How to Become a Librarian
Curate collections and connect people with information, from public libraries to schools and research institutions. It typically requires a master's degree, with a median salary of $68,270 per year and slower than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$68,270/yr
Job growth
1%
Openings / yr
13,500
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Collection Management
- Research Assistance
- Information Literacy
- Reading Comprehension
- Community Programming
Helpful certifications
- MLIS (ALA-accredited)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- School Principal (K-12 Administrator)$105,870 median
- College Administrator (Postsecondary)$104,590 median
- School Psychologist$95,990 median
- Instructional Coordinator$77,440 median
- Teacher (Secondary Education)$72,040 median
- Career and Technical Education Teacher$66,270 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Librarian make?
The median pay for a Librarian is $68,270 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Librarian?
The usual entry point is a master's degree. Common majors are Library and Information Science, English, and Education.
Is Librarian a growing field?
The BLS projects slower than average demand for this role, about 1% over the decade, with roughly 13,500 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Librarian use most?
Common skills for this role are Collection Management, Research Assistance, Information Literacy, Reading Comprehension, and Community Programming.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.