Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Salary 2025: $68,270 Median, Career Path & Outlook
The median annual salary for librarians and media collections specialists in the U.S. is $68,270, with the middle 80% earning between $43,660 and $103,990. That works out to roughly $33 per hour at the mean. With 133,790 people employed in the role nationwide, it’s a steady but slow-growing field — projected to add about 13,500 openings each year through 2034, though overall growth is just 1.7%.
How much Librarians and Media Collections Specialists earn
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national mean wage of $72,840 for this occupation. Half of all workers earn more than $68,270; the top 10% make over $103,990, while the bottom 10% earn below $43,660. Pay varies widely by setting — those in federal government, for example, tend to earn above the mean, while local libraries often pay less.
- National median: $68,270
- Mean hourly wage: $33.03
- 10th percentile: $43,660
- 90th percentile: $103,990
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. Washington State tops the list with an average annual wage of $100,030, followed by the District of Columbia ($96,550), California ($89,790), Maryland ($88,570), and Nevada ($84,540). At the low end, South Dakota averages $51,210, Wyoming $46,530, and West Virginia just $42,980 — less than half of what Washington pays. These differences reflect both cost of living and local funding for libraries and media centers.
How to become a Librarians and Media Collections Specialist
Most positions require a master’s degree in library science (MLS) from a program accredited by the American Library Association. Some roles, especially in schools, also need a teaching certification or a state-specific license. For federal jobs, you may need additional coursework or experience. Entry-level jobs often start as library assistants or technicians, where a bachelor’s degree may suffice, but advancement to librarian status typically demands the master’s.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (any field, but English, history, or education common).
- Complete an ALA-accredited master’s in library science (MLS/MLIS).
- Obtain state licensure or teaching certification if working in a public school library.
- Gain experience through internships, paraprofessional roles, or volunteer work.
- Consider specializations — digital collections, law librarianship, medical libraries — for higher pay.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment will grow 1.7% from 2024 to 2034, much slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 13,500 openings each year, most of which will come from retirements and turnover rather than new positions. Competition is strongest for jobs in major metropolitan areas and at universities; rural and school libraries may be easier to enter but offer lower pay.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary range for a librarian in 2025?
The national median is $68,270, with a typical range from $43,660 (10th percentile) to $103,990 (90th percentile), according to the BLS.
How many librarians and media collections specialists are employed?
There are about 133,790 people working in this occupation across the United States as of 2024.
Which states pay librarians the most?
Washington leads at $100,030 average annual wage, followed by D.C. ($96,550), California ($89,790), Maryland ($88,570), and Nevada ($84,540).
What is the job growth for librarians?
Employment is projected to grow only 1.7% from 2024 to 2034, slower than average, though about 13,500 openings are expected each year due to replacements.
What education is needed to become a librarian?
Most positions require a master’s degree in library science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program, plus state licensure or teaching certification for school libraries.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Librarians and Media Collections Specialists data.