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Average Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area command an impressive average annual salary of $76,020, significantly outpacing the national average of $65,750. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the region's robust academic institutions and a concentrated demand for specialized information professionals. The local economy's specific needs and the value placed on these roles contribute to this favorable salary landscape.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $76,020 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,370.
  • Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area presents a robust job market for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists, evidenced by a total local workforce of 460 individuals in this field. The location quotient of 1.58 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 58% higher than the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the region. This concentration points to a healthy and potentially growing sector for information management professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$76,020

The average Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns+15.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$36.6

Weekly

$1,462

Monthly

$6,335

Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Career progression for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Durham-Chapel Hill typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership responsibilities can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$55,270$26.6
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$57,015$27.4
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$74,760$35.9
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$95,025$45.7
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$99,370$47.8

Detailed Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$76,020

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$76,020

Adjusted for COL (100)

For professionals considering a move to Durham-Chapel Hill, the average annual salary of $76,020 aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a librarian's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comparable standard of living without financial strain related to higher living expenses.

Job Market Context

460

Total Jobs

1.353

Per 1K Jobs

1.58

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 1.6x 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 1.58 for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Durham-Chapel Hill signifies a notable concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a more competitive job market with a higher density of opportunities, potentially indicating strong demand from local institutions like universities, research centers, and public libraries that value specialized information expertise.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?

The median annual salary for a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $76,020. This typically ranges from $55,270 for entry-level positions to $99,370 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 15.6% higher than the national median of $65,750.

Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?

Yes, it is a lucrative area.The average salary of $76,020 is significantly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent purchasing power.

Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?

The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($67,750) and Burlington, NC.

How does the Durham-Chapel Hill librarian salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Durham-Chapel Hill is $76,020, which is $10,270 higher than the national average of $65,750.

What is the concentration of librarians in Durham-Chapel Hill?

The location quotient is 1.58, meaning there are 58% more Librarians and Media Collections Specialists employed in Durham-Chapel Hill relative to the national average, indicating a strong local presence.

Does the cost of living affect the librarian salary in Durham-Chapel Hill?

No, the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary translates directly to strong purchasing power for librarians.

How many librarians are employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill area?

There are approximately 460 Librarians and Media Collections Specialists employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill area, representing 1.353 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 1.353 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.