Entry Level Salary
$34,891
Median Salary
$63,714
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
21.3%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $2,548,560
Entry (Early)
$34,891
Median (Prime)
$63,714
High (Prime)
$63,714
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-141k
+111k
+111k
$25k / yr
-231k
+21k
+21k
$50k / yr
-321k
-69k
-69k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
31
31
$25k / yr
Never
52
52
$50k / yr
Never
Never
Never
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-213%
20%
20%
$50k / yr
-148%
-32%
-32%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate68.6%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Librarians and media collections specialists
35.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,650
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$61,903|$64,320
openings
13,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.7%
Elementary and middle school teachers
5.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$40,609
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$62,475|$62,500
openings
132,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2%
Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive
3.2% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$20,516
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$31,563|$46,290
openings
202,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): -1.6%
Library assistants, clerical
2.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$12,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$28,199|$36,010
openings
12,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): -6.7%
Education and childcare administrators
2.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$55,900
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$86,000|$100,650
openings
45,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.3%
Management occupations
2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$54,024
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$90,000|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Preschool and kindergarten teachers
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$6,902
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$10,619|$40,090
openings
78,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.1%
Accountants and auditors
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$47,553
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$73,158|$81,680
openings
124,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.6%
Postsecondary teachers
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$14,578
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$56,275|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Receptionists and information clerks
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$27,137
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$27,137|$37,230
openings
128,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| library and archives assisting. | Undergrad Certificate | 19 | Data N/A |
| library and archives assisting. | Associate's Degree | 21 | $34,202 - $34,202 |
| library science and administration. | Bachelor's Degree | 8 | $30,340 - $38,786 |
| library science and administration. | Post-bacc Certificate | 4 | $57,780 - $57,780 |
| library science and administration. | Master's Degree | 63 | $47,552 - $74,359 |
| library science and administration. | Doctoral Degree | 10 | Data N/A |
| library science and administration. | First Professional Degree | 2 | $56,690 - $76,685 |
| library science and administration. | Graduate Certificate | 13 | $51,089 - $77,148 |
| library science, other. | Master's Degree | 10 | $52,129 - $72,203 |