Librarian salary

Librarian: A Profession with Tradition and Future

Being a librarian means having an important cultural and informative mission. Librarians often work in libraries, but can also be active in other institutions requiring archive management and information organization. The profession combines a love for books and information with the ability to handle and structure data to make it accessible to the public.

Salary and Gender Equality in the Librarian Profession

The salary for librarians varies depending on experience, education, and sector. The average salary for a librarian is 36 100 SEK per month. There is a small gender pay gap where men earn 36 400 SEK while women earn 36 100 SEK, meaning that women earn 99% of what men do.

For hourly librarians, the average wage is 217 SEK per hour, based on 166 working hours per month. The salary has increased from 35 200 SEK to 36 100 SEK since the last measurement, indicating a positive salary development.

Highest and Lowest Salaries

The highest salary for a librarian is 42200 SEK, belonging to a man working in the municipal sector with a doctoral degree. For women, the highest salary is 40300 SEK. On the other hand, the lowest salary for a librarian is 28700 SEK for a woman with pre-secondary education in the same sector, while the corresponding salary for a man is 29900 SEK.

Education and Skills Required

To work as a librarian, a degree in library and information science from a university is usually required. The education provides a solid foundation in managing information flows and organizing data in a way that makes it easily accessible to users. In addition to formal education, good communication skills and the ability to work in a service-oriented manner are important.

Working Conditions and Benefits

The work environment for a librarian is often calm and structured, with opportunities for both independent work and teamwork. Many librarians in the public sector may be offered benefits such as paid training and the possibility of working from home, although it is not always standard. An important part of a librarian's work is to constantly develop and adapt to digital advancements, which sometimes involves learning new technical tools and systems.

Future Outlook

The future outlook for librarians is considered relatively stable. According to the Employment Service, the profession is categorized under "Culture, Media, Design," where national job opportunities are assessed to be significant. Over a five-year period, demand for archivists and librarians is expected to remain unchanged, but the recruitment situation is characterized by a paradox: there are recruitment difficulties while unemployment is high. This may mean that there are vacant positions, but the specific competencies demanded are sometimes hard to find.

Considerations for Becoming a Librarian

If you are considering becoming a librarian, it is important to have a passion for books, information, and service. Being flexible and adaptable in today's digital world is also crucial, as well as having good communication and collaboration skills. A librarian should be able to guide visitors in their information search and create a welcoming atmosphere in the library.

Competition and Job Market

Competition for jobs can be tough depending on the region and employer. However, there are ample opportunities for those willing to relocate or those with specialized skills, such as in digital information technology. The job market for librarians is expected to remain stable, but it is always advantageous to further educate oneself and stay updated in the field.

In the end, being a librarian is a versatile and rewarding profession for those passionate about information, learning, and culture. With the right education and a willingness to grow, you can find a stable and meaningful career in this field.