Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Library technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate. Library assistants typically need a high school diploma or its equivalent, combined with short-term on-the-job training. PayThe median hourly wage for library assistants, clerical was $17.74 in May 2025.The median hourly wage for library technicians was $21.43 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of library technicians and assistants is projected to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 23,100 openings for library technicians and assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for library technicians and assistants. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of library technicians and assistants with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about library technicians and assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Explore shorter-term education and training pathways that may prepare you for this type of work.
Pay
The median hourly wage for library assistants, clerical was $17.74 in May 2025.The median hourly wage for library technicians was $21.43 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of library technicians and assistants is projected to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 23,100 openings for library technicians and assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for library technicians and assistants. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of library technicians and assistants with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about library technicians and assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of library technicians and assistants is projected to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 23,100 openings for library technicians and assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for library technicians and assistants. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of library technicians and assistants with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about library technicians and assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Library technicians and assistants help librarians with all aspects of running a library.
Work Environment
Library technicians and assistants work in local public libraries, corporate and specialty libraries, and school and university libraries.
How to Become a Library Technician or Assistant
Library technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate. Library assistants typically need a high school diploma or its equivalent, combined with short-term on-the-job training.
Pay
The median hourly wage for library assistants, clerical was $17.74 in May 2025.
The median hourly wage for library technicians was $21.43 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of library technicians and assistants is projected to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 23,100 openings for library technicians and assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for library technicians and assistants.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of library technicians and assistants with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about library technicians and assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Library technicians and assistants work in local public libraries, corporate and specialty libraries, and school and university libraries.
How to Become a Library Technician or Assistant
Library technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate. Library assistants typically need a high school diploma or its equivalent, combined with short-term on-the-job training.
Pay
The median hourly wage for library assistants, clerical was $17.74 in May 2025.
The median hourly wage for library technicians was $21.43 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of library technicians and assistants is projected to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 23,100 openings for library technicians and assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for library technicians and assistants.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of library technicians and assistants with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about library technicians and assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for library technicians and assistants.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of library technicians and assistants with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about library technicians and assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about library technicians and assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Certificates & Training
Explore shorter-term education and training pathways that may prepare you for this type of work.
Explore pathway →Hear From ED
Use the guided career counseling experience to connect this career to your goals, skills and education preferences.
Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.