Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area command an impressive average annual salary of $91,400. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $65,750, suggesting that the unique economic drivers and demand within this metropolitan region directly influence higher compensation for these vital information professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $91,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $125,240.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,720 Librarians and Media Collections Specialists and a Location Quotient of 1.39, this region demonstrates a notable concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This indicates a robust and potentially growing job market, suggesting sustained demand for skilled professionals in library and media collection services within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria corridor.
Salary Overview
The average Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+39.0%above the national average.
$43.9
$1,758
$7,617
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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for specialized information services, and the general rise in the cost of living likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for these professionals.
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Career progression for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists typically correlates with increased salary. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees, specialized skills, and extensive experience can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution within this region likely reflect these distinctions, offering clear financial incentives for career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $59,890 | $28.8 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $68,550 | $33 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $91,020 | $43.8 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $114,250 | $54.9 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $125,240 | $60.2 |
Detailed Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$91,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$91,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $91,400 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is substantially higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the higher pay is balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
3,720
Total Jobs
1.191
Per 1K Jobs
1.39
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.39, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Librarians and Media Collections Specialists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.39 signifies that Librarians and Media Collections Specialists are 39% more concentrated in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area than in the nation as a whole. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where demand is higher relative to the national average, potentially leading to more opportunities and specialized roles within the region.
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↓ 28% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $80,510↓ 12% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $75,180↓ 18% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $66,400↓ 27% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $71,910↓ 21% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Librarians and Media Collections Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $91,400. This typically ranges from $59,890 for entry-level positions to $125,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 39.0% higher than the national median of $65,750.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?
Yes, it is a lucrative area.The average salary of $91,400 is significantly higher than the national average, and the concentration of roles (LQ 1.39) indicates strong local demand.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($65,370) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $91,400, which is considerably higher than the national average of $65,750.
What is the job market like for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in this area?
The job market is robust, with a total local workforce of 3,720 and a Location Quotient of 1.39, indicating a higher concentration of these roles than the national average.
Does the high salary reflect a high cost of living?
The local Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $91,400 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.39 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.39 suggests that there is a greater demand and concentration of Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in this region compared to the rest of the country, potentially offering more specialized opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,720 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 1.191 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- All Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Management Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Browse All Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV