How to Become a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Illinois
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Illinois earn a median salary of $62,360/year, which is 3% 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 $2,676/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a librarians and media collections specialists can afford in Illinois
Becoming a librarians and media collections specialists in Illinois
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.
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.
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.
Find positions in Illinois
Illinois employs 4,610 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 area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champaign-Urbana | $67K | $32.33/hr | 130 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $66K | $31.64/hr | 3,300 |
| Rockford | $60K | $28.83/hr | 80 |
| Springfield | $59K | $28.59/hr | 80 |
| Bloomington | $57K | $27.4/hr | 120 |
| Decatur | $55K | $26.25/hr | 30 |
| Kankakee | $47K | $22.55/hr | 50 |
| Peoria | $46K | $21.96/hr | 170 |
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists salary range in Illinois
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 $62,360 per year ($29.98/hr). This is 3% below the national median of $64,320. Salaries range from $36,000 to $100,340.
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 $62,360, a librarians and media collections specialists in Illinois would take home approximately $4,088/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 34.5% 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 ($67,240), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($65,810), Rockford ($59,970). 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 $62,360 salary, this means roughly $3,087/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.