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The differences between librarians and media specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a librarian, becoming a media specialist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a librarian has an average salary of $53,096, which is higher than the $50,832 average annual salary of a media specialist.
The top three skills for a librarian include library services, customer service and library materials. The most important skills for a media specialist are digital marketing, video production, and customer service.
| Librarian | Media Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $53,096 | $50,832 |
| Hourly rate | $25.53 | $24.44 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 1,264 | 39,401 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 48 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Librarians are trained in the field of information science so they can assist people in search of information. They direct and develop information systems and programs for the public. It is their job to make sure that the data is well-organized to meet every library user's needs. Their library work focuses on three main aspects, including user services, administrative services, and technical services. Typically, librarians work in schools, government, or local libraries.
Media specialists are individuals who establish and administer content on various social media platforms. The job involves monitoring site metrics, overseeing creative design, and responding to reader comments. Specialists offer advice to administrators and teachers on the use of non-print social media. They work for huge enterprises with multimedia departments, new media departments, and in-house websites. The skills the job requires include trend awareness, social media ads, community management, strong visual aesthetic, and understanding SEO.
Librarians and media specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Librarian | Media Specialist | |
| Average salary | $53,096 | $50,832 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $73,000 | Between $35,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Meta | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Education | Professional |
There are a few differences between a librarian and a media specialist in terms of educational background:
| Librarian | Media Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Library Science | Communication |
| Most common college | New York University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between librarians' and media specialists' demographics:
| Librarian | Media Specialist | |
| Average age | 48 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 31.3% Female, 68.7% | Male, 52.9% Female, 47.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 5.3% White, 66.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 12% |