Librarians and library media specialists

๐Ÿค Save Career

Librarians 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).

$64,320
Median Salary
2%
Growth Rate
70%
AI Risk
Master's Degree
Education

๐Ÿ’ฐ Salary Range

$38,592$64,320 median$102,912

๐Ÿ“ˆ Growth Outlook

โžก๏ธ Stable โ€” 2% projected growth

๐Ÿค– AI Automation Risk

High

Significant portions of this job could be automated by AI.

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AI Impact Deep Dive: Librarians and library media specialists

๐Ÿ”ฌ AI Impact Deep Dive: Librarians and library media specialists

AI Collaboration Score

13% โ€” Low

Measures how much AI tools are used as collaborative assistants in this role (0% = no AI involvement, 100% = AI-intensive workflow)

๐Ÿ”ฎ Future Outlook

Librarianship is fundamentally about information retrieval, organization, and researchโ€”domains 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

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.
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Career 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.

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Majors & Top Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Librarians and library media specialists make in 2026?โ–ผ

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?โ–ผ

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?โ–ผ

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?โ–ผ

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?โ–ผ

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?โ–ผ

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?โ–ผ

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?โ–ผ

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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