Image that illustrates Library Assistant

Library Assistant

30 000 kr

Archive and library assistants etc.

26 800 - 32 400 kr / month

Women earn 100% of what men do.

Administration, ekonomi

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Library Assistant

Average salary 30 000 kr
Males 30 000 kr
Females 30 000 kr

What does a library assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A library assistant works to provide service to visitors at the library, handle lending and returns of books, and assist with information searches. Tasks also include organizing books and other media, registering in library systems, and performing simple administrative duties. Additionally, supporting visitors with computers, copiers, and other technical equipment is often included. The work usually takes place in calm but social environments where good service and attention to detail are important qualities.

Salary development over time

The salary of a library assistant has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,400 SEK per month, rising to 28 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 30 000 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 5.6% over three years. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased digitalization within the library sector and the growing demand for service-oriented staff with strong digital skills. Salary increases have been evenly distributed between genders, reflecting a stable job market where skills development and experience are rewarded.

Library assistant salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 30 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary (female/male): 26,800 SEK / 27,900 SEK
  • Highest salary (female/male): 32,400 SEK / 31,800 SEK
  • Hourly wage: 180 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women and men earn the same within this profession
  • Regional differences: Limited information, but salary levels are relatively uniform across the country and mainly influenced by employer type and experience

Education and qualifications

To work as a library assistant, a high school diploma is usually required, preferably with a focus on social sciences, humanities, or administration. Post-secondary education in library and information science, even if shorter than three years, can provide a competitive edge. Practical experience, good computer skills, and a service mindset are important qualifications for success in the role.

  • High school diploma: Social sciences or administrative focus recommended
  • Post-secondary education: Library and information science, shorter than 3 years
  • Internships: Internships or summer jobs at libraries provide valuable experience
  • Courses/certifications: Courses in information retrieval, digital skills, and customer service are advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Good computer skills and communication abilities

Many library assistants have the opportunity to participate in cultural events, book talks, and reading promotion activities. Engaging in these activities can develop pedagogical and communicative skills while contributing to the local cultural scene.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Library assistants are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized lunches or coffee, and opportunities for professional development through internal training. Many public sector employers also provide favorable pension schemes and flexible working hours. The work rarely involves inconvenient hours, and overtime is generally not common.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a library assistant can be intense, especially in larger cities where many seek employment in the sector. The limited number of positions means relevant experience and education are often crucial for employment. Digitalization of library services demands higher technical competence and adaptability. Restructurings within the public sector and changing budget priorities can also affect job availability. The ability to handle a varied work environment and meet diverse visitor needs is an important challenge in the profession.

Tips for aspiring library assistants

To succeed as a library assistant, it is helpful to have a genuine interest in service and people, as much of the work involves assisting visitors and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Being thorough and organized makes it easier to manage books and digital systems efficiently. Showing initiative by participating in library events and development projects is also valuable. Good teamwork skills are central, as the work is often done in teams or alongside librarians. Finally, being curious about new technological tools and continuously updating skills in digital information retrieval and customer service is advantageous.

Key facts about Library Assistants

  • Education level: High school diploma with advantageous post-secondary courses
  • Work environment: Calm and service-oriented, often within the public sector
  • Work form: Full-time or part-time, daytime hours
  • Demand: 758 available jobs nationwide
  • Gender distribution: Equal pay between women and men

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a library assistant, there are opportunities to develop into more specialized roles, such as librarian, provided additional education is completed. Some libraries may also assign responsibilities for children and youth activities, digital services, or project management. The future outlook for the profession is relatively stable, but due to limited data, no precise forecast is provided by the Employment Service. However, ongoing digital development and increased service demands are expected to continue creating opportunities for qualified library assistants, especially in larger municipalities and cities where library operations are extensive.

Frequently asked questions about Library Assistants

  • What does a Library Assistant earn?
    - The average salary is 30 000 SEK per month, with equal pay for women and men.
  • What education is required to become a library assistant?
    - High school education is a basic requirement, but post-secondary courses in library and information science are advantageous.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - No, women and men have the same average salary within the profession.
  • What is the work environment like for a library assistant?
    - The work environment is usually calm, service-oriented, and characterized by contact with visitors of all ages.
  • How many job openings are available?
    - There are approximately 758 vacancies nationwide.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for library assistants?
    - The highest salary is 32,400 SEK (female, public sector), and the lowest is 26,800 SEK (female, government sector).
  • What are the future prospects?
    - No forecast is available due to limited data, but the need for library assistants is considered relatively stable.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Library Assistant is 32400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 31800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Library Assistant is 26800 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 27900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 24400 kr 26400 kr
25-34 96% 28300 kr 29100 kr
35-44 100% 29600 kr 30100 kr
45-54 101% 30000 kr 30400 kr
55-64 100% 30500 kr 30700 kr
65-68 30000 kr 30600 kr
Snitt 100% 29400 kr 30000 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Library Assistant has the SSYK code 4410, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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