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Verified by TN Board of Education

Librarian Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for librarian in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: Background check required
  • Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    (No board is specified to oversee the license)

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $59,710 median (7% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #33 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 Tennessee

With a median salary of 59,710, Librarians in Tennessee earn 7% below the national median of $64,320. Tennessee ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$59,710

Hourly estimate

$28.71
7% below national median

Difference: -$4,610

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$36,550
  • P2525th percentile$48,510
  • P50Median$59,710
  • P7575th percentile$64,050
  • P9090th percentile$76,900

State vs National Median

State: $59,710
National: $64,320

Total employment: 2,590 | Annual openings: N/A

Librarian Salary Ranking

#33 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
Tennessee$59,710Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Kentucky$63,460Varies by state boardState exam required6-24 months
Virginia$74,320No educational requirementsState exam required6-24 months
North Carolina$59,860Degree requiredNo exam required6-24 months
Georgia$73,500Varies by state boardThird-party exam required6-24 months
Alabama$62,240Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Mississippi$50,320Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Arkansas$56,770Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Missouri$53,600Degree requiredState-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
Tennessee54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia25LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

(No board is specified to oversee the license)

00000

Phone: N/A

Related Careers in Tennessee

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
K-12 Teacher$52,690Specific course required6-24 months
School Counselor$59,090Specific course required6-24 months
Architect$85,490Degree required6-24 months
Audiologist$89,670Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

What is the typical Librarian salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Librarians in Tennessee is 59,710. Salaries range from $36,550 (10th percentile) to $76,900 (90th percentile).

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

Librarians in Tennessee earn 7% below the national median of $64,320, with a state median of 59,710.

How many Librarians work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 2,590 Librarians according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Librarians in Tennessee?

The licensing agency is (No board is specified to oversee the license).