Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Master's degree
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Librarians and media collections specialists work in a profession that blends information organization, technology, and direct service to patrons. With national employment of 142,000 and a projected growth rate of 1.7%, this career offers a stable presence in the labor market. About 14,000 annual openings suggest a consistent flow of opportunities for new and experienced professionals. The national median salary of $64,320 supports a solid mid-level earning path, with the potential for higher pay in certain states and metro areas. Success in this field draws on a mix of computers and information technology, project management, speaking and listening, and strong writing and reading abilities. Interpersonal skills, customer service, adaptability, creativity and innovation, leadership, and critical and analytical thinking all play important roles. Overall, this career suits people who enjoy combining information-focused work with interaction and communication in a professional, knowledge-centered setting.
The national median annual salary for librarians and media collections specialists is $64,320, with noticeable variation by location. Several states offer higher median salaries, including Washington at $100,030, California at $89,790, New York at $78,590, Massachusetts at $78,540, and Colorado at $76,480. Among metro areas, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA shows a median salary of $103,240, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $101,490, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $95,480, New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $81,670, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $79,450. These figures indicate that earnings can rise substantially above the national median in certain states and metros. For professionals willing to consider relocation, the salary data highlights specific areas where compensation is notably higher, which may be important for long-term financial planning and career progression.
Librarians and media collections specialists have national employment of 142,000, with projected employment growth of 1.7%. This growth rate, combined with approximately 14,000 annual openings, points to ongoing demand driven by both new positions and turnover in existing roles. The uniform projected growth rate of 1.7% is also reflected in leading states and metro areas, suggesting steady, consistent expectations across different regions. For job seekers, the combination of a defined employment base and regular annual openings can support both entry-level and mid-career moves. The occupation’s outlook is further supported by the range of locations with documented employment, from large metros such as New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ at 10,690 jobs to smaller markets such as San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA at 700 jobs. Overall, the data points to a stable field with continuing opportunities rather than rapid expansion or contraction.
Location plays a significant role in career planning for librarians and media collections specialists. Among states, California stands out with a median salary of $89,790 and employment of 10,180, paired with an opportunity score of 67.38. New York has the largest listed state employment at 11,870 and a median salary of $78,590, with an opportunity score of 65.78. Massachusetts and Colorado offer median salaries of $78,540 and $76,480 respectively, while Washington combines a median salary of $100,030 with an opportunity score of 56.29. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA shows both the highest median salary of $103,240 and a top opportunity score of 77.42, though with 700 jobs. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ offers a strong mix of 10,690 jobs, a median salary of $81,670, and an opportunity score of 77.27. Other metros such as San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA; Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV; and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH also provide notable salary and opportunity combinations.
The typical education requirement for librarians and media collections specialists is a master’s degree. This advanced education aligns with the occupation’s emphasis on both technical and interpersonal competencies. Key skills include computers and information technology, which support work with digital systems and resources, and project management, which is important for coordinating initiatives and services. Strong speaking and listening abilities, along with writing and reading, are central to effective communication and information-focused tasks. Interpersonal and customer service skills help professionals work with a variety of patrons and colleagues. Adaptability and creativity and innovation support responding to changing needs and developing new approaches. Leadership and critical and analytical thinking contribute to decision-making and guiding projects or teams. Together, the master’s-level preparation and this broad skill set position professionals to handle complex information environments and sustained interaction with users and stakeholders.
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