Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Librarians typically need a master’s degree in library science (MLS). School librarians and library media specialists typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, along with a teaching certificate; requirements vary by state. PayThe median annual wage for librarians and library media specialists was $68,270 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of librarians and library media specialists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 12,600 openings for librarians and library media specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for librarians and library media specialists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of librarians and library media specialists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about librarians and library media specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for librarians and library media specialists was $68,270 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of librarians and library media specialists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 12,600 openings for librarians and library media specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for librarians and library media specialists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of librarians and library media specialists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about librarians and library media specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of librarians and library media specialists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 12,600 openings for librarians and library media specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for librarians and library media specialists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of librarians and library media specialists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about librarians and library media specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Librarians and library media specialists help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use.
Work Environment
Librarians and library media specialists work for local governments, schools, and other organizations. Most work full time, although part-time work is common.
How to Become a Librarian or Library Media Specialist
Librarians typically need a master’s degree in library science (MLS). School librarians and library media specialists typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, along with a teaching certificate; requirements vary by state.
Pay
The median annual wage for librarians and library media specialists was $68,270 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of librarians and library media specialists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 12,600 openings for librarians and library media specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for librarians and library media specialists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of librarians and library media specialists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about librarians and library media specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Librarians and library media specialists work for local governments, schools, and other organizations. Most work full time, although part-time work is common.
How to Become a Librarian or Library Media Specialist
Librarians typically need a master’s degree in library science (MLS). School librarians and library media specialists typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, along with a teaching certificate; requirements vary by state.
Pay
The median annual wage for librarians and library media specialists was $68,270 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of librarians and library media specialists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 12,600 openings for librarians and library media specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for librarians and library media specialists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of librarians and library media specialists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about librarians and library media specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for librarians and library media specialists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of librarians and library media specialists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about librarians and library media specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about librarians and library media specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.