Librarians and Media Collections Specialists: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 131,830 librarians and media collections specialists, and they earn a median of $64,320/year. The range runs from $39K to $101K. Washington pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level librarians and media collections specialists start around $39K. The gap between that and the median ($64K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $101K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $94K | 2,830 |
| District of Columbia | $94K | 940 |
| California | $87K | 10,030 |
| Maryland | $82K | 3,270 |
| Nevada | $80K | 650 |
| New Jersey | $79K | 3,510 |
| Delaware | $78K | 330 |
| Alaska | $78K | 330 |
| New York | $77K | 11,020 |
| Connecticut | $76K | 2,430 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a librarians and media collections specialists make?▼
The median librarians and media collections specialists salary in the United States is $64,320 per year ($31/hour). Entry-level positions start around $38,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,880.
What education do you need to become a librarians and media collections specialists?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for librarians and media collections specialists?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for librarians and media collections specialists.
What are the highest paying states for librarians and media collections specialists?▼
The highest paying states for librarians and media collections specialists are Washington ($94,400), District of Columbia ($93,740), California ($86,590), Maryland ($81,690), Nevada ($79,710). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.