How to Become a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Virginia
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Virginia earn a median salary of $74,320/year, which is 16% above the national average. Virginia has a state income tax of ~5.1%. After taxes and rent, a librarians and media collections specialists takes home approximately $3,331/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a librarians and media collections specialists can afford in Virginia
Becoming a librarians and media collections specialists in Virginia
Meet education requirements
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists positions in Virginia typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Virginia. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many librarians and media collections specialists positions in Virginia require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Virginia licensure or certification
Virginia may require specific licensing or professional certification for librarians and media collections specialistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Virginia Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Virginia
Virginia employs 4,750 librarians and media collections specialists. The highest concentrations are in Charlottesville and Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk.
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists salary by metro area in Virginia
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville | $81K | $38.95/hr | 250 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | $74K | $35.79/hr | 920 |
| Harrisonburg | $74K | $35.43/hr | 100 |
| Winchester | $71K | $34.18/hr | 60 |
| Richmond | $68K | $32.67/hr | 750 |
| Roanoke | $66K | $31.93/hr | 160 |
| Lynchburg | $58K | $27.98/hr | 110 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford | $55K | $26.64/hr | 170 |
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists salary range in Virginia
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a librarians and media collections specialists make in Virginia?▼
The median librarians and media collections specialists salary in Virginia is $74,320 per year ($35.73/hr). This is 16% above the national median of $64,320. Salaries range from $46,560 to $101,480.
What are the requirements to become a librarians and media collections specialists in Virginia?▼
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists positions in Virginia typically require Bachelor's degree. Virginia may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Virginia licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a librarians and media collections specialists afford to live in Virginia?▼
At the median salary of $74,320, a librarians and media collections specialists in Virginia would take home approximately $4,743/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 29.8% 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 Virginia?▼
The highest paying metro areas for librarians and media collections specialists in Virginia are Charlottesville ($81,020), Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk ($74,440), Harrisonburg ($73,700). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Virginia have state income tax for librarians and media collections specialists?▼
Yes, Virginia has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.1%. On a $74,320 salary, this means roughly $3,757/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.