Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary

SOC code 25-1082 · O*NET-SOC 25-1082.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Education and library

Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$80,340

a year

Hourly

—

per hour

10th$57,200Median$80,34090th$129,120

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$88,110

— per hour

Middle 50%

$64,080 – $100,910

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$57,200 – $129,120

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

3,630

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $57,200; —/hr
25th percentile: $64,080; —/hr
Median percentile: $80,340; —/hr
75th percentile: $100,910; —/hr
90th percentile: $129,120; —/hr

What do library science teachers, postsecondary do?

Teach courses in library science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and present findings in professional journals, books, electronic media, or at professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, giving presentations at conferences, and serving on committees in professional associations.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as collection development, archival methods, and indexing and abstracting.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold doctoral degree — 65% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Doctoral Degree65%
Master's Degree25%
Post-Doctoral Training8%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree1%

Common questions

How much does a library science teachers, postsecondary earn?

The national median is $80,340 a year. The full range runs from $57,200 at the 10th percentile to $129,120 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a library science teachers, postsecondary without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.1/5
Speaking4.1/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Writing4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Active Learning4.0/5
Learning Strategies4.0/5
Monitoring4.0/5

Knowledge areas

English Language4.7/5
Education and Training4.5/5
Computers and Electronics4.2/5
Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
Communications and Media3.6/5
Sociology and Anthropology3.5/5
Psychology3.4/5
Administration and Management3.2/5

Transferable strengths: Instructing, Complex Problem Solving.