How to Become a Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Washington
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in Washington earn a median salary of $94,400/year, which is 47% above the national average. Washington has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a librarians and media collections specialists takes home approximately $4,821/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a librarians and media collections specialists can afford in Washington
Becoming a librarians and media collections specialists in Washington
Meet education requirements
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists positions in Washington typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Washington. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many librarians and media collections specialists positions in Washington require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Washington licensure or certification
Washington may require specific licensing or professional certification for librarians and media collections specialistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Washington Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Washington
Washington employs 2,830 librarians and media collections specialists. The highest concentrations are in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue and Kennewick-Richland.
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists salary by metro area in Washington
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $101K | $48.47/hr | 1,440 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $100K | $47.85/hr | 100 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | $99K | $47.51/hr | 100 |
| Bellingham | $99K | $47.48/hr | 60 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | $98K | $47.07/hr | 120 |
| Yakima | $94K | $45.19/hr | 90 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee | $86K | $41.19/hr | 30 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | $82K | $39.31/hr | 60 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $77K | $37.13/hr | 180 |
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists salary range in Washington
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a librarians and media collections specialists make in Washington?▼
The median librarians and media collections specialists salary in Washington is $94,400 per year ($45.39/hr). This is 47% above the national median of $64,320. Salaries range from $60,150 to $124,490.
What are the requirements to become a librarians and media collections specialists in Washington?▼
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists positions in Washington typically require Bachelor's degree. Washington may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Washington licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a librarians and media collections specialists afford to live in Washington?▼
At the median salary of $94,400, a librarians and media collections specialists in Washington would take home approximately $6,233/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 22.7% 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 Washington?▼
The highest paying metro areas for librarians and media collections specialists in Washington are Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ($100,810), Kennewick-Richland ($99,530), Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater ($98,820). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Washington have state income tax for librarians and media collections specialists?▼
No, Washington does not have a state income tax. This means librarians and media collections specialists keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.