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Librarian vs teacher

The differences between librarians and teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a librarian has an average salary of $53,096, which is higher than the $47,989 average annual salary of a teacher.

The top three skills for a librarian include library services, customer service and library materials. The most important skills for a teacher are ESL, handle scheduling, and kids.

Librarian vs teacher overview

LibrarianTeacher
Yearly salary$53,096$47,989
Hourly rate$25.53$23.07
Growth rate6%4%
Number of jobs1,26471,918
Job satisfaction54.14
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4842
Years of experience2-

What does a librarian do?

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.

What does a teacher do?

Being a teacher is one of the most passionate professions, among others. Teachers educate, motivate, and guide every generation of learners to prepare them for the real world. Every teacher is unique and has their own teaching styles and methods depending on the subject they teach and the age of their students. Oftentimes they also function as a parent, counselor, coach, friend, and even a lawmaker. There is essentially no limit to the roles a teacher portrays.

Librarian vs teacher salary

Librarians and teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

LibrarianTeacher
Average salary$53,096$47,989
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $73,000Between $32,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CABaltimore, MD
Highest paying stateAlaskaMaryland
Best paying companyMetaKing Low Heywood Thomas
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between librarian and teacher education

There are a few differences between a librarian and a teacher in terms of educational background:

LibrarianTeacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceElementary Education
Most common collegeNew York UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Librarian vs teacher demographics

Here are the differences between librarians' and teachers' demographics:

LibrarianTeacher
Average age4842
Gender ratioMale, 31.3% Female, 68.7%Male, 25.7% Female, 74.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 10.1% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 3.7% White, 68.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage16%9%

Differences between librarian and teacher duties and responsibilities

Librarian example responsibilities.

  • Plan and manage weekly toddler programs and activities.
  • Recruit, train, and manage volunteers, teen ambassadors, book buddies, elderly volunteers, and teen tech assistants.
  • Manage adult non-fiction materials and coordinate staff.
  • Manage and maintain inventory of NAVAIR technical documentation.
  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
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Teacher example responsibilities.

  • Work closely with co-teacher to manage and co-teach curriculum to a large group.
  • Target at risk and high achieving students using levele readers and DRA strategies.
  • Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
  • Develop social studies and geography curriculum.
  • Provide kindergarten readiness in approaching phonemic awareness, phonics, and introductory math skills.
  • Attend and participate in ESL professional development activities, conferences/workshops, curriculum/program planning, & special events and activities.
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Librarian vs teacher skills

Common librarian skills
  • Library Services, 11%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Library Materials, 8%
  • Collection Development, 7%
  • Library Resources, 6%
  • Reference Services, 5%
Common teacher skills
  • ESL, 17%
  • Handle Scheduling, 15%
  • Kids, 12%
  • Classroom Management, 7%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Curriculum Development, 4%

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