Average Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area command an impressive average annual salary of $100,430, significantly outpacing the national average of $65,750. This substantial difference is largely attributed to the region's robust economy, high demand for specialized information professionals, and the presence of major educational and research institutions that drive the need for skilled library services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $100,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $126,710.
- Outlook: The job market for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, while not exhibiting over-concentration with a Location Quotient of 0.81, is supported by a stable local workforce of 1,440 individuals in this role. The presence of nearly 0.7 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, albeit not booming, demand, indicating a healthy environment for those seeking employment or career advancement in this sector within the metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+52.7%above the national average.
$48.3
$1,931
$8,369
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend over the past four years, mirroring national trends in specialized professional fields. Factors such as increasing digitization of collections, evolving information management needs, and a growing emphasis on digital literacy likely contribute to a steady appreciation of salaries for experienced librarians.
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Career progression for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is typically marked by increasing compensation. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior roles, those with specialized expertise, or supervisory positions can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential as professionals gain experience and take on greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $69,370 | $33.4 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $75,323 | $36.2 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $100,810 | $48.5 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $125,538 | $60.4 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $126,710 | $60.9 |
Detailed Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$100,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$100,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $100,430 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is particularly attractive given that the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the higher earnings translate directly into strong purchasing power, allowing professionals in this field to maintain a comparable standard of living to their national counterparts, while benefiting from the region's unique cultural and economic opportunities.
Job Market Context
1,440
Total Jobs
0.69
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.81x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area shows a slightly lower concentration of Librarians and Media Collections Specialists compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a more competitive landscape for job seekers and indicating that employers may need to offer attractive compensation to secure top talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $100,430. This typically ranges from $69,370 for entry-level positions to $126,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 52.7% higher than the national median of $65,750.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area.The average salary of $100,430 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong real wages.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($95,250) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue librarian salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is $100,430, which is substantially higher than the national average of $65,750.
What is the cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA for librarians?
The cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is indexed at 100, which is precisely the national average, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.
How concentrated is the job market for librarians in this region?
The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.81, indicating slightly less concentration than the national average, suggesting a balanced market.
What is the total number of librarians and media collections specialists in the area?
There are approximately 1,440 Librarians and Media Collections Specialists employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,440 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.69 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA