Librarian Salaries in Virginia — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median librarian salary in Virginia is $74,320 per year, equivalent to $35.73/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Virginia employs approximately 4,750 librarians statewide.
Librarian salaries in Virginia are above the national average by approximately $10,331. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for librarians.
Virginia Librarian Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Virginia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Virginia Librarian Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Virginia median of $74,320.
Librarian Salary by Experience — Virginia
Librarian Salary Trend in Virginia — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Datalibrarians pay in Virginia has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the librarian workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Virginia's public libraries and education.
Librarian Salary by City — Virginia
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $82,500 | $39.66 | +11.0% | 1,662 |
| Norfolk | $78,800 | $37.88 | +6.0% | 1,330 |
| Chesapeake | $76,550 | $36.80 | +3.0% | 855 |
| Richmond | $71,350 | $34.30 | -4.0% | 427 |
| Arlington | $67,650 | $32.52 | -9.0% | 285 |
| Alexandria | $64,650 | $31.08 | -13.0% | 190 |
Tip: Virginia Beach offers the highest librarian salaries in Virginia at $82,500/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Virginia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Virginia sits in the mid-range for librarians.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Librarian Job Outlook in Virginia
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for librarians in Virginia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Virginia job market. Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for librarians.
How to Earn More as a Librarian in Virginia
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a librarian in Virginia typically adds $60,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Library Certification Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Virginia Beach pays librarians $82,500/yr — +11.0% above the Virginia average. Simply relocating within Virginia 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 Virginia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. West Virginia pays librarians $48,640/yr — -34.6% vs Virginia.
Find Librarian Jobs in Virginia
Live ListingsSearch current librarian job vacancies in Virginia:
🔍 Librarian jobs in Virginia — Indeed→ 🔍 Librarian jobs in Virginia — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Librarian jobs — Virginia Beach, VA→