that the purchasing power of this salary may be somewhat tempered compared to lower-cost regions.
Job Market Context
940
Total Jobs
1.32
Per 1K Jobs
1.54
Location Quotient
District of Columbia 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.54 signifies a notable concentration of Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in the District of Columbia compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive job market where employers may actively seek out qualified candidates, and professionals benefit from a higher density of relevant employment opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $65,370↓ 31% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $80,510↓ 15% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $75,180↓ 20% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $66,400↓ 30% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $71,910↓ 24% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in District of Columbia is $94,300. This typically ranges from $62,460 for entry-level positions to $122,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 43.4% higher than the national median of $65,750.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?
Yes, the District of Columbia is a lucrative location for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists.Professionals in this field earn significantly above the national average salary, and the high concentration of roles indicates strong local demand.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($65,370) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the DC librarian salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in the District of Columbia is $94,300, which is substantially higher than the national average of $65,750.
What is the concentration of librarians in DC?
The District of Columbia has a Location Quotient of 1.54 for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is 54% higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the DC librarian salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.7, the higher salary in DC is offset by increased expenses, meaning the real purchasing power may be less than the nominal salary suggests when compared to national averages.
What is the total number of librarian jobs in DC?
There are approximately 940 Librarians and Media Collections Specialists employed within the District of Columbia.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 940 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 1.32 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 District of Columbia