- Salary statistics
- Librarian salary
Librarian salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
29 100 - 43 800 SEK / month
Women earn 98% of what men do.
Kultur, media, design
Related tools
Salary progression Librarian
What does a Librarian do? – Tasks and Work Environment
Librarians primarily work with organizing, managing, and making information and media accessible to the public or specific user groups. Tasks include cataloging books and digital resources, guiding visitors in information retrieval, planning program activities, and collaborating with schools or other institutions. The profession also involves developing library services, working with digitization, and supporting users in their information literacy. The work environment is often characterized by calmness and order, but can also be socially and intellectually stimulating as librarians meet people of different ages and needs.
Salary Development Over Time
The salary development for librarians has been stable but shows a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,200 SEK per month, which increased to 37 600 SEK in 2023 and further to 38 900 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to an increase of approximately 6.8% over a three-year period, slightly higher than the general salary growth in the public sector. The salary increase can be explained by a greater focus on digital competence, changing requirements for information management, and some competition for qualified personnel. The demand for librarians with specialized skills in digitization and information security has also contributed to strengthening salary development.
Many librarians engage in societal issues and actively work to promote inclusion, digital participation, and reading enthusiasm among both children and adults. This makes the profession an important link between knowledge, culture, and democracy in society.
Librarian Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 38 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,100 SEK/month (male, government sector, upper secondary education)
- Highest salary: 42,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, postgraduate education)
- Hourly wage: 226 SEK/hour
- Women earn: 98% of men's salary (38 700 SEK compared to 39 500 SEK)
- Regional differences: Salaries can vary depending on region and employer, especially between government and municipal libraries.
Education and Qualifications
To work as a librarian, a university degree in library and information science is generally required. The education provides knowledge about information management, digital resources, user service, and literature dissemination. Many librarians also take supplementary courses in information security, pedagogy, or specialized areas such as children's and youth literature.
- Bachelor's degree: Library and information science, 3 years
- Master's degree: Possible, provides in-depth competence (2 years)
- Internship: Often included in the education, providing work experience
- Courses/certifications: For example, in digital information management or pedagogy
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
Common Benefits and Compensation
Librarians are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, professional development, flexible working hours, and generous vacation terms. In the public sector, there are also occupational pensions, subsidized lunches, and opportunities for remote work for certain tasks.
Competition and Challenges
The job market for librarians is characterized by a paradoxical situation where there are both recruitment difficulties and a relatively high proportion of part-time workers or individuals leaving the profession. The demand for librarians with digital skills and specialization in information management is increasing, while traditional tasks are evolving with society's digitalization. Competition for permanent positions can be intense, especially in major cities and university libraries, whereas smaller towns may have more difficulty recruiting. The work environment demands service orientation, pedagogical skills, and adaptability to new technologies and working methods.
Tips for Aspiring Librarians
To succeed as a librarian, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in both people and information. Being service-oriented makes it easier to meet visitors' needs and create a welcoming environment. A structured work approach facilitates handling large amounts of information and digital resources, while curiosity helps adapt to new technological solutions and methods. Good patience is important, especially when guiding users or working with children and youth. Pedagogical skills and good communication make it easier to assist visitors and collaborate with colleagues. Flexibility is also valuable, as tasks can vary daily and require quick adjustments.
Key Facts about Librarians
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in library and information science
- Work environment: Calm, structured, and social environments
- Typical employment: Public sector, often permanent positions
- Job openings: 620 within the profession (2024)
- Demand: Stable outlook with some digitalization trend
Career Paths and Future Prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a librarian can develop into specialist roles in areas such as digital libraries, information management, or pedagogical activities. There are also opportunities to advance into managerial positions such as department head, coordinator, or project manager. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, job prospects for the profession remain good, with steady demand and a large number of job openings nationally (620 vacancies in 2024). Digitalization and increased requirements for information literacy are expected to continue influencing the role, providing librarians with relevant further education excellent opportunities for development and career advancement. The forecast indicates unchanged demand over five years, with some regional variations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Librarians
- What is the average salary for a Librarian?
- A librarian has an average monthly salary of 38 900 SEK in 2024. - How large is the salary difference between men and women?
- Women earn 98% of what men do: 38 700 SEK compared to 39 500 SEK per month. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for Librarians?
- The highest salary is 42,500 SEK (female, public sector, postgraduate education) and the lowest is 31,100 SEK (male, government sector, upper secondary education). - What education is required to become a librarian?
