Hiring Library Assistants, Clerical
Employers across the 85 metro areas we have BLS OEWS wage data for pay library assistants, clerical a median of $20,700 to $63,000 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A search through recruitlocalpros runs Tier I to Tier VI, $6,240 to $54,340, set by seniority, never by location or salary. Our vetted recruiting partner handles sourcing, screening and placement end to end.
What do library assistants, clerical do?
- Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
- Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.
- Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
- Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
- Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
- Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.
Core tasks, O*NET OnLine, 43-4121.00.
What does it take to become one?
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET Job Zone 2, SVP (4.0 to < 6.0). O*NET OnLine.
Employers commonly list experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop, C++, Microsoft Access for this role.
What do library assistants, clerical get paid?
BLS OEWS, May 2025 publishes a wage for library assistants, clerical in 85 of the metro areas in this build. The median ranges from $20,700 to $63,000 a year depending on the metro, with a midpoint of $37,110. This is what employers pay, place of work, not a single national figure and not what any one person takes home.
BLS OEWS, BLS OEWS, May 2025, SOC 43-4121.
What does hiring one cost?
The same as any role: tier, not location or salary, sets the fee. Across all six tiers the published range is $6,240 to $54,340 per search. For scale, the highest published median for library assistants, clerical in this build is $63,000. A contingency firm hiring at that level would bill roughly $12,600 to $18,900 on the first year salary alone, 20 to 30%.
Frequently asked
- How fast can a library assistants, clerical search fill?
- 23 to 35 days, 2 to 3x faster than a typical contingency search, per the recruiting provider's published figures.
- What if the hire does not work out?
- A 45-day replacement guarantee, at 50% off a repeat search for the same role.
Price a library assistants, clerical search
Eight questions about the role. Your tier range appears on screen, with the contingency comparison if you are paying one now.