What Library Assistants, Clerical do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Library Assistants, Clerical this way: "Compile records, and sort, shelve, issue, and receive library materials such as books, electronic media, pictures, cards, slides and microfilm. Locate library materials for loan and replace material in shelving area, stacks, or files according to identification number and title. Register patrons to permit them to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Enter and update patrons' records on computers"; "Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software"; "Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas"; "Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures"; "Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Library Assistants, Clerical
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 89,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 83,800 in 2035, a decrease of 5,700 jobs (-6.4%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 12,300 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 13.7% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $36,910, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Library Assistants, Clerical earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $37,155 in New York to $37,846 in New Jersey, a gap of $691 (1.02 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $36,910 and 0 average at or below it.
New York employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 10,220, which is 52.3% of the 19,540 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 9,320.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($37,846) and New York ($37,155) lead the ranking, while New York ($37,155) and New Jersey ($37,846) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Library Assistants, Clerical
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (43-4000) include Brokerage Clerks, Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs, Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping and Court, Municipal, and License Clerks.
Frequently asked questions about Library Assistants, Clerical
How much do Library Assistants, Clerical earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $36,910. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $37,155 to $37,846.
Which state pays Library Assistants, Clerical the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $37,846. New York is next at $37,155.
Is Library Assistants, Clerical a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 6.4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 12,300 openings a year.
What education do Library Assistants, Clerical need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.