To become a librarian in the US, you'll typically earn a bachelor's degree in any subject, then a master's degree in library science (MLS), which usually takes 1 to 2 years. School librarians often follow a different route: a degree plus a teaching certificate, with rules that vary by state.
The master's degree goes by several names, including Master of Information Studies and Master of Library and Information Studies, so don't rule out a program just because the title looks different.
Figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, read on 26 October 2026.
Librarians in numbers
| Measure | BLS figure |
|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $68,270 a year, $32.82 an hour |
| Lowest 10 in every 100 earned less than | $43,660 |
| Highest 10 in every 100 earned more than | $103,990 |
| Jobs in 2025 | 142,300 |
| Projected growth 2025 to 2035 | 3%, as fast as average |
| Openings each year | About 12,600 on average |
Those pay figures are as of October 2026.
How to become a librarian, step by step
- Earn a bachelor's degree. Any major is accepted for entry into an MLS program.
- Complete a master's in library science. Programs usually take 1 to 2 years and cover research methods, online reference systems and internet search techniques.
- Pick your setting. Public, academic, school and special libraries each have their own expectations.
- Check certification rules. Some states require certification for public librarians, and public school librarians typically need a teacher's certification.
- Add subject knowledge if you want to specialize. Corporate, law and medical libraries often want expertise in their field.
The school librarian route is different
Here's the detail many people miss. If you want to work in a school, the MLS isn't always the key credential. BLS says most states require public school librarians and library media specialists to have an MLS or a bachelor's or master's degree in education, often with a library media specialization, and they typically need a teacher's certification. Some states also require a standardized test, such as the PRAXIS II Library Media Specialist test.
So if you're already a teacher, you may be closer to a school library role than you think. Contact your state department of education for the exact rules. If you're coming from the classroom, our guide for elementary school teachers covers the teaching side of that move.
What librarians do all day
The job is wider than shelving books. Librarians help patrons with research, plan outreach programs aimed at different groups, choose and organise materials and manage the systems that make collections searchable. In schools, library media specialists teach students how to use library resources, including technology, and help teachers find materials; in colleges, academic librarians help students research coursework topics and support faculty research. If you enjoy helping people get to a clear answer, that's the core of the role.
BLS expects libraries to keep hosting a range of services and activities, which is why librarians are still needed to manage them and to help people find information. That steady demand, rather than fast growth, is the shape of this career.
Special librarians
Librarians in corporate, law or medical libraries usually combine an MLS with knowledge of their specialist field. Some employers want a master's, a professional degree or a Ph.D. in that subject. For example, BLS says a law librarian may be required to have a law degree.
Where librarians work and what they earn
| Employer | Share of jobs | Median pay, May 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Local government | 32% | $62,860 |
| Elementary and secondary schools, local | 31 in every 100 | $74,710 |
| Colleges and universities, state | 9 in every 100 | $74,490 |
| Colleges and universities, private | 8 in every 100 | $73,700 |
| Libraries, archives and information services | 5 in every 100 | $60,360 |
School and college librarians earned higher medians than public library staff, as of October 2026.
Choosing a master's program
Because the title varies, look at what a program teaches rather than what it's called. BLS says coursework typically covers research methods and strategies, online reference systems and internet search techniques. If you already know the setting you want, such as a school, a university or a law firm, pick a program with options that match it, and check whether your state's school library rules expect an education degree instead. Ask employers in your area which programs their librarians came from, because that's often the quickest way to see which degrees they trust.
What the schedule looks like
- Public and academic librarians often work evenings and weekends and may work holidays.
- School librarians usually follow teachers' schedules, including summers off.
- Special librarians typically work business hours but may put in more than 40 hours a week near deadlines.
Most librarians work full time, though part-time work is common. A lot of the role is helping people find information, running programs such as story time for children and managing collections. If you'll be running a small library, our guide to library management systems shows the software side of the job.
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My verdict
Librarianship is a master's-level career, but a reachable one: any bachelor's degree, then 1 to 2 years of study. Decide early where you want to work, because a school library may need a teaching certificate, while a law or medical library may want subject expertise. If you're a teacher already, the school route could be the fastest way in.
Frequently asked questions
What degree do you need to be a librarian?
Librarians typically need a master's degree in library science (MLS), which may also be called a Master of Information Studies or Master of Library and Information Studies.
How long does it take to become a librarian?
A bachelor's degree in any subject, then an MLS program that usually takes 1 to 2 years.
Can you become a librarian without a master's?
Some school librarian roles accept a bachelor's or master's degree in education with a library media focus plus a teaching certificate, depending on the state.
How much do librarians make?
BLS reports a median of $68,270 a year in May 2025, with local elementary and secondary schools paying a median of $74,710.
Do school librarians need a teaching certificate?
Public school librarians and library media specialists typically need a teacher's certification, and some states require a test such as the PRAXIS II Library Media Specialist test.
Do librarians work weekends?
Public and academic librarians often work evenings and weekends and may work holidays. School librarians usually follow teachers' schedules.
What is a special librarian?
A librarian in a corporate, law or medical library. They usually pair an MLS with knowledge of the field, and a law librarian may need a law degree.
Is librarian a growing job?
BLS projects 3% growth from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average, with about 12,600 openings a year.
