The Library of Congress (LOC) is the largest library in the world and one of the most important institutions in the United States. It houses millions of books, manuscripts, maps, and digital resources, serving as a cornerstone of American knowledge and culture. But behind this massive institution are professional librarians and staff who ensure the library operates smoothly.
In 2025, salaries and allowances for Library of Congress librarians have been updated to reflect federal pay adjustments, inflation, and the need to retain skilled professionals. Understanding the Library of Congress librarian salary structure and allowances is important for current employees, job seekers, and researchers interested in federal pay systems.
This article provides a complete breakdown of salaries by grade level, allowances, benefits, and career progression. It also answers frequently asked questions and compares LOC librarian salaries with other federal and academic librarian jobs in the U.S.
Overview of Library of Congress Librarian Salary Structure
The Library of Congress operates under its own pay system but closely aligns with the General Schedule (GS) federal pay scale, which is used across most U.S. government agencies. Librarian positions are graded from entry-level roles (GS-5/7/9) up to senior and managerial positions (GS-14/15).
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Base Pay: Determined by grade level and step within that grade.
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Locality Pay: Adjusted based on cost of living in Washington, D.C. (where the LOC is headquartered).
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Allowances & Benefits: Includes health insurance, retirement, housing (indirect via locality pay), transport, professional development, and more.
The average salary of a Library of Congress librarian in 2025 ranges between $55,000 and $145,000 annually, depending on grade level, years of service, and specialization.
How the Salary Structure Works
Library of Congress librarians are paid according to three main factors:
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Grade Level – Higher grades mean more responsibility and higher pay.
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Step Increases – Within each grade, employees progress through 10 steps, usually every 1–3 years, with pay increases at each step.
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Locality Pay – Washington, D.C. has one of the highest locality pay adjustments in the U.S., ensuring librarians earn more than the federal base.
Example:
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A GS-11 librarian, step 1 earns about $70,000 annually.
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After 10 years of service and moving up to GS-11, step 10, salary may exceed $88,000 annually.
Detailed Breakdown of Librarian Ranks and Salaries
GS-5: Entry-Level Support Roles
These roles are usually for library technicians and assistants. They perform cataloging, shelving, clerical, and digital entry tasks. While not full professional librarian roles, they are essential for LOC operations.
Salary Range: $38,000 – $49,000 annually.
GS-7: Assistant Librarian
This grade includes librarians starting their career after completing an MLS degree. They handle reference requests, support senior librarians, and assist in cataloging specialized materials.
Salary Range: $47,000 – $60,000 annually.
GS-9: General Librarian
The GS-9 level is the standard entry point for professional librarians at the Library of Congress. They provide reference services, conduct research, and support public access to collections.
Salary Range: $58,000 – $72,000 annually.
GS-11: Specialist Librarian
These librarians work in specialized fields such as law, rare books, digital archives, or science. They provide expert-level guidance and manage complex collections.
Salary Range: $70,000 – $88,000 annually.
GS-12: Senior Librarian
At this level, librarians manage teams, lead collection development, and handle budgetary responsibilities.
Salary Range: $84,000 – $101,000 annually.
GS-13: Section Head / Research Librarian
These librarians may lead a section within a division, supervise other librarians, and conduct in-depth research support for Congress.
Salary Range: $98,000 – $118,000 annually.
GS-14: Deputy Division Chief
This grade is for leadership positions overseeing major LOC departments like Law, Manuscripts, or Rare Books.
Salary Range: $115,000 – $136,000 annually.
GS-15: Division Chief
These are the highest-paid librarian positions at the Library of Congress. Chiefs oversee divisions, manage staff and budgets, and influence national library policy.
Salary Range: $130,000 – $155,000 annually.
Library of Congress Librarian Salary Table (2025 Update)
| Grade Level | Typical Role | Annual Salary Range (USD) | Approx. Monthly Salary (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Library Technician / Entry-Level Librarian | $38,000 – $49,000 | $3,100 – $4,100 | Usually requires bachelor’s degree or library assistant training |
| GS-7 | Assistant Librarian | $47,000 – $60,000 | $3,900 – $5,000 | Entry-level professional librarian with MLS or experience |
| GS-9 | Librarian (General) | $58,000 – $72,000 | $4,800 – $6,000 | Requires Master’s in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) |
| GS-11 | Librarian (Specialist/Subject Area) | $70,000 – $88,000 | $5,800 – $7,300 | Handles subject-specific collections (law, science, history, etc.) |
| GS-12 | Senior Librarian | $84,000 – $101,000 | $7,000 – $8,400 | Supervises teams and manages collections |
| GS-13 | Section Head / Research Librarian | $98,000 – $118,000 | $8,200 – $9,800 | Advanced research roles or management |
| GS-14 | Deputy Division Chief | $115,000 – $136,000 | $9,600 – $11,300 | Leadership in major LOC departments |
| GS-15 | Division Chief / Senior Manager | $130,000 – $155,000 | $10,800 – $12,900 | Oversees large LOC divisions, high responsibility |
Note: Salaries are approximate and include Washington, D.C. locality adjustments.
