Average Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary in Knoxville, TN
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Knoxville, TN, earn an average annual salary of $55,860. This figure is notably below the national average of $65,750, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower demand or different funding structures influence compensation in this region. While the national trend may show higher figures, Knoxville's specific economic environment shapes the earning potential for these vital information professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,850.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 350 Librarians and Media Collections Specialists and a Location Quotient of 0.97, the job market in Knoxville is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these professionals. The presence of nearly one job per thousand workers (0.826) suggests a consistent need for library services, supporting a steady employment landscape for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Knoxville, TN earns-15.0%below the national average.
$26.9
$1,074
$4,655
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Knoxville is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving demands for digital resources likely contribute to incremental salary growth, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the increasing value and complexity of library services.
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Salary progression for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists typically correlates with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, those with advanced degrees, or specialists in digital archiving and information management can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in compensation reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated expertise and leadership within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $36,550 | $17.6 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $41,895 | $20.1 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $61,150 | $29.4 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $69,825 | $33.6 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $72,850 | $35 |
Detailed Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,860 in Knoxville, TN, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a librarian's salary in Knoxville is effectively on par with the national average. While the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay offers a similar standard of living as in many other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
0.826
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN has 0.97x the national average concentration of Librarians and Media Collections Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.97 for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Knoxville indicates that the concentration of these professionals in the local workforce is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced market where the demand for librarians is neither exceptionally high nor significantly low compared to other professions nationwide. The job market is competitive but stable, with opportunities available for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $49,400↓ 12% | 40 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $54,320↓ 3% | 75 mi |
| Asheville, NC Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $58,150↑ 4% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $55,590↓ 0% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $55,920↑ 0% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Knoxville, TN is $55,860. This typically ranges from $36,550 for entry-level positions to $72,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 15.0% lower than the national median of $65,750.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $55,860 is below the national average of $65,750, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the disparity.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($49,400) and Cleveland, TN.
How does Knoxville's librarian salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Knoxville, TN, is $55,860, which is approximately $9,890 less than the national average of $65,750.
What is the concentration of librarians in Knoxville compared to the nation?
Knoxville's concentration of Librarians and Media Collections Specialists, measured by the Location Quotient of 0.97, is very close to the national average, indicating a similar proportion of these professionals in the local workforce.
Does the cost of living in Knoxville affect the librarian salary?
The cost of living in Knoxville is at the national average (index 100), meaning the $55,860 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary figure.
What is the total number of librarians employed in Knoxville?
There are approximately 350 Librarians and Media Collections Specialists employed in Knoxville, TN.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 0.826 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 Knoxville, TN