Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $53,680. This figure is notably below the national average of $65,750, reflecting regional economic factors and a smaller concentration of these specialized roles. The pay differential is often influenced by the cost of doing business, local funding models for libraries, and the overall demand within this specific geographic area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,920.
- Outlook: The job market for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in this nonmetropolitan region is relatively stable, with a total local workforce of 210 individuals in this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.98 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a steady, albeit not booming, demand for these services. With 0.834 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of these roles is consistent with broader employment patterns.
Salary Overview
The average Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-18.4%below the national average.
$25.8
$1,032
$4,473
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the library and information science field. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for digital resources, and evolving library services likely contribute to modest annual increases in compensation for experienced professionals.
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, those with specialized skills in digital archiving, or supervisory positions, command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not explicitly detailed here, generally signify the earning potential as professionals advance through their careers, taking on more responsibility and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $39,910 | $19.2 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $40,260 | $19.4 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $54,220 | $26.1 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $67,100 | $32.3 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $65,920 | $31.7 |
Detailed Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $53,680 in Western North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, the lower salary does not necessarily translate to a reduced standard of living in this region compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
0.834
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.98x 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 0.98, the job market for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Western North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area is highly representative of the national landscape in terms of job concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of available positions aligns closely with the national average relative to the overall workforce. It indicates neither a significant surplus nor a scarcity of these professionals within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $56,390↑ 5% | 32 mi |
| Burlington, NC Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $59,420↑ 11% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $57,820↑ 8% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary | $76,020↑ 42% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists make in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $53,680. This typically ranges from $39,910 for entry-level positions to $65,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 18.4% lower than the national median of $65,750.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $53,680 is below the national average of $65,750, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates that while purchasing power is maintained, the overall earning potential is lower.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($56,390) and Burlington, NC.
How does the cost of living affect the Librarian salary in Western North Carolina?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that despite the lower average salary of $53,680, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national average, making the salary's real value equivalent to the national standard.
What is the concentration of Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in this region?
The Location Quotient is 0.98, indicating that the concentration of these jobs in Western North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area is very close to the national average. This suggests a stable and representative job market for this profession.
How many Librarians and Media Collections Specialists work in this area?
There are approximately 210 Librarians and Media Collections Specialists employed in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area, representing a small but consistent segment of the local workforce.
Is there high demand for Librarians in Western North Carolina?
The demand appears steady, with 0.834 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.98. While not indicating a shortage, it suggests a consistent need for these professionals within the region's libraries and media centers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 0.834 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 Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area