Librarians, Curators, and Archivists earn a median salary of $60,470: What the numbers mean for your career
The median salary for librarians, curators, and archivists is $60,470, according to 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $29 an hour, or $63,900 on average. The job market includes about 234,910 positions across the U.S., spanning public libraries, museums, archives, and other cultural institutions.
How much Librarians, Curators, and Archivists earn
Pay varies widely. The lowest 10% of earners make $35,240 or less, while the highest 10% bring in $99,790 or more. That means salaries can range from entry-level support roles to top administrative positions at large libraries or museums.
Experience, location, and employer type strongly influence earnings. Federal government jobs, for example, tend to pay above the median, while local libraries may fall closer to the lower end.
- Median annual wage: $60,470
- Mean annual wage: $63,900 (about $29/hour)
- 10th percentile: $35,240
- 90th percentile: $99,790
- Total employment: 234,910
Pay by state
Salaries differ significantly by state, though detailed state-level data isn't available for this occupation from the BLS at this time. Generally, states with higher costs of living and larger cities — such as California, New York, and Massachusetts — tend to pay above the national median. Meanwhile, rural or lower-cost states often fall below the median.
For current state-specific figures, check the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) database.
How to become a Librarian, Curator, or Archivist
The path varies by specialization, but most professional roles require a master's degree. For librarians, a Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited program is standard. Curators and archivists often need a master's in museum studies, history, art history, or a related field, plus relevant internship experience.
Some positions, especially entry-level library technician or assistant roles, may only require a bachelor's degree or associate degree. Licensing is not typically required, though school librarians may need state teaching certification.
- Earn a bachelor's degree (any field; common majors: English, history, art history, education).
- For professional roles, complete a master's degree in library science, museum studies, or archival science.
- Gain experience through internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs at libraries, museums, or archives.
- Consider certification: The Academy of Certified Archivists offers voluntary certification. Curators can pursue the Certified Museum Professional credential.
Job outlook
The BLS does not provide a specific growth projection for this occupation from 2024 to 2034. Overall, the field is expected to grow at a rate similar to the average for all occupations, driven by ongoing needs for information management and preservation of historical materials. However, budget constraints at public institutions and the rise of digital resources may temper growth in some sectors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a librarian?
Entry-level positions (10th percentile) pay about $35,240 or less. The median for all librarians, curators, and archivists is $60,470.
Do I need a master's degree to become a librarian?
Most professional librarian roles require a master's degree in library science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program. However, library technician or assistant jobs may only need a bachelor's or associate degree.
What is the highest-paying state for archivists?
Specific state data isn't available in this dataset, but states with high costs of living like California, New York, and Massachusetts typically pay above the median.
Is becoming a curator a good career?
It can be rewarding but competitive. The median salary for the group is $60,470, and top earners make over $99,790. A master's degree and relevant experience are essential.
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, Curators, and Archivists data.