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Librarian Salaries in Colorado — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Librarians in Colorado earn an average of $64,980 per year ($31.24/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 2,130 librarians.

Librarian salaries in Colorado are above the national average by approximately $991. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.

Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for librarians in Colorado.

Colorado Librarian Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Colorado after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$64,980
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$51,324

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Colorado Librarian Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Colorado median of $64,980.

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Librarian Salary by Experience — Colorado

Entry Level (0–2 years)$40,300/yr · $19.38/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Colorado.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$57,832/yr · $27.80/hr
Established professional working independently in Colorado. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$72,127/yr · $34.68/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Colorado.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$93,600+/yr · $45.00/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Colorado.
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Librarian Salary Trend in Colorado — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, Colorado has seen 13.9% wage growth for librarians — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Colorado's public libraries and education.

2021
$57,052
2022
$60,366
+5.8%
2023
$63,160
+4.6%
2024
$64,200
+1.6%
2026
$64,980
+1.2%

Librarian Salary by City — Colorado

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Denver$72,150$34.69+11.0%745
Colorado Springs$68,900$33.12+6.0%596
Aurora$66,950$32.19+3.0%383
Fort Collins$62,400$30.00-4.0%191
Boulder$59,150$28.44-9.0%127
Pueblo$56,550$27.19-13.0%85

Tip: Denver offers the highest librarian salaries in Colorado at $72,150/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Colorado vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Colorado sits in the mid-range for librarians.

Colorado — 4.4% state income tax$64,980 gross~$51,324 take-home
Wyoming — no state tax$48,290 gross-25.7% vs CO
Nebraska — 5.84%$61,990 gross-4.6% vs CO
Kansas — 5.7%$59,580 gross-8.3% vs CO

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.

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Librarian Job Outlook in Colorado

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
2,130Currently employed
213+New jobs projected

Employment for librarians in Colorado is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Colorado job market. Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for librarians in Colorado.

How to Earn More as a Librarian in Colorado

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a librarian in Colorado typically adds $53,300 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Library Certification Board can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Denver pays librarians $72,150/yr — +11.0% above the Colorado average. Simply relocating within Colorado can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Librarians who specialise in public libraries and education typically command premium rates in Colorado. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Wyoming pays librarians $48,290/yr — -25.7% vs Colorado.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average librarian salary in Colorado?
The average librarian salary in Colorado is $64,980 per year, or $31.24 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $40,300 while experienced professionals earn $93,600 or more.
Where do librarians earn the most in Colorado?
Denver pays librarians the most in Colorado at an average of $72,150 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Colorado stack up nationally for librarian pay?
Colorado librarian salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $991. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
What is the take-home pay for a librarian in Colorado?
A librarian earning the Colorado average of $64,980 takes home approximately $51,324 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Is librarian a good career in Colorado?
Yes. Librarian is a strong career choice in Colorado with steady demand projected over the next decade. Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for librarians in Colorado.
What's the licensing process for librarians in Colorado?
In Colorado, librarians are licensed through the State Library Certification Board. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Library Certification Board for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.