How to Become a Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondaries earn a median salary of $80,340/year in the United States. Most positions require Bachelor's degree. The highest-paying states include California, Maryland, Washington.
Education and training
Teaching careers require at minimum a bachelor's degree, and many states now require a master's degree within the first 5-10 years of teaching. The bachelor's is typically in education (elementary) or in the subject area plus education coursework (secondary). All teacher preparation programs include a student teaching practicum of one or two semesters. Alternative certification programs (Teach for America, state-specific fast-track programs) allow career changers with bachelor's degrees in other fields to enter teaching while completing education coursework concurrently.
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary positions typically call for Bachelor's degree. Hands-on experience through internships, entry-level positions, or structured training complements formal education.
Licensing and certification
Teaching is licensed at the state level. Every state requires teachers in public schools to hold a valid teaching certificate/license. Requirements include completing an approved teacher preparation program, passing content area exams (like Praxis), and passing a basic skills test. Licenses are not automatically transferable between states, moving states often means additional exams, coursework, or a provisional period. Private schools may not require state licensure but typically prefer it.
What the day-to-day looks like
Teachers' visible work (classroom instruction) is about 6-7 hours per day. The invisible work, lesson planning, grading, parent communication, committee meetings, professional development, and administrative tasks, adds 10-20 hours per week that happen before school, after school, and on weekends. The job demands constant multitasking: managing 25-30 students with different learning needs, behavioral challenges, and support requirements simultaneously.
Career progression
Teaching has a relatively flat salary trajectory compared to other professional careers. Most school districts use step-and-lane pay scales: salary increases with years of experience ("steps") and education level ("lanes"). A master's degree typically adds $3,000-$8,000/year depending on the district. Beyond the classroom, advancement paths include department chair, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, and district administration, each requiring additional credentials and shifting the work from teaching to management.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| California | $126K | 310 |
| Maryland | $123K | 90 |
| Washington | $105K | 90 |
| Pennsylvania | $86K | 30 |
| New Jersey | $85K | 120 |
| Iowa | $84K | 40 |
| Minnesota | $84K | 110 |
| Michigan | $83K | 70 |
| Indiana | $83K | 80 |
| Virginia | $83K | 100 |
Where the jobs are
The highest-paying state for library science teachers, postsecondarys is California at $125,640/year, that's $45,300 above the national median. But higher pay often comes with higher costs. Before assuming the top-paying state is the best financial move, check the full affordability breakdown for California.
The pay gap between the highest and lowest-paying states is $65,720. That spread sounds dramatic, but cost-of-living differences offset much of it. A library science teachers, postsecondary making $59,920 in Mississippi may have more purchasing power than one making $125,640 in California if rent and local prices differ enough.
By employment volume, the states with the most library science teachers, postsecondary jobs are Illinois (390 workers), California (310 workers), North Carolina (250 workers). High employment numbers mean more job openings, more employer competition for talent, and usually more leverage when negotiating salary. States with fewer workers in the field may pay less but also have less competition for positions.
For the full state-by-state comparison with salary percentiles, cost-of-living adjustment, and rent affordability for library science teachers, postsecondarys, see the complete salary data page.
Salary negotiation
Public school teacher salaries are typically non-negotiable, they're set by the district pay scale based on experience and education level. The levers that do exist: choosing a higher-paying district (sometimes just one district over), pursuing National Board Certification (which adds $2,000-$10,000/year in many states), teaching in shortage areas (special education, math, science, bilingual education often carry stipends), and coaching or club sponsorships that add supplemental pay.
What the data doesn't tell you
BLS salary data for teachers is accurate for base salary but misses supplemental income that many teachers earn: coaching stipends, tutoring, summer school teaching, curriculum writing, and second jobs. The base salary understates the total picture for teachers who pursue these additions, which many do out of necessity.
See the full salary picture
Percentile breakdown, cost of living, rent burden, and purchasing power for library science teachers, postsecondarys in every metro.
View Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary salaries →Frequently asked questions
How much does a library science teachers, postsecondary make?▼
The median library science teachers, postsecondary salary in the United States is $80,340 per year ($0/hour). Entry-level positions start around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $129,120.
What education do you need to become a library science teachers, postsecondary?▼
Most library science teachers, postsecondary positions require Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by state and employer. Check with your state's licensing board for specific requirements.
What is the job outlook for library science teachers, postsecondaries?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for library science teachers, postsecondaries.
What are the highest paying states for library science teachers, postsecondaries?▼
The highest paying states for library science teachers, postsecondaries are California ($125,640), Maryland ($123,170), Washington ($104,540), Pennsylvania ($86,250), New Jersey ($85,130). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.