What Librarians and Media Collections Specialists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Librarians and Media Collections Specialists this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Check books in and out of the library"; "Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases"; "Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources"; "Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors"; "Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is master's degree.
Job outlook for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 142,300 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 145,900 in 2035, an increase of 3,600 jobs (+2.6%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 12,600 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.9% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $68,270, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Librarians and Media Collections Specialists earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $77,793 in New York to $80,727 in New Jersey, a gap of $2,934 (1.04 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $68,270 and 0 average at or below it.
New York employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 14,780, which is 51.4% of the 28,740 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 13,960.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($80,727) and New York ($77,793) lead the ranking, while New York ($77,793) and New Jersey ($80,727) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Frequently asked questions about Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
How much do Librarians and Media Collections Specialists earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $68,270. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $77,793 to $80,727.
Which state pays Librarians and Media Collections Specialists the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $80,727. New York is next at $77,793.
Is Librarians and Media Collections Specialists a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 2.6% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 12,600 openings a year.
What education do Librarians and Media Collections Specialists need?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree, according to BLS.