City of Chicago / Chicago Public Library
Agency file
The Chicago Public Library supports cultural and educational resources such as libraries, museums, and the arts.
In 2026, this agency had 1,095 employees with median total compensation of $76,464; the highest distinct record was $223,740.
What the records show
These summaries compare pay within the agency before listing individual records.
How 2026 total compensation is spread across the 1,095 employees. Each bar is a pay range; taller bars mean more people earn in that range. The amber line marks the median ($76,464) — half earn less, half more. The far-right bar collects the highest earners.
What an average paycheck here is made of — base salary versus overtime, other pay (bonuses, allowances), and benefits. A large overtime or other-pay share means take-home often exceeds base salary.
The pay ladder for this department. Someone at the 90th percentile earns $122,700 — more than 90% of the department; the 10th percentile earns $19,344. The shaded band is the middle half of employees (25th–75th percentile).
The most common job titles in this department by headcount, with the median total compensation for each. Click a title to see everyone who holds it.
Compare
Departments elsewhere with the most similar mix of roles — a proxy for the same kind of agency, matched by workforce composition rather than name. Pay is not cost-of-living adjusted.
Record list
Page 2
Librarian III/Chicago Public Library
Source-specific fields
Elizabeth Hanson is a Librarian III at Chicago Public Library. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $122,700.
Librarian III/Chicago Public Library
Source-specific fields
Mary Decker is a Librarian III at Chicago Public Library. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $122,700.
Library Director/Chicago Public Library
Source-specific fields
At Chicago Public Library, Tamela Chambers serves as a Library Director. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $121,320.
Assistant Library Director/Chicago Public Library
Source-specific fields
Sarah Zimmerman holds the role of Assistant Library Director at Chicago Public Library. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $121,320.