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Verified by WI Board of Education

Librarian Licensing in Wisconsin

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

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) • Division for Libraries and Technology

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $63,610 median (1% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #18 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Librarian licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI)~Division for Libraries and Technology and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Wisconsin

With a median salary of $63,610, Librarians in Wisconsin earn 1% below the national median of $64,320. Wisconsin ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,213

Median annual salary

$63,610

Hourly estimate

$30.58
1% below national median

Difference: -$710

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$43,560
  • P2525th percentile$52,040
  • P50Median$63,610
  • P7575th percentile$76,740
  • P9090th percentile$83,950

State vs National Median

State: $63,610
National: $64,320

Total employment: 2,370 | Annual openings: N/A

Librarian Salary Ranking

#18 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
Wisconsin$63,610Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Minnesota$75,260Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$52,780Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$62,360Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Michigan$59,520Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries 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
Wisconsin78HighBoard-specific review required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review required.
Michigan68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) • Division for Libraries and Technology

125 S. Webster St., PO Box 7841, Madison, WI, 53707-7841

Phone: 6082662413

Related Careers in Wisconsin

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$63,650Degree requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$81,740Degree requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$98,680Degree requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$64,150Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Wisconsin?

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

What is the typical Librarian salary in Wisconsin?

The median annual salary for Librarians in Wisconsin is $63,610. Salaries range from $43,560 (10th percentile) to $83,950 (90th percentile).

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

Librarians in Wisconsin earn 1% below the national median of $64,320, with a state median of $63,610.

How many Librarians work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin employs approximately 2,370 Librarians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Librarian license to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

The licensing agency is Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) / Division for Libraries and Technology. Review agency details at http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/certification.

How often do you renew a Librarian license in Wisconsin?

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