How to Become a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in California
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in California earn a median salary of $86,590/year, which is 35% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~4.8%. After taxes and rent, a librarians and media collections specialists takes home approximately $4,014/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a librarians and media collections specialists can afford in California
Becoming a librarians and media collections specialists in California
Meet education requirements
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many librarians and media collections specialists positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for librarians and media collections specialistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 10,030 librarians and media collections specialists. The highest concentrations are in Santa Cruz-Watsonville and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara.
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $102K | $48.99/hr | 70 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $99K | $47.77/hr | 710 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $99K | $47.44/hr | 120 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $99K | $47.43/hr | 1,980 |
| Modesto | $94K | $45.41/hr | 100 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $90K | $43.46/hr | 3,180 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $89K | $42.83/hr | 110 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $83K | $39.96/hr | 770 |
| Napa | $83K | $39.76/hr | 40 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $83K | $39.69/hr | 590 |
| Merced | $82K | $39.5/hr | 50 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $79K | $38.04/hr | 190 |
| Vallejo | $79K | $37.98/hr | 60 |
| Fresno | $79K | $37.89/hr | 230 |
| Chico | $78K | $37.43/hr | 60 |
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists salary range in California
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a librarians and media collections specialists make in California?▼
The median librarians and media collections specialists salary in California is $86,590 per year ($41.63/hr). This is 35% above the national median of $64,320. Salaries range from $48,480 to $130,760.
What are the requirements to become a librarians and media collections specialists in California?▼
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a librarians and media collections specialists afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $86,590, a librarians and media collections specialists in California would take home approximately $5,426/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 26% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for librarians and media collections specialists in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for librarians and media collections specialists in California are Santa Cruz-Watsonville ($101,900), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($99,370), Santa Maria-Santa Barbara ($98,670). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for librarians and media collections specialists?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.8%. On a $86,590 salary, this means roughly $4,191/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.