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Verified by WA Board of Education

Librarian Licensing in Washington

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Librarian in Washington

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Health

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $94,400 median (47% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Washington eligibility requirements for Librarian licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Health and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Washington

With a median salary of $94,400, Librarians in Washington earn 47% above the national median of $64,320. Washington ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,837

Median annual salary

$94,400

Hourly estimate

$45.38
47% above national median

Difference: +$30,080

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$60,150
  • P2525th percentile$70,240
  • P50Median$94,400
  • P7575th percentile$108,380
  • P9090th percentile$124,490

State vs National Median

State: $94,400
National: $64,320

Total employment: 2,830 | Annual openings: N/A

Librarian Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor Librarian median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$94,400
#2California$86,590
#3Maryland$81,690
#4Nevada$79,710
#5New Jersey$79,380

Nearby States Comparison

Librarian licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Washington$94,400Specific course requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Idaho$46,570Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$75,360Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

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
Washington78HighBoard-specific review required.
Idaho78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Health

101 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater, WA, 98501

Phone: 3602364700

Related Careers in Washington

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$77,310No educational requirementsVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$81,050No educational requirementsVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$84,690No educational requirementsVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$66,150No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

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

The board typically expects Specific course required for Librarian licensure in Washington.

What is the typical Librarian salary in Washington?

The median annual salary for Librarians in Washington is $94,400. Salaries range from $60,150 (10th percentile) to $124,490 (90th percentile).

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

Librarians in Washington earn 47% above the national median of $64,320, with a state median of $94,400.

How many Librarians work in Washington?

Washington employs approximately 2,830 Librarians according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Librarians in Washington?

The licensing agency is Department of Health. Review agency details at http://www.doh.wa.gov/.

How often do you renew a Librarian license in Washington?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.