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How to Become a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Illinois

Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Illinois earn a median salary of $62,700/year, which is 8% below the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a librarians and media collections specialists takes home approximately $705/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$63K
Median salary in Illinois
-8%
vs. national average
5.0%
State income tax
5,390
Employed in Illinois

What a librarians and media collections specialists can afford in Illinois

Gross annual salary$62,700
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.0% state tax)$4,110/mo
Median 2BR rent (Illinois)-$3,405/mo
Rent as % of take-home82.8% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$62,700/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$705/mo

Becoming a librarians and media collections specialists in Illinois

1

Meet education requirements

Librarians and Media Collections Specialists positions in Illinois typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many librarians and media collections specialists positions in Illinois require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Illinois licensure or certification

Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for librarians and media collections specialistss. Requirements vary by state, contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Illinois

Illinois employs 5,390 librarians and media collections specialists. The highest concentrations are in Champaign-Urbana and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.

Librarians and Media Collections Specialists salary by metro area in Illinois

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Champaign-Urbana$69K$33.13/hr160
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin$66K$31.85/hr3,740
Bloomington$66K$31.82/hr130
Springfield$62K$29.71/hr90
Rockford$61K$29.15/hr100
Decatur$59K$28.15/hr40
Kankakee$56K$26.97/hr50
Peoria$50K$23.84/hr150

Librarians and Media Collections Specialists salary range in Illinois

10th percentile (entry)
$39K
25th percentile
$50K
Median (50th)
$63K
75th percentile
$81K
90th percentile (senior)
$104K
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Librarians and Media Collections Specialists careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a librarians and media collections specialists make in Illinois?

The median librarians and media collections specialists salary in Illinois is $62,700 per year ($30.14/hr). This is 8% below the national median of $68,270. Salaries range from $38,650 to $103,540.

What are the requirements to become a librarians and media collections specialists in Illinois?

Librarians and Media Collections Specialists positions in Illinois typically require Bachelor's degree. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a librarians and media collections specialists afford to live in Illinois?

At the median salary of $62,700, a librarians and media collections specialists in Illinois would take home approximately $4,110/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $3,405/month, that's 82.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for librarians and media collections specialists in Illinois?

The highest paying metro areas for librarians and media collections specialists in Illinois are Champaign-Urbana ($68,910), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($66,250), Bloomington ($66,180). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Illinois have state income tax for librarians and media collections specialists?

Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.0%. On a $62,700 salary, this means roughly $3,104/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.