Explore Librarian Salary, Jobs, And Careers In Library Science

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Librarian Career and Salary

In recent years, the topic of whether or not librarians are still an essential part of modern society given technological advances has been much discussed. Although some maintain that libraries are a thing of the past, the fact of the matter is that libraries and librarians have done an excellent job at evolving with the times to ensure modern relevance.

Jumpstart your career as a librarian by exploring online MLS programs.

As librarians have evolved their skill sets, the salary potential for careers in library science have expanded as well. A wide range of factors can influence librarian earning potential including: job setting, level of professional education, and years of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a Librarian can earn anywhere from $38,920 per year (in the bottom 10th percentile) to $100,880 per year (in the top 90th percentile), as of 2024.

What Do Librarians Do?

Librarians, on any given day and in a variety of settings, can be found doing a variety of different tasks relating to information, literature, data, and preservation to name just a few of the areas many librarians touch upon. Although the basic job function of a librarian may change depending on the environment in which the work (i.e. in a university setting vs. a public library), the most simplistic explanation for what a librarian does is assist individuals or groups in finding information, help efforts in conducting research, and cultivate assets belonging to public libraries, colleges, and other institutions.

31% of librarians work in elementary or secondary schools

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Librarians can practice their craft in many settings, as libraries vary across the globe. The primary types of libraries are categorized into four major groups: academic libraries at universities, public libraries, school libraries for K-12 students, and special libraries in unique locations such as hospitals or museums.

How Much Do Librarians Make?

As stated above, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a wide range of potential librarian salaries, with the median earnings at $64,320 per year in 2024, which equals about $30.92 per hour. In discussing how much Librarians earn per year, we are mostly referring to master ‘s-holding practicing librarians in academic institutions or government offices. Numerous other jobs exist under the broader umbrella of librarianship, including library clerks and technicians, and, to a lesser extent, curators and archivists. Typically, these careers offer lower earning potential than librarian positions that require a master’s degree in library science. 

Below, we outline the main factors that determine the earning potential of a career in library science.

Top Factors Influencing Librarian Salary Potential

1.) Level of Education:

Individuals armed with a bachelors degree only are often eligible for clerical and assistant jobs in library systems, as it is commonly required to hold a master’s in library science. For those looking to advance their knowledge even further, PhD programs in library science also exist, but are not required for most positions in a run of the mill library.

2.) Work Environment:

Salary in the field of library science will often depend on where you are practicing your craft. For example, the BLS reports that the highest earnings are found in local elementary and secondary schools, whereas the lowest earning potential is in web search portals, libraries, archives, and other information services.

3.) Years of Experience:

It is relatively standard in any profession for increased tenure in the field to result in higher pay, and this is also true of the world of library science. As you advance within whatever system you are practicing in, supervisory and higher level administration positions may become available to those with extensive experience.

Syracuse University

School of Information Studies

info

Master of Science in Library and Information Science

Syracuse University offers an online, ALA-accredited MS in Library and Information Science that prepares students to help communities access and understand information, technology, and media resources. The program can be completed in 18 months, and no GRE scores are required to apply.

• ALA-accredited
• Can be completed in 18 months
• Optional specialization in School Media

Request more info from Syracuse University.

infoSPONSORED

Librarian Career Paths

University or Academic Librarian

Librarians at the collegiate level, commonly referred to as academic librarians, are integral parts of the average campus community. Assisting students with research projects, maintaining university assets, and aiding professors and administrative employees with day-to-day operations are just a few of the many functions a university librarian might practice. The BLS reports that 18% of practicing librarians are currently employed by colleges, universities, or professional schools and the average salary for librarians in this setting is $67,410 per year.

Elementary and Secondary School Librarian

Librarians working in elementary and secondary schools are responsible for introducing students from kindergarten through high school to a wide range of topics, from literature to the Dewey Decimal System. In school settings, on any given day, librarians might lead a workshop on proper citation methods for students, assist a student with a research paper, and aid teachers and students with classroom media. In the modern world, a new position in elementary and secondary schools, the “library media specialist,” has emerged, allowing those with technical expertise to leverage their skills. This is the second most common place of employment for librarians, according to the BLS, with 31% working in schools for an average annual salary of $69,880.

Public Librarian

Public librarians (i.e., librarians who are employed by the local government) typically work in libraries that exist to serve various communities in city or suburban settings. On any given day, they might help patrons locate novels for pleasure reading, offer classes to community members, and sort through the library’s resources, including books, movies, and more. Approximately 30% of librarians work in public libraries or settings similar to public libraries, making it the second most common work environment among all career paths. The BLS reports that public librarians earn an average annual salary of $60,510.

Information Librarian

Information librarians, also referred to as “special” librarians, often work in unique settings such as law libraries, private corporations, hospitals, and museums. It is common for some information librarians to serve as archivists or curators of special collections (including books and other materials) in addition to their core responsibilities. This is the least common career path among graduates of master’s programs in library science, comprising only 5 percent of all working librarians in America. Information Librarians enjoy an average annual salary of $59,810 according to the BLS.

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Career Outlook for Librarians

Although much has been discussed about the future relevance of librarians given the modern emphasis on technology, librarians from 2024-2034 are expected to experience job growth of about 2%, which is slower than the average career’s expected growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, librarians and library media specialists continue to play a core role in helping people find information and conduct research, and the field is expected to keep generating substantial openings each year through the next decade. 

At the same time, librarianship is evolving quickly as technology changes how information is created and accessed: the American Library Association’s 2025 State of America’s Libraries report highlights the growing importance of AI literacy in library services and staff skill development.

Information last updated: January 2026