How much does a librarian make?

In the U.S., librarians’ pay can differ with experience and qualifications, the library’s type and size, and its location; academic libraries and big-city jobs often pay more than public and rural ones. Specialist roles, such as law or medical librarians, may need extra expertise, and full-time versus part-time hours affect total earnings.

Administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Work in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, museums, and corporations, and with various types of informational materials, such as books, periodicals, recordings, films, and databases. Tasks may include acquiring, cataloging, and circulating library materials, and user services such as locating and organizing information, providing instruction on how to access information, and setting up and operating a library’s media equipment.

What's a typical day like?

A librarian might help a student find sources or show a visitor how to search a computer catalog. They also choose and organize books and digital materials, plan programs such as storytime, and teach people how to find information.

Most U.S. librarians earn a bachelor’s degree, then a master’s in library science. School librarians may need teacher training, a state certificate, and sometimes an exam; law or medical librarians may need extra subject expertise.

Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)

Good for people who like keeping things organized and helping and teaching.

Surprise: U.S. librarians spend over a third of an average workday standing—not just sitting at a desk!