High Paying Master’s in Library Science Careers

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  • Public, Private and Local Colleges, Universities and Vocational Schools
  • Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools
  • Information Services
  • Local Government
  • Private Businesses

After earning a Master’s in Library Science, a graduate might want to know which career settings pay the most money. Most people do not go into library science in anticipation of becoming wealthy. But the pay is an important consideration in applying for and choosing a job. These are the top five paying career settings for a Master’s in Library Science degree.

1. Public, Private and Local Colleges, Universities and Vocational Schools

Librarians who have the highest average annual pay work in:

  • public, private or local colleges
  • universities
  • vocational schools

Their median annual salary as of May 2018 is $64,130. This is higher than the average for people with a master’s degree in library science across all career settings. The average median salary for all librarians is $59,050. Those who work in higher education may be in a general library or a specialty library, such as medical or law libraries.

2. Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools

Public and private elementary and secondary schools offer the second-highest median salaries for library science. Their median pay as of May 2018 was $60,780 per year, which is slightly above the median wage for all career environments in this occupation. Librarians who also hold a teaching license or who offer services after school hours may earn more. Public school librarians may be unionized, which could increase their earnings.

3. Information Services

People with a master’s degree in library science who work information services earn slightly less than average, about $56,970 per year. This career environment may include places such as:

  • public hospitals
  • clinics
  • other healthcare settings

It also includes other types of setting, including:

  • educational institutions
  • museums
  • archival centers
  • public research centers

These librarians may work with a variety of media, including historical documents and digital information. This also includes state libraries and federal libraries. Presidential libraries also fall into this category.

4. Local Government

Local government typically operates city and county libraries. Although local governments pay lower than average salaries, they may offer:

  • more flexibility in scheduling
  • more paid time off
  • other perks that are separate from the job’s salary

For example, local librarians may work some weekends or evenings to accommodate library patrons from the community. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for people with a master’s degree in library science who work in local government is $53,060.

5. Private Businesses

Private businesses may employ people with a master’s degree in library science. Some niches that could offer these job opportunities include:

  • large corporations
  • research and development centers
  • pharmaceutical companies
  • law firms
  • medical research centers

In these settings, a person with a Master’s in Library Science may be responsible for:

  • retrieving records and past research documents
  • storing and preserving documents and media for future use.

Related Resource: 10 Great Deals: Master of Library Science Online

A job’s salary is not the only part of its total compensation package. Job applicants should also consider the other benefits, such as:

  • paid time off
  • flexible work hours
  • paid travel
  • paid continuing education
  • health insurance and more

Knowing the top five paying career settings for a Master’s in Library Science makes it easier for a job applicant to choose a position that’s right for them.

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