North Dakota Librarian Salary Guide - 2024

LibrarianCertification.com

by LibrarianCertification.com Staff

Updated: November 3rd, 2023

School Librarians

School librarians must show proof of education and experience that qualifies them to work with students and other teachers before they are certified to practice. Excellent communication and leadership skills are necessary for giving a fruitful and impactful library service. 

How Are School Librarian Salaries Determined in North Dakota?

School librarians are paid based on their level on the prevalent salary schedule of the institution. Each institution has a salary range for each available position and one is placed based on their qualifications and years of experience. You are likely to get higher pay if you have higher qualifications such as a master’s or doctorate.

How Can One Increase Their Salary?

As a school librarian, you will be required to carry out your traditional library duties as well as educate students and other teachers on library use and media. Demonstrating immense value by paying attention to professional development and providing quality service can lead to salary raises. Each institution has its formula and method for reviewing staff members and implementing raises. Promotions are also accompanied by raises which is why you should position yourself for consideration when the reviews are being done. Therefore, you must be given to impactful service and professional development.

Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in urban areas of North Dakota

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Bismarck, ND60$61,650
Fargo, ND-MN100$65,890
Grand Forks, ND-MN80$57,880
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021

Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in rural areas of North Dakota

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area120$56,850
East North Dakota nonmetropolitan area110$50,430
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021

Associations That Provide Help or Resources

The North Dakota Library Association (NDLA) is a body that represents the interest of school and other librarians in the state. This association provides resources for professional development. They hold annual conferences and periodic webinars which empower members with the knowledge and skill to improve the library user experience in school libraries. They also provide networking and mentorship opportunities which are useful for career advancement and championing necessary changes.

Public Librarians

State libraries provide a wide variety of books, DVDs, and other learning materials that indigenes can leverage in their pursuit of knowledge and for research. Public librarians help give direction to the use of the materials available in the libraries.

How Are Public Librarian Salaries Determined in North Dakota?

Public libraries receive financial allocations from the government. Each library decides what they are willing to pay a librarian, as well as other employees. The financial allocation by the government is expected to cover all the financial needs of the library and as such the management must ensure that the resources are managed properly. Members of staff are placed on a salary scale that is worthy of their academic qualifications and experience.

How Can One Increase Their Salary?

Most public institutions have a fixed salary increment plan that ensures that as long as you have stayed on the job for long enough, you get a raise. Usually, this raise is across the board for all eligible members. Promotions also afford you an increase as a staff member. Professional development is taken seriously which is why you are expected to consider opportunities for continuing education. Contact the payroll department in your institution for the procedure of salary increase.

Associations That Provide Help or Resources

The NDLA also represents the interests of public librarians. If you intend to work as a public librarian in North Dakota, you can take advantage of the continuing education resources they offer and their conferences for networking and getting ahead in your career.

Academic Librarians

Academic librarians are professionals who have introduced a lot of changes in the way libraries are run and used over the years. As an academic librarian, you get to work with different faculties and departments, putting your interpersonal and communication skills to great use.

How Are Academic Librarian Salaries Determined in North Dakota?

The University of North Dakota (UND) has seven different libraries which serve the needs of various departments and faculties. Each of these libraries employs the services of academic librarians in such a way that the libraries can come together as a faculty. Every institution has a salary structure for their employees and they are placed based on their qualifications.

How Can One Increase Their Salary?

Universities conduct annual reviews of the performance of their employees over the past academic year. The result of the reviews can be instrumental in determining whether you get a raise or not. Different institutions have their specific process and requirements. You want to contact the account or payroll department for information about the process. In most institutions of higher learning, the review process is done at the faculty level and recommendations are then made to the university’s board. Taking part in professional development programs can prove helpful for you.

How Can an Academic Librarian Get Tenured and How Does This Affect Their Lifetime Earning Potential?

Universities award tenure to academic staff who have delivered praise-worthy service in line with the institution’s purpose. UND allows faculty deans to nominate members of their faculty for tenure after considering their scholarly and creative achievements. This also applies to academic librarians in any of the university’s libraries. Being promoted to the rank of professor, assistant, or associate professor will have a tremendous impact on your earnings as well as open you up to other benefits.

Associations That Provide Help or Resources

The Association of College and Research Libraries – North Dakota (ACRL-ND) provides a platform for academic librarians to network and discuss important issues affecting them. They hold conferences and webinars that are beneficial for their members and engage in advocacy to maintain and improve the conditions of libraries and library staff.