Allowances and Benefits for Library of Congress Librarians
In addition to salaries, librarians at the Library of Congress enjoy federal employment benefits, which are among the best in the country.
Key Allowances & Benefits:
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Health Insurance – Wide coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
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Retirement Benefits – Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with pension + Thrift Savings Plan (TSP, similar to 401k).
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Paid Leave – 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 federal holidays.
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Locality Pay – Extra salary based on Washington, D.C. cost of living.
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Transportation Allowance – Subsidized transit passes for commuting.
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Education & Training – Professional development support, conferences, tuition reimbursement in some cases.
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Work-Life Balance – Flexible schedules, telework (for eligible positions), family leave.
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Job Security – Federal employment offers stability and protections.
Comparison with Other Librarian Salaries in the USA
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Public Librarians (City/State): Average $45,000 – $70,000 annually.
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University Librarians: Average $60,000 – $110,000 annually.
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Special Librarians (Law/Medical): $75,000 – $120,000 annually.
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Library of Congress Librarians: $58,000 – $155,000 annually.
👉 LOC librarians generally earn higher salaries than state or local public librarians due to federal pay scales and Washington, D.C. locality adjustments.
Key Factors Influencing Salaries
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Federal Pay Adjustments – Annual cost-of-living raises approved by Congress or the President.
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Experience & Step Increases – Longevity directly increases pay.
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Education – Advanced degrees and certifications can help promotion.
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Specialization – Rare expertise (law, digital preservation, foreign languages) may command higher grades.
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Budget & Policy – Federal budgets impact hiring and promotions.
Career Progression for Library of Congress Librarians
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Entry Level (GS-5 to GS-7): Library technicians and assistant librarians.
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Professional Level (GS-9 to GS-11): Standard librarianship roles.
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Mid-Level (GS-12 to GS-13): Senior and supervisory librarians.
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Leadership (GS-14 to GS-15): Chiefs and division heads.
Promotions are competitive and based on performance, experience, and availability of positions.
Joining Requirements for Librarians at the LOC
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Education: MLS/MLIS (Master’s in Library and Information Science).
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Special Skills: Research, cataloging, digital library skills, foreign languages.
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Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
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Background Check: Federal security clearance required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the starting salary for a Library of Congress librarian?
The starting salary is around $58,000 annually (GS-9) for new professional librarians.
2. Do LOC librarians receive housing allowances?
No direct housing allowance, but they benefit from locality pay based on Washington, D.C. costs.
3. How often do librarians at LOC get raises?
Raises occur with step increases (every 1–3 years) and annual federal adjustments.
4. What is the highest salary for an LOC librarian?
Around $155,000 annually for GS-15 Division Chiefs.
5. Do librarians at LOC get health benefits?
Yes, they receive full federal health, dental, and vision benefits.
6. Can librarians work remotely?
Some positions allow telework or hybrid schedules, especially for research roles.
7. Is a master’s degree required?
Yes, a Master of Library Science (MLS/MLIS) is required for most professional positions.
8. Do LOC librarians earn more than university librarians?
Yes, generally, due to federal pay scales and locality pay.
9. Are promotions automatic at LOC?
No, promotions depend on performance, vacancies, and qualifications.
10. Do librarians get retirement pensions?
Yes, under FERS + TSP, librarians earn pensions plus retirement savings.
Summary Table: Library of Congress Librarian Salary & Benefits
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $38,000 – $155,000 annually |
| Base Grade Levels | GS-5 to GS-15 |
| Starting Salary (MLS holders) | $58,000 annually (GS-9) |
| Highest Salary | $155,000 annually (GS-15) |
| Allowances | Locality pay, transport subsidy, training support |
| Benefits | Health insurance, pension, TSP, paid leave |
| Promotion Path | GS-5 → GS-15 with experience and leadership |
| Work Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Job Security | High (federal employment) |
Conclusion
The Library of Congress librarian salary structure and allowances (2025 data) reveal a competitive and rewarding career path within the U.S. federal system. With salaries ranging from $38,000 to $155,000 annually, librarians at the LOC earn more than most public and university librarians across the country.
In addition to attractive pay, librarians enjoy federal benefits, retirement security, professional development opportunities, and strong job stability. For those passionate about preserving knowledge, supporting research, and serving Congress, the Library of Congress offers not only meaningful work but also financial security and career growth.