Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $34,980 -2.9% vs national
Median hourly $16.82
10th percentile $29,120
90th percentile $46,960
Employed locally 2,950
National median $36,010

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    In Chicago and its neighboring areas in Illinois and Indiana, Library Assistants and Clerical workers typically earn a median annual salary of $34,980, with a median hourly rate of $16.82. This median income is slightly lower than the national median for the occupation, which stands at $36,010. When compared to the local household income, Library Assistants and Clerical workers' earnings constitute approximately 39% of the area's median household income, which is $88,850. The distribution of salaries within this occupation shows a range from $29,120 (10th percentile) to $46,960 (90th percentile), indicating a relatively varied earning potential across different levels of experience and employment settings.

    Entry-level Library Assistants and Clerical workers in the Chicago area tend to earn around the 25th percentile mark, with annual salaries near $29,850. In contrast, experienced professionals can reach the 75th percentile or higher, potentially earning up to $39,650 annually or more. The significant salary difference between entry-level and experienced workers is primarily driven by factors such as tenure in the role, additional certifications or skills, job complexity, and responsibilities within larger institutions. As workers gain experience and demonstrate increased proficiency or take on specialized tasks, their earning potential increases significantly, reflecting a broader trend seen across many clerical occupations.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,120
    25th
    $29,850
    50th (median)
    $34,980
    75th
    $39,650
    90th
    $46,960

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Library Assistants, Clerical salary vs area income 39% Median Library Assistants, Clerical salary is 61% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Library Assistants, Clerical make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Library Assistants, Clerical in Chicago, IL-IN is $16.82, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.35 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Library Assistants, Clerical salaries?

    The median Library Assistants, Clerical salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 2.9% below the national median of $36,010. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Library Assistants, Clerical in Chicago?

    Entry-level Library Assistants, Clerical (10th percentile) earn around $29,120 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $29,850.