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Librarian Licensing in Pennsylvania

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for librarian in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Librarian in Pennsylvania

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $60,120 median (7% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #29 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Pennsylvania

With a median salary of 60,120, Librarians in Pennsylvania earn 7% below the national median of $64,320. Pennsylvania ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$60,120

Hourly estimate

$28.90
7% below national median

Difference: -$4,200

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$31,230
  • P2525th percentile$41,190
  • P50Median$60,120
  • P7575th percentile$78,420
  • P9090th percentile$96,580

State vs National Median

State: $60,120
National: $64,320

Total employment: 5,420 | Annual openings: N/A

Librarian Salary Ranking

#29 of 50 statesfor Librarian median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington94,400
#2California86,590
#3Maryland81,690
#4Nevada79,710
#5New Jersey79,380

Nearby States Comparison

Librarian licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Pennsylvania$60,120Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
New York$77,080Degree requiredNo exam required6-24 months
New Jersey$79,380Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Delaware$78,300Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Maryland$81,690Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
West Virginia$48,640Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Ohio$57,130Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Pennsylvania50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Jersey72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Delaware78HighBoard-specific review required.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board

P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649

Phone: 7177837049

Related Careers in Pennsylvania

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
K-12 Teacher$74,160No educational requirements6-24 months
School Counselor$61,460Degree required6-24 months
Architect$95,640Specific course required6-24 months
Audiologist$87,210Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Librarian in Pennsylvania?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Librarians in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Librarians.

What education do you need to become a Librarian in Pennsylvania?

The board typically expects Degree required for Librarian licensure in Pennsylvania.

What is the typical Librarian salary in Pennsylvania?

The median annual salary for Librarians in Pennsylvania is 60,120. Salaries range from $31,230 (10th percentile) to $96,580 (90th percentile).

How does the Librarian salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?

Librarians in Pennsylvania earn 7% below the national median of $64,320, with a state median of 60,120.

How many Librarians work in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania employs approximately 5,420 Librarians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Librarian license to Pennsylvania from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Librarians in Pennsylvania?

The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/EngineersLandSurveyorsandGeologists/Pages/default.aspx.