How to Become a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Pennsylvania
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $60,120/year, which is 7% below the national average. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of ~3.1%. After taxes and rent, a librarians and media collections specialists takes home approximately $2,630/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a librarians and media collections specialists can afford in Pennsylvania
Becoming a librarians and media collections specialists in Pennsylvania
Meet education requirements
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists positions in Pennsylvania typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Pennsylvania. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many librarians and media collections specialists positions in Pennsylvania require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Pennsylvania licensure or certification
Pennsylvania may require specific licensing or professional certification for librarians and media collections specialistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Pennsylvania Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania employs 5,420 librarians and media collections specialists. The highest concentrations are in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington and State College.
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists salary by metro area in Pennsylvania
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $73K | $34.93/hr | 2,450 |
| State College | $64K | $30.9/hr | 310 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $63K | $30.37/hr | 260 |
| Lancaster | $61K | $29.41/hr | 180 |
| York-Hanover | $60K | $28.64/hr | 120 |
| Chambersburg | $58K | $27.82/hr | 50 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $58K | $27.71/hr | 270 |
| Reading | $57K | $27.45/hr | 170 |
| Williamsport | $55K | $26.22/hr | 60 |
| Pittsburgh | $50K | $23.93/hr | 1,330 |
| Erie | $50K | $23.8/hr | 100 |
| Lebanon | $49K | $23.69/hr | 40 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre | $48K | $23.27/hr | 200 |
| Gettysburg | $48K | $22.94/hr | 60 |
| Altoona | $36K | $17.54/hr | 40 |
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists salary range in Pennsylvania
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a librarians and media collections specialists make in Pennsylvania?▼
The median librarians and media collections specialists salary in Pennsylvania is $60,120 per year ($28.9/hr). This is 7% below the national median of $64,320. Salaries range from $31,230 to $96,580.
What are the requirements to become a librarians and media collections specialists in Pennsylvania?▼
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists positions in Pennsylvania typically require Bachelor's degree. Pennsylvania may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Pennsylvania licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a librarians and media collections specialists afford to live in Pennsylvania?▼
At the median salary of $60,120, a librarians and media collections specialists in Pennsylvania would take home approximately $4,042/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 34.9% 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 Pennsylvania?▼
The highest paying metro areas for librarians and media collections specialists in Pennsylvania are Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington ($72,660), State College ($64,280), Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton ($63,180). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Pennsylvania have state income tax for librarians and media collections specialists?▼
Yes, Pennsylvania has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.1%. On a $60,120 salary, this means roughly $1,846/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.