Education & Childcare career

Librarian

Also called: School Librarian · Media Specialist · Public Librarian · Academic Librarian

What librarians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a librarian do?

Librarians and media collections specialists help people find information, manage library collections, teach research and digital skills, and run programs for communities and schools. The median pay is $68,270 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Bachelor’s plus 1–2 year master’s, and employment is projected to grow +2.6% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $68,270
    $32.82/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +2.6%
    2025–35, about as fast as average
  • Openings per year
    12,600
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Master's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    Bachelor’s plus 1–2 year master’s
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    142,300
    Employment, 2025

What librarians do

Librarians connect people with information. They help patrons find books and resources, teach research and digital literacy, select and manage collections, run programs such as story times and job help, and manage digital resources. School librarians teach students; academic librarians support research; public librarians serve whole communities.

Most librarians need a master’s degree in library and information science (MLS or MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program. School librarians often also need a teaching certification.

Typical duties

  • Help patrons find information
  • Select and manage collections
  • Teach research and digital skills
  • Plan and run programs
  • Manage databases and digital resources
  • Catalog materials
  • Promote library services

Work environment and schedule

Librarians work in public, school, academic and special libraries, mostly indoors at desks and with the public.

Schedule: Public and academic librarians often work evenings and weekends; school librarians follow school schedules.

A day in the life

  1. Open the library and check holds and returns.
  2. Lead a preschool story time.
  3. Help a patron research a family history.
  4. Select new books for the collection.

See a full day in the life of a librarian →

Librarian salary

Half of librarians earned more than $68,270 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $43,660 for the lowest 10% to $103,990 for the top 10%.

Full librarian pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a librarian

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
  2. Work in a library
  3. Earn an MLS or MLIS
  4. Get certified if needed
  5. Advance

Most librarian jobs require a master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program. School librarians often need teaching certification.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a librarian →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Research and reference
  • Collection development
  • Cataloging
  • Information literacy instruction
  • Library systems

People skills

  • Curiosity
  • Customer service
  • Communication
  • Organization

All librarian skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Help people learn every day
  • Quiet, intellectual work
  • Community impact
  • Variety of library types

Cons

  • Requires a master’s degree
  • Budget cuts
  • Competitive jobs in some areas
  • Evening and weekend shifts

Certifications and licenses

  • MLS or MLIS degree: Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program.
  • School library media certification: Required for school librarians in many states.
  • Public librarian certification: Required in some states.
  • Digital literacy training: Courses on digital tools and instruction.

Career path

  1. Library Assistant: Support library services.
  2. Librarian: Serve patrons and manage collections.
  3. Branch Manager or Department Head: Lead teams.
  4. Library Director: Lead a library system.

Learn the job before day one

Our Librarian training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as conduct a reference interview and teach students to evaluate sources, safety and how to land your first job.

View Librarian trainingIs this career right for me?

Library Technician

Help libraries run smoothly, from checkouts to cataloging.

  • $44,580
  • 6 months–2 years

Instructional Coordinator

Improve teaching and learning by developing curriculum and coaching teachers.

  • $77,440
  • Master’s plus 5+ years of teaching

High School Teacher

Teach teenagers a subject and prepare them for college, careers and life.

  • $72,040
  • 4 years plus licensing

Technical Writer

Explain complex products and processes in clear, usable documentation.

  • $90,390
  • 4 years or technical background plus writing training

Compare: Librarian vs. Library Technician · Librarian vs. Instructional Coordinator · Librarian vs. High School Teacher · Librarian vs. Technical Writer

Librarian FAQ

Do librarians need a master’s degree?

Usually an MLS or MLIS.

Are librarians still needed?

Yes, for research, digital skills and community programs.

What’s a school librarian?

A librarian who teaches students research and reading skills.

How much does a librarian make?

The median annual wage for librarians was $68,270 ($32.82 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $43,660 and the highest 10% earned more than $103,990.

How long does it take to become a librarian?

Most people need about Bachelor’s plus 1–2 year master’s of training. Most librarian jobs require a master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program. School librarians often need teaching certification.

Do you need a degree to be a librarian?

Usually. Most librarian jobs require a master’s degree in library and information science, and school librarians often need teaching certification. Library assistant and technician jobs require less education.

More librarian questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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