Librarians and library media specialists
๐ค Save CareerLibrarians and library media specialists play a vital role in the US economy, with 142K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $64,320, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).
๐ฐ Salary Range
๐ Growth Outlook
โก๏ธ Stable โ 2% projected growth๐ค AI Automation Risk
Significant portions of this job could be automated by AI.
๐คAI Impact Deep Dive: Librarians and library media specialists
๐ฌ AI Impact Deep Dive: Librarians and library media specialists
AI Collaboration Score
Measures how much AI tools are used as collaborative assistants in this role (0% = no AI involvement, 100% = AI-intensive workflow)
๐ฎ Future Outlook
Librarianship is fundamentally about information retrieval, organization, and researchโdomains where LLMs and AI search engines excel. While the physical presence in schools and public libraries provides a buffer through community programming and interpersonal support, the core technical tasks of cataloging, database management, and reference assistance are highly exposed to AI automation and displacement.
Analysis based on Microsoft "Working with AI" research (2025), O*NET task data v30.2, and Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational projections. Updated March 2026.
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A Day in the Life
๐Career Outlook & Getting Started
Why It's Promising
With 2% projected growth and a median salary of $64,320, this career offers stable prospects. While the field is specialized, demand remains consistent.
How to Get Started
Entry typically requires master's degree. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field.
Who Is It For
Anyone interested in librarians and library media specialists who wants to build a rewarding career in this field.
๐Majors & Top Schools
โFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a Librarians and library media specialists make in 2026?โผ
The median salary for a Librarians and library media specialists is $64,320 per year. Entry-level positions start around $38,592, while experienced professionals can earn up to $102,912 depending on location, specialization, and industry.
How do I become a Librarians and library media specialists?โผ
Entry typically requires master's degree. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field. The typical education requirement is master's degree.
What degree do you need to be a Librarians and library media specialists?โผ
Most Librarians and library media specialists positions require master's degree. However, some professionals enter the field through alternative paths like bootcamps, certifications, or self-directed learning.
What AP courses should I take to become a Librarians and library media specialists?โผ
Check PathLeap for personalized AP course recommendations for Librarians and library media specialists. The right AP courses depend on your target college major and career specialization.
What does a Librarians and library media specialists do on a daily basis?โผ
As a librarians and library media specialist, your day involves a mix of specialized tasks that require both expertise and adaptability. You work with colleagues, clients, or patients depending on the setting, applying your training to solve real-world problems.
Is Librarians and library media specialists a good career in 2026?โผ
With 2% projected growth and a median salary of $64,320, this career offers stable prospects. While the field is specialized, demand remains consistent. Job growth is projected at 2%, which is declining. The median salary of $64,320 also positions it competitively in the job market.
Will AI replace Librarians and library media specialistss?โผ
Librarians and library media specialists has an AI automation risk score of 70/100 (High). This career faces significant evolution from AI. However, new specialized roles are emerging that combine domain expertise with AI capabilities.
What kind of person makes a good Librarians and library media specialists?โผ
Anyone interested in librarians and library media specialists who wants to build a rewarding career in this field. Success in this role also depends on continuous learning and adaptability, especially as the field evolves with new technology and industry trends.
Is Librarians and library media specialists Right for You?
Take our career quiz to see how Librarians and library media specialists matches your personality. Get personalized AP course recommendations and see what similar students are exploring.
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