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Librarian Salary in West Des Moines, IA

How much does a librarian make in West Des Moines? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for West Des Moines's cost of living.

Median Salary
$50,578
per year in West Des Moines
Entry Level
$32,185
Starting salary
Senior Level
$70,502
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
96
4% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how librarian salaries break down across different pay periods in West Des Moines.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$32,185$50,578$70,502
Monthly$2,682$4,215$5,875
Biweekly$1,238$1,945$2,712
Weekly$619$973$1,356
Hourly$15$24$34

West Des Moines vs National Average

How West Des Moines's librarian salaries compare to national figures.

West Des Moines Salary
$50,578
COL Index: 96
National Average
$64,250
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$13,672
Lower in West Des Moines

Cost of Living in West Des Moines

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,000
per month
Median Income
$72,821
per year
Population
68,720
residents
Rent % of Income
16.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 96 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in West Des Moines have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Librarian

Overview

Manage library collections and provide information services.

Education

Master's degree in Library Science or Information Science

Key Skills

Information OrganizationResearchPublic ServiceTechnology

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Librarian Salary

See Librarian salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$79,630
+57%
Los Angeles, CA
$90,410
+79%
Chicago, IL
$65,810
+30%
Houston, TX
$69,800
+38%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,180
+19%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Librarian Salary in West Des Moines, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a librarian in West Des Moines, IA is $50,578 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering West Des Moines's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level librarian professionals in West Des Moines can expect to earn around $32,185 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level librarians earning approximately $70,502 per year. This represents a 119% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

West Des Moines's cost of living index of 96 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in West Des Moines are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $64,250, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a librarian's salary in West Des Moines typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,000 per month, housing represents about 23.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Librarians are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In West Des Moines, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.