Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Library Assistants, Clericals in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA make a median of $53,040 a year, or about $25.5 an hour. The range runs from $34K at the entry level to $63K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.8), so that salary is closer to $48,750 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,124/month — about 90.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $53K get you in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
About library assistants, clericals
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Entry-level library assistants, clericals (10th percentile) start around $34K. Mid-career wages sit at $53K.Top earners bring in $63K or more - a $29K spread from bottom to top.
Library Assistants, Clerical pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $53K | +47% | 100 |
| California | $47K | +31% | 10,420 |
| Alaska | $46K | +29% | 200 |
| Washington | $46K | +28% | 2,820 |
| Nevada | $45K | +26% | 690 |
| Oregon | $40K | +11% | 980 |
| Massachusetts | $40K | +11% | 2,730 |
| Maryland | $40K | +11% | 1,070 |
| Wisconsin | $38K | +6% | 1,590 |
| New Jersey | $38K | +5% | 2,610 |
| Maine | $37K | +3% | 420 |
| Virginia | $37K | +3% | 2,160 |
| Arizona | $37K | +3% | 1,650 |
| Minnesota | $37K | +3% | 2,160 |
| New Hampshire | $37K | +3% | 1,000 |
Track library assistants, clerical salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Santa Maria-Santa Barbara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do library assistants, clericals make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median is $53,040 a year - that works out to about $25.5 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $34,220, and experienced library assistants, clericals can clear $63,110. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $53K enough to live in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,599/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,124/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 86.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a library assistants, clerical salary go in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has a Regional Price Parity of 108.8 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median library assistants, clerical salary is worth about $48,750 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do library assistants, clericals get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.