- A bachelor's degree in library and information science is usually required. - What does the job market look like for librarians?
- The job market is stable with 620 job openings and steady demand according to forecasts. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Yes, salaries vary between regions and employers, especially between government and municipal libraries. - What personal qualities are important for a librarian?
- Service-mindedness, organization, curiosity, patience, and pedagogical skills are important qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 35600 kr | 35900 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 38000 kr | 38200 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 39800 kr | 40000 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 39900 kr | 40100 kr |
| 65-68 | 39000 kr | 39500 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 38600 kr | 38900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 32400 kr | 32900 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 35400 kr | 35800 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 37700 kr | 38000 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 39300 kr | 39500 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 39600 kr | 39800 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 38800 kr | 39300 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 38300 kr | 38600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 38000 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 40800 kr | 40900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 41900 kr | 42000 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 41600 kr | 41700 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 41400 kr | 41400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 41200 kr | 41300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 98% | 32800 kr | 33400 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 34900 kr | 35300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 36600 kr | 36900 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 38100 kr | 38400 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 38500 kr | 38900 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 38000 kr | 38600 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 37200 kr | 37500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 24900 kr | 25200 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 35500 kr | 35700 kr |
| 35-44 | 105% | 38800 kr | 38900 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 41200 kr | 41200 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 39400 kr | 39400 kr |
| 65-68 | 38100 kr | 38100 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 38800 kr | 38800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 45700 kr | 45900 kr | |
| Snitt | 42800 kr | 43000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 45700 kr | 45900 kr | |
| Snitt | 42800 kr | 43000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 36000 kr | 36400 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 38200 kr | 38400 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 40700 kr | 40800 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 40500 kr | 40600 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 39200 kr | 39500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31700 kr | 32900 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 36000 kr | 36400 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 37800 kr | 38000 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 39800 kr | 40000 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 40200 kr | 40400 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 40100 kr | 40300 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 38800 kr | 39000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 38900 kr | 39600 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 41000 kr | 41100 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 42100 kr | 42100 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 41400 kr | 41500 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 40900 kr | 40900 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 41300 kr | 41400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 98% | 32500 kr | 33900 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 34900 kr | 35200 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 36300 kr | 36600 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 38200 kr | 38500 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 38900 kr | 39200 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 39200 kr | 39700 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 37200 kr | 37500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 35600 kr | 36000 kr |
| 35-44 | 105% | 37600 kr | 37600 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 41700 kr | 41700 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 41200 kr | 41400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 38600 kr | 38700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 35500 kr | 35800 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 37900 kr | 38200 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 39500 kr | 39700 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 39700 kr | 39900 kr |
| 65-68 | 38700 kr | 39200 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 38400 kr | 38700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 32600 kr | 32900 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 35300 kr | 35600 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 37700 kr | 38000 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 39200 kr | 39400 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 39400 kr | 39700 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 38500 kr | 39000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 38200 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 37600 kr | 37700 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 40800 kr | 40900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 41900 kr | 41900 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 41700 kr | 41800 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 41700 kr | 41700 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 41200 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 98% | 32900 kr | 33300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 34900 kr | 35300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 36700 kr | 37000 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 38100 kr | 38400 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 38500 kr | 38800 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 37800 kr | 38400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 37200 kr | 37500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 35500 kr | 35600 kr |
| 35-44 | 105% | 39300 kr | 39300 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 41000 kr | 41000 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 39000 kr | 39000 kr |
| 65-68 | 38000 kr | 38000 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 38800 kr | 38800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 42200 kr | 42500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 42200 kr | 42500 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Librarian has the SSYK code 2622, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
Children's Librarian Substitute in Tibro Municipality
Librarians and archivists
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 - 22:13
Compare salary, work tasks and job outlook in adjacent occupations to find roles with similar skills or pay levels.
-
Average salary: 38 900 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Librarians and archivists
Compare with Librarian
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 08:09 -
Average salary: 41 986 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Visual artists etc.
Compare with Librarian
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 06:35 -
TOM (Technical Operation Manager) salary
Average salary: 42 300 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Image and broadcast technicians
Compare with Librarian
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 08:36 -
Average salary: 45 500 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Journalists etc.
Compare with Librarian
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 08:07 -
Average salary: 41 400 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Museum curators etc.
Compare with Librarian
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 00:03 -
Average salary: 36 700 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Stage managers and script supervisors etc.
Compare with Librarian
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 15:55